Local Government

Indiana AG Todd Rokita says Stinesville’s ICE agreement is valid without town board approval. Immigration attorney Christie Popp disputes his legal reasoning. On Tuesday, the board delayed a decision a month, and created a fund to receive the federal money. County commissioners drew criticism.

Bloomington’s city council rejected a $2.5 million general fund cut, but withheld $5.5 million in housing and parking appropriations and cut vehicle-monitoring funds. The debate exposed tensions over spending oversight and staff morale. A final budget vote is expected Oct. 14.

Bloomington council president Isak Asare has proposed cutting $2.5 million from the city’s 2027 general fund, leaving Mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration to identify the specific reductions before final adoption. Council takes up 16 possible amendments Wednesday night.

Bloomington utilities approved a settlement letting Habitat for Humanity get water service for Phase 2 of Osage Place while a Phase 1 stormwater dispute continues. Habitat will withdraw its appeal, and CBU keeps authority to require approved drainage fixes by Oct. 30, 2027. The vote was unanimous.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 election began Tuesday at Monroe County’s North Showers building. About a half-dozen voters waited outside in 42-degree air before the 8 a.m. opening. Clerk Nicole Browne gave the legally required proclamation that the polls were open.

Bloomington is seeking architects to design a new police headquarters at 714 S. Rogers St., with proposals due Nov. 6. The city wants to reuse as much of the 56,000-square-foot former convalescent center as possible while keeping construction costs at or below $30 million.