Local Government

A Monroe County judge expects to rule Monday on whether to pause three Bloomington BZA variances for a proposed 14-lot subdivision on North Dunn, while a full judicial review is undertaken.

Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson heard 90 minutes of public comment Tuesday on a council-approved ordinance to close 5 blocks of Kirkwood Avenue to cars for 7 months a year starting in 2027. Speakers raised various points in support and opposition. Thomson has 10 days to sign or veto the ordinance.

Monroe County judges Catherine Stafford and Mary Ellen Diekhoff urged jail planners to keep courts, jail, sheriff, clerk, prosecutors and public defenders close together, citing safety, cost, constitutional access, remote-hearing limits and the county’s commitment to alternatives to incarceration.

Bloomington Transit has launched tap-to-pay with credit cards as a fare payment option, along with a redesigned Route 16, combining former Routes 3 West and 13 for west side service. A Monday test ride showed light midday ridership but on-time performance after a late start.

Bloomington’s curbside rates for trash pickup could rise sharply as sanitation costs outpace user fees. A city council fiscal committee discussed phased increases, possible recycling charges and whether more costs should be covered by users, but endorsed no specific plan.