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Local Government

Articles in this section cover Bloomington city council, the mayor's office, Monroe County's board of commissioners, county council, and all the other local units.

Renovation-plus-Curry plan edges out Thomson site for jail panel’s recommendation

Renovation-plus-Curry plan edges out Thomson site for jail panel’s recommendation

A city-county subcommittee voted 3–2 to make renovation of the current Monroe County justice center, with expansion into the Curry and Fiscus buildings, its top jail-site recommendation. The Thomson property off South Rogers Street was the unanimous second choice.

Bloomington’s parking consultant: Raise rates, use plate readers, shift ticket appeals from clerk

Bloomington’s parking consultant: Raise rates, use plate readers, shift ticket appeals from clerk

A consultant’s study recommends a broad overhaul of Bloomington’s downtown parking system, including $1.50-an-hour core rates, doubled garage rates, pay-by-plate kiosks, license-plate-reader enforcement, shorter evening hours, and changes to fines and appeals.

New federal lawsuit alleges unconstitutional conditions at Monroe County jail

New federal lawsuit alleges unconstitutional conditions at Monroe County jail

The ACLU has filed a proposed class action on behalf of two Monroe County jail prisoners, alleging unconstitutional overcrowding, unsafe conditions and a deteriorating facility. The suit was filed one day after commissioners declared an overcrowding emergency in preparation for inmate transfers.

Support heard for renovation of Monroe County jail with added space using Curry Building

Support heard for renovation of Monroe County jail with added space using Curry Building

A jail-site panel heard public support Thursday for renovating the downtown justice center and expanding, by using the Curry Building. Members kept a July 13 deadline, and prepared to recommend a site from five remaining options after a few weeks of review.

Monroe County declares jail-overcrowding emergency, sheriff preps to move up to 100 inmates

Monroe County declares jail-overcrowding emergency, sheriff preps to move up to 100 inmates

Monroe County commissioners declared a jail-overcrowding emergency Thursday after sheriff Ruben Marté said the county must prepare to move 50 to 100 inmates elsewhere. The first-year cost could reach $5.09 million as the jail population far exceeds its functional capacity.

Monroe County commissioners unveil jail-site map, scoring grid as they push case for North Park

Monroe County commissioners unveil jail-site map, scoring grid as they push case for North Park

Monroe County commissioners say time and space will drive their jail-site decision—and both factors point to North Park. They also unveiled a site-evaluation grid and dynamic map, while warning of mounting legal, financial and human costs as a city-county panel nears a recommendation on July 13.

Dora, MHG pitch host hotel plans for Bloomington convention center, land-swap question lingers

Dora, MHG pitch host hotel plans for Bloomington convention center, land-swap question lingers

Dora Hospitality and MHG Hotels pitched competing plans Wednesday for a convention center host hotel, differing sharply on parking and financing. The CIB is expected to weigh the proposals July 15 as a possible land swap for the preferred College Square site remains unresolved.