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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, October 23rd, 2023.
In today’s feature report, local journalist Dave Askins with the B Square Bulletin reports on a Zoom audio glitch during the public comment portion of the Bloomington Board of Public Works meeting last Thursday. We turn to Dave Askins for more. More in the bottom half of tonight’s program.
That’s Macee Long from Middle Way House, on a quest to end domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. Middle Way’s annual tree sweater public art project is now in full swing – more on that later in the show on a new episode of Activate!
But first, your daily headlines:
Monroe County Council
The Monroe County Council met on October 17th for the second reading and the adoption of the 2024 budget. Council Member Pete Iverson introduced the budget resolution.
The council voted to approve the Monroe Fire Protection District 2024 Budget and the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District 2024 Budget.
Before voting on the Monroe County 2024 Budget, Council Member Marty Hawke asked about the amount set for the debt levy. Council President Kate Wiltz responded.
Council Administrator Kim Shell added that the higher amount was put in during budgeting, but will be changed after the Department of Local Government Finance finalizes the paperwork.
Hawke asked about the amount of money the bond was advertised for, saying it was advertised as 5 million instead of the 4.4 million they adopted.
County Attorney Jeff Cockerill said at last week’s first hearing of the budget, the council approved a 3.1 million General Obligation bond.
Hawke said that she is not comfortable advertising the bond as 4.4 million as it gives the council legal room to use 4.4 instead of 3.1 million. Cockerill responded and shared that there are time constraints to approving the bond.
County Auditor Cathrine Smith added that she discussed the issue with the Department of Local Government Finance, and they said it wouldn’t make a difference what it is advertised as.
Iverson said he was comfortable with moving forward due to the advice of the county attorney and county auditor.
Hawke remarked that the debt levy is set high initially, however, at this point in time she would like it to be set in stone.
Council President Kate Wiltz agreed she would like it to be accurate, however she didn’t want to alter the official budget at official budget meeting.
Council Member Trent Deckard commented that they will ensure it will remain at the agreed upon 3.1 million amount.
The Council voted 5-1 to approve the Monroe County 2024 Budget, with Council Member Marty Hawke voting no.
They also approved the Monroe County 2024 Salary Ordinance for Elected Officials and Monroe County Employees.
The next Monroe County Council meeting will be held on November 14th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, local journalist Dave Askins with the B Square Bulletin reports on a Zoom audio glitch during the public comment portion of the Bloomington Board of Public Works meeting last Thursday. We turn to Dave Askins for more.
It’s that time of year where everybody in Bloomington is wearing sweaters – even the trees. The “Wrapped in Love” tree sweater project is more than just public art – it also raises money for Middle Way House, a local nonprofit working to end domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. This year for the first time ever the City of Bloomington is partnering with Middle Way on the Wrapped in Love project. Middle Way House volunteer Macee Long is our guest this week on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Dave Askins.
Activate is produced by Chad Carrothers and Michelle Moss.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
