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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.

Monroe County commissioner: Councilor Henry’s ‘body armor’ reference was a violent threat

Monroe County commissioner: Councilor Henry’s ‘body armor’ reference was a violent threat

Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas called councilor David Henry’s “body armor” remark a threat of violence and faulted the rest of the council for staying silent. Henry said he remains focused on justice building conditions as the dispute heads into September budget hearings.

Bloomington Transit looks to $37.6M budget vote amid pending management shakeup

Bloomington Transit looks to $37.6M budget vote amid pending management shakeup

Bloomington Transit’s proposed $37.6 million 2027 budget is almost twice the size of this year’s, driven largely by a $20 million first phase of a new operations complex. The budget approval by the city council comes amid a management change as well as a potential new board appointment.

Monroe County jail notebook: Population stays under 229 benchmark, but remains well above sheriff’s 186 figure

Monroe County jail notebook: Population stays under 229 benchmark, but remains well above sheriff’s 186 figure

This week’s jail count swung from 245 to 224 before ending at 228, which is still below one functional-capacity benchmark. Over 33 days, 299 people left the jail, with a median stay of 3 days. County officials have filed their answers to the ACLU’s federal lawsuit.

Zulich announces for 2027 Bloomington mayor’s race, putting District 6 council seat in play

Zulich announces for 2027 Bloomington mayor’s race, putting District 6 council seat in play

Bloomington councilmember Sydney Zulich launched her 2027 mayoral campaign Saturday, calling for more local hiring and fewer out-of-town consultants. Her entry points toward a 3-way Democratic Party primary with mayor Kerry Thomson and Joe Davis, while opening Zulich’s District 6 council seat.

CIB approves letter of intent with Dora for hotel, moves ahead with Seminary Pointe demolition

CIB approves letter of intent with Dora for hotel, moves ahead with Seminary Pointe demolition

Monroe County’s CIB is moving ahead with Seminary Pointe demolition even though Dora Hospitality’s proposed convention center hotel would not use that real estate. The CIB said the remaining land would stay with the board for now and could later be offered for sale. Demolition could start Nov. 4.

Bloomington Transit board pick hangs in balance before Sept. 15 vote on management firm

Bloomington Transit board pick hangs in balance before Sept. 15 vote on management firm

The paths for two decisions are now running in parallel: Bloomington Transit’s Sept. 15 vote on a Keolis management contract, and a city council decision on Kent McDaniel’s board seat. McDaniel plans to vote no next month, but whether he gets to cast that vote could depend on council action.

Monroe County clerk services move for condensation repairs

Monroe County clerk services move for condensation repairs

The Monroe County clerk’s office will perform its public-facing functions in other locations for two weeks as crews address condensation from uninsulated ductwork. Payments will be handled on the child-support side, while in-person court filings are expected to move to the a judges conference room.