Reports say Indiana townships inefficient
New investigations reported in Indiana newspapers say there are widespread patterns of inefficiency in the government of the state’s 1,008 townships.
Local Government
Articles
Universal curbside recycling program looks iffy
Finding a way to cover the cost of expanding the program with revenue from sales of recycled goods such as aluminum, plastic and glass has proved tough, even as commodities prices rise with the improving economy.
Anderson mayor denies ex-aide’s harassment complaint
Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon calls an employee's sexual harassment complaint "unfounded" and says it won't affect his decision on whether to seek re-election.
Embattled prosecutor Brizzi plans new business
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said he plans a new business in reputation management. He will also work as an attorney from offices in Hamilton County and Indianapolis.
Water employee: Veolia falsified records to get bonuses
Testimony is part of effort to deny Veolia Water $29 million contract termination fee as part of utility sale. Group claims salaried employees owed millions of dollars.
Fourth Artsgarden walkway gets final approval
Construction on the walkway that will connect the downtown PNC Center with the Indianapolis Artsgarden should begin in March. Plans to pave the gravel parking lots on the former site of Market Square also received approval.
CIB seeking bids for stadium, convention security
Request for proposals calls for providing 24-hour security at both Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, as well as providing armed guards for special events. The CIB plans to award contracts in mid-March.
CIB finances faring better than expected
The Capital Improvement Board, through the first nine months of the year, was running $12.3 million ahead of budget, by posting $6.5 million more revenue than planned while cutting $5.8 million in expenses.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Deputy mayor keeps thick skin
Michael Huber has learned not to take critics' barbs personally as he oversees some of the city's biggest deals.
Touted Build America Bonds may not be available for utility deal
Citizens Energy previously said not using the bonds would add about $100 million to the cost of the deal over 30 years.
North of South financing clears first hurdle
The Metropolitan Development Commission has approved an $86 million city loan to help fund the $155 million mixed-used development near the downtown campus of Eli Lilly and Co. The project still needs approval from the City-County Council.
City looking for consultants to ramp up green programs
The Office of Sustainability in November put out two requests for consultants or teams to implement environmentally friendly initiatives.
Local parking vendor eyes contract with ACS
T2 Systems Inc., which makes software to manage the enforcement of parking violations and the collection of fines, is hopeful it can continue providing the service under a new parking-meter manager.
City-County Council OKs parking privatization
City-County Council members voted 15-14 Monday night to clear the way for Indianapolis to lease its parking meters to a private firm, a move proponents say will upgrade the system even as it generates revenue for infrastructure improvements.
Chicago’s experience causes other cities to redo parking deals
Indianapolis' City-County Council could vote Monday night on its proposed 50-year agreement with Xerox Co.’s Affiliated Computer Services, which was revised after public outcry over the original proposal.
Daniels appoints new social services chief
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has accepted the resignation of Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Anne Murphy and has appointed the agency’s chief of staff, Michael Gargano, to replace her.
City names new controller, communications director
Jeff Spalding, a former financial administrator at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, has been named controller for the city of Indianapolis.
Library cuts 37 employees in effort to reduce deficit
The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library’s decision to reduce its work force is in response to expected revenue annual shortfalls of up to $4 million through 2013. The cuts follow a reduction in hours last month.
Democrats win prosecutor’s race, other Marion County seats
Democrat Terry Curry has been elected Marion County prosecutor, defeating Republican candidate Mark Massa in a close race. Democrats also won the sheriff’s race and other countywide seats.
In rough economy, state candidates tout biz skills
Candidates might brag about their business credentials in any campaign year, but in the lead-up to Tuesday’s election, some say it’s been particularly intense.