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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 jail plans faced monthslong delay, sharp cutbacks after projected costs rose above $260M

Monroe County jail plans faced monthslong delay, sharp cutbacks after projected costs rose above $260M

Monroe County’s plans to design a new jail were set back for months because of cost estimates that grew to more than $260 million by mid-spring, well over the planned budget. A meeting for public presentation of schematics set for May 29 didn’t take place and might not happen until Aug. 19 or later.

Tax limits give new energy to jail opponents as Monroe County lawmakers debate letter to legislature

Tax limits give new energy to jail opponents as Monroe County lawmakers debate letter to legislature

On Tuesday, the county council sat down with two county commissioners to revise a joint letter asking the legislature to modify state tax law to allow more funding for a new jail. But some residents want the county to rethink the jail project, continuing debate that started in 2008.

Huntington land gift named ‘Monroe County Nature Preserve’ but commissioners leave door open to history-based change

Huntington land gift named ‘Monroe County Nature Preserve’ but commissioners leave door open to history-based change

When the announcement came a month ago that 409 acres southeast of Bloomington had been donated to Monroe County by Nancy Huntington, the piece of land did not have a name. It does now, after county commissioners approved a resolution establishing the Monroe County Nature Preserve.

Looming shift in local income tax: Bloomington public buses will need county government help, service outside city expected

Looming shift in local income tax: Bloomington public buses will need county government help, service outside city expected

The BT board’s regular monthly meeting included an initial look at the 2026 budget and a financial advisor’s briefing on a new state tax law—both important items in their own right. More significantly, board commentary indicated a strong interest in countywide service, because of the new law.

Monroe County Democrats elect Geels as chair, eye 2026 elections

Monroe County Democrats elect Geels as chair, eye 2026 elections

At a caucus held on Sunday afternoon at Bloomington city hall, the Monroe County Democratic Party elected Chrissie Geels its new chair. She is replacing Samuel Ujdak, who resigned in the third week of June, three and a half months after being elected, citing personal reasons

CIB president cautious about under-budget bids for Bloomington Convention Center expansion: ‘We’re not finished yet.’

CIB president cautious about under-budget bids for Bloomington Convention Center expansion: ‘We’re not finished yet.’

At its Wednesday meeting, Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) got good news about a recent round of bids for the Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. The recommended bids came in at just under $16.5 million for 11 packages that had an estimated budget of $22 million.

Bloomington protest against Trump-era policies draws ties to local issues, remembers ‘good trouble’

Bloomington protest against Trump-era policies draws ties to local issues, remembers ‘good trouble’

On Thursday (July 17), at least 300 people crowded onto the southeast corner of the Monroe County courthouse grounds to protest actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Several community leaders addressed the gathering.