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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.

Flock trailer contract finally unredacted by Bloomington; ‘umbrella’ accord still missing

Flock trailer contract finally unredacted by Bloomington; ‘umbrella’ accord still missing

After months of requests, the city of Bloomington Indiana released an unredacted $50,000 mobile camera trailer contract with Flock Safety, after severely redacting earlier copies, even for routine wording and pricing. A related “umbrella” agreement between the city and Flock remains undisclosed.

Archived Live Report: Perry Township trustee vacancy—Leon Gordon picked to serve through end of 2026

Archived Live Report: Perry Township trustee vacancy—Leon Gordon picked to serve through end of 2026

This is a live report from the Monroe County Democratic Party’s caucus to fill the vacancy in the office of Perry Township trustee after the death of Dan Combs in the first week of January. The caucus is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Bloomington city hall.

Early voting hours in Monroe County uncertain as council delays funding decision

Early voting hours in Monroe County uncertain as council delays funding decision

Early in-person voting starts April 7, but Monroe County’s weekday early-voting hours remain unsettled after county council postponed action on a $242,781 election staffing request. Without added funding, the familiar 8 a.m.–6 p.m. schedule could be cut to 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Private roads, public emergency: Snow exposes Monroe County plowing gap

Private roads, public emergency: Snow exposes Monroe County plowing gap

Heavy snow and bitter cold exposed a long-standing Monroe County issue: dozens of subdivisions remain unplowed because their roads are private and not in the county inventory. Councilors and commissioners may be considering emergency options.

Bloomington board of public works to consider $424K contract for Hopewell South infrastructure design

Bloomington board of public works to consider $424K contract for Hopewell South infrastructure design

Bloomington’s board of public works will consider a $424,200 contract with CrossRoad Engineers on Tuesday for preliminary engineering for the Hopewell South project, covering surveys and street-and-infrastructure design for a planned affordable, owner-occupied neighborhood south of 1st Street.

Jail update: Monroe County elected officials working on ‘clear movement’ plan as April 15 ACLU deadline nears

Jail update: Monroe County elected officials working on ‘clear movement’ plan as April 15 ACLU deadline nears

Monroe County councilors and commissioners agreed the downtown jail fails constitutional care, conflicts with community values, and can’t be renovated. With an April 15 ACLU “clear movement” deadline looming, officials debated cost, sites (including North Park), and next steps.

Ridership decline in 2025 for Bloomington Transit, board weighs ridership targets

Ridership decline in 2025 for Bloomington Transit, board weighs ridership targets

Bloomington Transit’s board reviewed key performance indicators Tuesday as total ridership fell from about 2.5 million trips in 2024 to 2.3 million in 2025. Members questioned whether changes in counting and fare enforcement affected results and asked staff to return with 2026 targets.