Indianapolis City-County Council passes 2023 budget

The Indianapolis City-County Council approved a $1.46 billion 2023 city budget Monday night.
That’s about $100 million more than the 2022 budget.

In a written statement Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett congratulated the council on the passage.

“The bipartisan passage of next year’s budget is a major victory for Indianapolis residents, as we invest unprecedented resources towards public safety, chart a bold vision for the future of infrastructure, and enhance quality of life in neighborhoods throughout Marion County,” Hogsett said.

The budget includes more than $300 million for public safety, including funds to boost first-year pay for police officers and signing bonuses to help fill positions. There’s also $2 million for a clinician-led team of mental health professionals who would respond instead of police officers when residents experience nonviolent mental health crises. A record amount of money for grassroots violence reduction efforts.

The budget invests heavily in infrastructure projects with about $400 million dedicated in 2023 as part of a $1.1 billion five-year plan. 

This year, same as last, Independent Councilor Ethan Evans was the sole vote against the budget and said many concerns were not met.

“Hoping that we can address homelessness, that we can address the affordable housing crisis that we are seeing in the city,” Evans said.

The spending plan includes a property tax relief package for a majority of Marion County 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.

The proposed budgets were considered by committees and few changes were made.

Budgets for other municipal corporations, including the Indianapolis Airport Authority, the Indianapolis Public Library and IndyGo, were also adopted.

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