March 19, 2026: $16M potential deficit for Bloomington, Trades District Hotel, jail site search
This edition includes reports on a potential $16-million annual deficit for the city of Bloomington by 2029, the Trades District hotel deal, and an update on activity related to the site of a new county jail.
Civic Solver
Civic Solver turns Bloomington’s everyday civic life into a puzzle. This week’s game is a jigsaw puzzle!
Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in text and charts here’s some advice.
Thursday: You might need the lightest of jackets to start off the day, which is coming off an overnight low of 40F°, but the temperature will climb to a high near 67F°, with gradual clearing to partly sunny skies. It’s not going to rain.
Friday: You might be able to leave the house without a jacket, because the overnight low from Thursday will sit around 50F°. The daytime high for this partly sunny day will be around 73F°. It’s not going to rain.
Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system
Recent articles
- Bloomington staring at potential $16M deficit by 2029, hoped-for solution in bigger income tax pie. Bloomington could face a growing deficit tied to SEA 1, with reserves potentially strained within three years. A now plausible option under HB 1210—a countywide tax shared across jurisdictions—could yield more revenue even at an 85% share. That depends crucially on the county council.
- RDC clears path for closing on Trades District hotel real estate deal, project history reviewed. Bloomington’s RDC prepared for a final procedural step toward closing on a Trades District hotel site, authorizing officials to sign documents through April 10. The routine move comes as a 160-room project, approved earlier this year, advances toward a $1.2M closing.
- Monroe County attorney gives update on activity related to choice of new jail site, financing, and ACLU feedback. Monroe County appears to be treating the Thomson PUD as its current focus for a possible new jail site, even as financing questions and legal pressure from the ACLU keep the overall picture far from settled. A joint executive session of commissioners and councilors is set for March 30.
On the calendar
ADA transition plan. On the 10 a.m. Thursday (March 19) meeting agenda for the Monroe County commissioners is adoption of an updated ADA transition plan. The plan seems to focus on physical accommodations. I don’t see how the plan in the meeting information packet addresses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 which have a April 24, 2026 deadline for conformance by local governments the size of Monroe County. The Thursday meeting packet itself includes some images that are just scans, with no underlying digital text, which is inherently non-compliant with WCAG 2.1.
Review of missing campaign finance forms. The Monroe County election board has a special meeting set for Friday (March 20) at 1:30 p.m. to review missing campaign finance forms for some candidates.
Public test of election equipment. Looking ahead to next week, the public test of the voting equipment to be used in for the May 5 primary election will be done on Tuesday, March 24, at 9:30 a.m. at the Monroe County Government Center 501 N. Morton Street (That’s the new early voting location).
Democratic Party primary candidate forum: County commissioner, House District 61. On March 23, the League of Women Voters is hosting a forum for Democratic Party candidates for Indiana House District 61 representative (Matt Pierce and Lilliana Young) and Monroe County commissioner, District 1 (Trent Deckard and David Henry). The time is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Location is Tri-North Middle School.
Zingtrain: April 1. Brought to you by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, this is a full day of training at the Bloomington Convention Center from the world’s leading experts in customer service—Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. That’s not just the chamber telling you that, it’s me—former Ann Arbor resident for two decades—telling you that. And check this out: This event is free to everybody, chamber members and non-members alike. The chamber’s event description has more details. Lunch will also be provided!
Trashion Refashion: April 12. Trashion Refashion has announced the release of ticket sales for this year’s event, which is set for April 12, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Organizers describe the event like this: “This beloved event blends high fashion with sustainability, showcasing over 50 original, upcycled designs modeled by a diverse cast of community members. A highlight of Bloomington’s arts scene since 2010, the show promotes environmental sustainability and artistic creativity while challenging conventional notions about beauty and consumerism.” It’s a fundraiser for the Center for Sustainable Living. There’s more information in the link to the news release, but here’s a direct link to purchase tickets.
Ms. Lake Lemon: May 16. Start your training regimen now. This amazing contest of skill is to be held at Riddle Point Park this year. Monitor the Ms. Lake Lemon Facebook page for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s inaugural event.
Meet Aragorn!
This very, very good boy is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Aragorn:
The King of Cuddles is Looking for His Fellowship! Stop scrolling! The most handsome 1-year-old Shepherd mix in the kingdom has arrived. Meet Aragorn, a dashing young boy who is looking to win your heart. Aragorn is the perfect blend of high-energy adventurer and loyal companion. He’s 100% friendly, always eager to meet new people, and is looking for a family to join on epic adventures—whether that’s hiking the trails or conquering the local park. At just 1 year old, he’s in the prime of his life and ready to learn all the tricks you can teach him. If you are looking for a loyal, friendly, and stunningly handsome partner, Aragorn is your man. Ready to take the throne? Come meet Aragorn today!
Photo Finish: 6th Street & Walnut Street
The line from the Bluebird is down the block and wrapped around the corner onto 6th Street. The attraction is Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy and Friends. Chatter in the line is that one of the "friends" tonight is Mike Mills of REM. (Dave Askins, March 17, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website.
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!
Dave Askins
734-645-2633
dave@bsquarebulletin.com
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