2023 city budget nears passage with no public comment

The Indianapolis 2023 budget is one step closer to finalization. There was no public comment on the proposed $1.4 billion spending package during Monday night’s City-County Council  meeting.

The new operational budget hikes yearly spending with record funding going to public safety.  More than $300 million is set aside for IMPD and includes funds to recruit and retain officers.

Close to $400 million in infrastructure improvements is budgeted as part of $1.1 billion in planned spending over the next five years.

Other departments that will see a budget increase include the coroner's office, the courts and the Indianapolis Fire Department.

The proposal includes a property tax relief package for homeowners. Property valued at $250,000 or less will receive a $150 credit. Property valued between $250,000 and $400,000 will receive $100 credit. The credit will be on Spring 2023 property tax bills.

Budget proposals for other agencies, including IndyGo and the Health and Hospital Corporation, also passed without public comment. 

A separate proposal to issue bonds of up to $25 million for a new fire station and City Market improvements also passed.

Another proposal approves an additional $1 million to purchase land from the Indianapolis Housing Agency, or IHA, which is millions of dollars in debt.  Republican Councilor Michael-Paul Hart referred to a recent audit of the agency.

“The property management, which is outlined inside of this document, in the audit and many, many other things, just shows you that there is a lot of work to be done there,” Hart said.

The council will vote on the final passage of the budget later this month.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.