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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.

Fare-free week, new west side route, ‘Bloomington Transit for Everyone’ to launch June 1

Fare-free week, new west side route, ‘Bloomington Transit for Everyone’ to launch June 1

Starting June 1, Bloomington Transit will launch Route 16, combining Route 13 and Route 3 West to improve west-side service, including to Ivy Tech and Cook Medical. BT will also debut “Bloomington Transit for Everyone” and offer fare-free rides June 1–7 during Passenger Appreciation Week.

Bloomington formally closes road to unsafe Club House Drive bridge, as officials dispute ownership

Bloomington formally closes road to unsafe Club House Drive bridge, as officials dispute ownership

Bloomington’s board of public works ratified the emergency closure of Club House Drive near Lower Cascades Park after inspectors found the bridge there unsafe for vehicles over five tons. City and county officials are still disputing who is legally responsible for the span.

Election complaints target Monroe County clerk hopeful over signs, electioneering in ‘chute’

Election complaints target Monroe County clerk hopeful over signs, electioneering in ‘chute’

The Monroe County election board has set June 4 hearings on complaints against candidate for clerk Joe Davis, who denies allegations, including electioneering inside the 50-foot “chute” at polling places. A different complaint, against independent assessor hopeful Lisa Jeneé Trimble, was tabled.

New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets

New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets

Two Bloomington meetings next week will spotlight the question of who controls city streets. One is a board of public works bridge-related road closure on Club House Drive in Lower Cascades Park. The other is a new proposal from the city council for permanent seasonal shutdown of Kirkwood Avenue.

$9.5M excess in LIT trust fund comes back to Monroe County units in 2026 by state formula

$9.5M excess in LIT trust fund comes back to Monroe County units in 2026 by state formula

For 2026, Bloomington and Monroe County government, as well as other units in the county, will receive millions more in LIT revenue due to excess balances in the LIT trust fund. The added money means about $3.5 million more in flexible money for Bloomington in 2026.

One-third of provisional ballots from May 5 primary election count in Monroe County

One-third of provisional ballots from May 5 primary election count in Monroe County

On Friday, Monroe County’s election board accepted 21 of 62 provisional ballots from the May 5 primary after reviewing voter eligibility. Most rejected ballots involved missing ID, wrong precinct voting, or out-of-county registration. Election results were unchanged.

Bridge needs lower 5-ton limit, repairs—but who pays: Monroe County or Bloomington?

Bridge needs lower 5-ton limit, repairs—but who pays: Monroe County or Bloomington?

Monroe County officials say a deteriorating 27-foot bridge near Lower Cascades Park is Bloomington’s responsibility, while the city disputes that claim. Inspectors found severe structural problems and recommended lowering the bridge’s weight limit from nine tons to five.