Local Government

Two resolutions—one about the agency’s Title VI plan and another on stop funding—were adopted by the board of Bloomington Transit at its regular meeting on Tuesday (Sept. 23). Ridership in August was down compared to August last year, and is down 6% year to date.

The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a Monroe County Circuit Court ruling that blocked Bloomington’s attempt to annex two large pieces of land—Areas 1A and 1B—after finding the city failed to meet state statutory requirements for annexation.

The Monroe County council continued its 2026 budget deliberations Tuesday night, mostly after the regular meeting agenda was dispatched. Councilors talked about resolutions on overtime use, and a hiring freeze, as well as a resolution about minimum cash balances.

In 2024, the city of Bloomington, as well as Monroe County government, leaned on general obligation (GO) bonds to finance capital improvements for 2025. But for the 2026 budget year, it looks like only the county government will be moving forward with a new bond issuance.

A judge has denied a request by three retired Indiana University professors for an preliminary injunction that would have allowed them to participate in faculty governance when the Bloomington Faculty Council convenes on Tuesday. The lawsuit will stay in court, to be heard eventually on its merits.

In the last month, there’s been new activity in a free speech lawsuit filed by Turning Point USA against Bloomington, after a court's ruling in late July found mostly in favor of the city. The IU Chapter of Turning Point USA wanted to paint an “All Lives Matter” mural on Kirkwood Avenue.