Local Government

Monroe County says all 28 polling sites for the May 5 primary will have ADA accessibility reviews available on-site. Reports flag issues like heavy doors and restroom limits, with mostly operational fixes; an automatic opener is pending at Election Central.

On Tuesday, the Monroe County council approved a $30K appropriation to pay for outside legal counsel. Councilors also reviewed $135M jail financing plan. No bonding decision was made, as councilors raised doubts about costs, scope, and timing.

With a week to go before the May 5 primary, the required financial filings show a mix of amounts for Monroe County Democrats. Candidates for commissioner have spent the most so far, for a total of $36,836. In races for commissioner, prosecutor, clerk, and assessor, a big theme is in-kind donations.

Pre-primary filings show little money in the Perry Township trustee race, even if the stakes are big. Incumbent Leon Gordon seeks to continue in office, while Levi Combs appeals to his father's legacy.

Monroe County’s CIB approved an RFP for a convention center hotel using the Seminary Pointe real estate, with proposals due June 30. Housing advocates urged a land swap to preserve 29 affordable units, as Bloomington's RDC pursues its own RFP for College Square.

Bloomington’s council created the 140-acre Summit District EDA and named Shasta Meadows as its first residential TIF district. The plan aims to fund major infrastructure, but sparked discussion about growth and a shift toward public financing of development.