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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.

Bloomington council turns down quadrupled septic hauling rate jump; wants different path to a needed increase

Bloomington council turns down quadrupled septic hauling rate jump; wants different path to a needed increase

On Wednesday, Bloomington’s council unanimously rejected a four-fold septic hauling rate hike but agreed some increase is needed. Councilmembers are hoping for rates that distinguish between holding tanks and drain-field systems. CBU is expected to return in 2026 with a different proposal.

Jessica McClellan to step down as Bloomington city controller; Geoff McKim to take role in 2026

Jessica McClellan to step down as Bloomington city controller; Geoff McKim to take role in 2026

Bloomington controller Jessica McClellan will leave her post later this month, and former county councilor Geoff McKim is set to take over in January. Mayor Kerry Thomson praised both officials in announcing the transition. McKim will resign from the CIB to assume the role of controller

Bloomington council OKs fiscal plan for single-parcel voluntary annexation, but bigger votes loom

Bloomington council OKs fiscal plan for single-parcel voluntary annexation, but bigger votes loom

The Bloomington council unanimously approved a fiscal plan for annexing a single Cory Drive parcel but stressed it doesn’t necessarily support annexation or rezoning. Neighbors questioned missing cost estimates, and raised karst and “service island” concerns ahead of Dec. 17 votes.

Brick fix OK’d for Kirkwood Avenue at $491K cost

Brick fix OK’d for Kirkwood Avenue at $491K cost

Bloomington’s board of public works has opted to repair the iconic brick sidewalks on Kirkwood Avenue, not repour them with stamped concrete, awarding E&B Paving a $491,600 contract to remove trip hazards and stabilize the base. With three additional projects, E&B won $1.18M in city work on Tuesday.

Bloomington RDC puts off resolution on donating land for host hotel

Bloomington RDC puts off resolution on donating land for host hotel

Bloomington’s RDC delayed action on a revised resolution that could make the $7M College Square property available at little or no cost for a proposed host hotel. City councilmembers objected, citing past commitments, as doubts persist about Dora Hospitality’s funding gap.

Analysis: New House map would reduce compactness, reshape Indiana’s political geometry in GOP’s favor

Analysis: New House map would reduce compactness, reshape Indiana’s political geometry in GOP’s favor

HB 1032, set for hearing Tuesday, would redraw Indiana’s congressional map mid-decade under pressure from President Trump. The proposal drops compactness scores by half and permits precinct-splitting for 2026. Starting the bill in the House will force Senate Republicans to take a make-or-break vote.

Analysis: Re-election cues surface in Bloomington mayor’s report on housing and homelessness

Analysis: Re-election cues surface in Bloomington mayor’s report on housing and homelessness

Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson released a Nov. 20 housing and homelessness report days before a Dec. 3 campaign fundraiser. It presents a donor-friendly narrative but makes facts hard to check. Links loop back in a circular way, and key details in a table of projects aren't included.