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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.

Indiana Court of Appeals upholds ruling against Bloomington in annexation of 2 areas

Indiana Court of Appeals upholds ruling against Bloomington in annexation of 2 areas

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.

Monroe County grapples with 2026 budget: Bonds, mold, overtime, hiring, and minimum cash balances

Monroe County grapples with 2026 budget: Bonds, mold, overtime, hiring, and minimum cash balances

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.

Monroe County plans $6M bond despite ‘cooling off’ period

Monroe County plans $6M bond despite ‘cooling off’ period

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.

Judge denies injunction in lawsuit by retired professors over IU governance ban

Judge denies injunction in lawsuit by retired professors over IU governance ban

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.

Turning Point asks judge to reconsider ruling in Bloomington mural case

Turning Point asks judge to reconsider ruling in Bloomington mural case

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.

No fluoride added to Bloomington water: Utilities director to tell public, board of health when levels are restored

No fluoride added to Bloomington water: Utilities director to tell public, board of health when levels are restored

Bloomington’s drinking water has been without the recommended level of fluoride since late 2019, and city officials say it will be at least next year before the situation is resolved. But when fluoride levels are restored, the public will be notified. That’s according to CBU director Kat Zaiger.

Monroe County could face public health services gap as IU Health ends long-time contract

Monroe County could face public health services gap as IU Health ends long-time contract

When IU Health stops providing key public health services under a contract with Monroe County’s health department at the end of 2025, it’s not yet clear how the department will satisfy its responsibility under state law to provide those functions.