Local Government

Monroe County’s election board voted 3–0 to bar Joe Davis from running as a write-in candidate for clerk under Indiana’s “sore loser” law. Davis argues the restriction violates constitutional rights of candidates and voters and says he will seek review in circuit court.

IOSHA inspectors visited Monroe County’s justice building Tuesday after sewage-related employee complaints. County councilor David Henry said responsibility for fixing building conditions rests with commissioners and warned they could face tough questions when budget hearings start in September.

Bloomington’s plan commission voted 6–2 to recommend UDO changes that ease small-scale housing development and end parking minimums. The commission heard two different legal opinions about the city’s existing affordable-housing incentives and whether they violate Indiana law.

Bloomington’s plan commission voted 8–1 to approve Hopewell South’s primary plat after the city withdrew a disputed 1st Street tree-plot waiver. The vote moves the 98-home project closer to construction after months of debate over affordability, street design and city process.

IOSHA received two complaints alleging unsafe conditions after sewage and water came through ceilings at Monroe County’s justice building. The agency is not planning an inspection for now, but has ordered the county to investigate and report findings and corrective action within five working days.

Monroe County’s jail population stood at 247 on both July 21 and Aug. 7, but 149 people left during the 18-day span, showing substantial turnover. Meanwhile, 8 prisoners have been transferred to Brown County as the sheriff tries to respond to overcrowded conditions.