Oct. 26, 2026: 911 dispatch tax, impact of health officer’s resignation, jail population below 200

Weather Talk

Based on the National Weather Service forecast in text and charts here’s some advice.

Monday: Slow down. There could be some patchy fog early. Other than a light wrap to ward off the chill of an overnight low in the mid 40s to start the day, you won’t need any survival gear. It will be mostly clear and sunny with a high near 73F°.

Tuesday: Repeat from Monday!

Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system

Recent articles

• Raise taxes or tap reserves? Bloomington council weighs 911 dispatch funding gap on Monday.  Bloomington’s city council will vote Monday on a dispatch tax increase that would bring Monroe County’s overall income tax rate to 2.2419% in 2027. The proposal would close a funding gap without tapping $3.2 million in county dispatch reserves, ahead of a statewide tax overhaul in 2029.
• Monroe County health department stays closed to walk-ins Monday as interim officer awaits final OK.  The Monroe County Health Department will remain closed to walk-ins Monday (Oct. 26) as officials finalize the appointment of an interim health officer. Permits, birth and death certificates, and STI testing and treatment remain suspended. Other services are available by appointment.
• Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish.  Hawk says his grandmother has the best recipe for a custardy, cake-like dessert. Where is this leading?? Find out when Fish delivers a hilarious reply!
• Monroe County property transfers through Oct. 21, 2026.  This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Sept 25 to Oct. 21, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
• Monroe County jail notebook: Population dips below 200 for first time since July.  Monroe County’s jail held 204 people Saturday, down 10 from a week earlier and marking 18 straight days below the ACLU’s 229-person functional-capacity estimate. Friday’s count of 196 was the lowest since The B Square began tracking in July. The sheriff puts functional capacity lower, at 186.
• Monroe County income tax panel asks state for flexibility, stops short of suggesting 2029 rates.  Monroe County’s local income tax task force unanimously asked state lawmakers for more flexibility in the tax overhaul set for 2029, but recommended no specific rates. Uncertainty over revenue, consolidations and possible legislative changes led the panel to hold off on detailed recommendations.
• Monroe County health officer resigns before removal hearing, six weeks after firing health administrator.  Monroe County health officer Sarah Ryterband resigned Thursday before a hearing on her removal could be held. The board named an interim replacement, yet to be confirmed, but faces other leadership vacancies, staffing shortages and questions about the department’s emergency-response procedures.

Other notes

Early voting numbers. Through the first 15 days of voting at the North Showers location on Morton Street, 10,065 people have cast a ballot. That’s around 2,500 more than in 2022, but about 4,ooo less than in 2018 for the same period.

This is a stat that’s easy to check for yourself on the early voting dashboard that Monroe County government has set up.

On the calendar

Raise local income tax rate? On the 6:30 p.m. Monday (Oct. 26) special meeting agenda for the Bloomington city council is a proposal to increase the local income tax for all county residents, in order to bridge a funding gap for the emergency dispatch budget. For B Square background, see: Raise taxes or tap reserves? Bloomington council weighs 911 dispatch funding gap on Monday.

$6.5 million in GO bonds. On the 5 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 27) meeting agenda for the Monroe County council is consideration of the issuance of $6.5 million in general obligation (GO) bonds.

School district budget adoption. On the 6 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 27) meeting agenda for the MCCSC board is adoption of the 2027 budget, consideration of increased district contributions toward employee health insurance premiums, and discussion of school redistricting and restructuring. Proposed changes to board ethics and voting rules are also on the agenda

UDO changes? Set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 28) is a special meeting of the Bloomington plan commission for a hearing to review the unified development ordinance (UDO) and any zoning regulations and land development rules, with the goal of increasing housing. The hearing is required by state law.

Meet: Scuba Steve!

This very, very, good boy is a bully breed mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Scuba Steve.

Meet Scuba Steve: Diving Into Your Heart! Hello ladies and gentlemen! I’m Scuba Steve, an 8-month male pup who is ready to make a splash in your life! I’m currently accepting applications for a co-pilot, cuddle buddy, and official treat-tester. I’m new to the world, but I’ve already mastered the art of being impossibly cute and diving headfirst into playtime! Whether we’re exploring the living room or lounging on the couch, I promise to be your most loyal dive partner. If you’re looking for an adventurous, sweet little guy to explore the world with, look no further. I’m ready to make our life a permanent vacation!

Photo Finish: 4th Street & Walnut Street

The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website.

Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!

Dave Askins
734-645-2633
dave@bsquarebulletin.com

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