Indianapolis and Marion County have a 2027 budget.
City County Council members voted in favor of the proposals that make up a historic $1.9 billion dollar.
The budget came with the similar criticism that previous budgets have received over the lack of adjustments made to the initial proposal by Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Republican Councilor Michael Paul Hart said the Democratic councilors hold the purse strings but decide each year to pass the mayor’s budget unamended.
“I’ve been voting against everything this evening, and not because that I think one department is worse than the other. I think there’s a lot of hardworking people in the city of Indianapolis,” said Hart. “For me, it’s because; where I have a problem with this budget is it’s not the things that my constituents are asking for.”
Democratic Councilor Andy Nielsen pushed back on the narrative and said the majority caucus and the mayor’s office had several conversations about the budget. Nelson said neither fully got what they wanted but they have to make sure the government works.
“That’s what the budget does tonight, right? It ensures basic services are funded, makes a generational investment in infrastructure, it moves us toward providing additional housing to; for our vulnerable neighbors, and ensures, like that our public safety, police, fire, etc. are fully funded,” Nielsen said.
The newly approved budget invests in public safety, infrastructure and quality of life. Through funds allocated next year the city can unlock state dollars for road repairs.
A portion of the budget that drew bipartisan skepticism was the approval of the Indianapolis Public Library’s funding. Councilors on both sides voiced concerns over how the library was managing its money. The proposal passed 15-5 but councilors agreed a more careful review should be done before approving future budgets.
READ MORE ABOUT THE 2027 INDIANAPOLIS & MARION COUNTY BUDGET HERE
The largest portion of the budget goes towards public safety. That includes the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Indianapolis Fire Department, the Office of Public Health and Safety, and Marion County Emergency Services Agency.
Ahead of the final vote members of LiveFree Indiana gathered outside the the City County Building demanding reform to the county’s investment in mass incarceration. Community organizer Josh Riddick said he would rather see the city take funds allocated to IMPD for vacant positions and use it for other public safety programs.
“If this is truly going to be a historic budget, then let it be historic in its humanity,” Riddick said. “Let it be historic in its compassion. Let it be historic in its commitment to justice, and let it be historic in its investment in its people.”
Councilor Carlos Perkins attended the gathering where he told attendees that while he would vote in favor of the budget, he would push his fellow councilors to work with him to continue to find ways to fund a more comprehensive public safety approach.
“Fiscal responsibility remains more than balancing the books. It means ensuring that our spending reflect the needs and priorities of the people in which we are called to serve,” Perkins said.
He encouraged residents to show up and be a part of the winter budget balance and the spring fiscal discussions.
“We need to speak up because the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County need their voices to be heard,” Perkins said.
The budget will now go back to Mayor Hogsett for his approval.
Contact WFYI health reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05
