A date of Oct. 22 has been set for a caucus of the Noblesville Republican precinct organization to choose a successor to Mary Sue Rowland, who recently resigned from the City Council. Mrs. Rowland, longtime council member and former mayor, resigned on Sept. 17 leaving an unexpired term of 15 months to be filled. Any legal resident of the city is eligible to run for the at-large position. Several citizens are expected to show interest.

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The Hamilton County League of Women Voters will hold a public forum for local state legislative candidates on Oct. 2 at the Noblesville City Hall. Republican and Democratic candidates for state senate and house will appear to present their positions on current issues and answer questions at 7 p.m. in the city council meeting room.

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County and municipal officials have been disappointed to learn that Local Income Tax distributions for next year will increase only about 2 percent from this year. The state collected a tax of 1 percent on individual incomes. The tax along with property taxes make up the lifeblood of local governments. In recent years, collections have increased by as much as 10 percent thanks to the number of new residents and higher incomes. Next year the county and its municipal governments will share about $156.5 million. The reason for the smaller than expected increase is unclear, but officials, feeling there might be something wrong in the calculations, are working to determine the reason for such a relatively small increase.

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In this fall’s election, voters in Atlanta will determine whether or not to reduce the number of members on its town council. Currently the town is able to have a five-member council. If a voter referendum passes, the number will be reduced to three. Apparently the lack of those willing to run for the council is the reason for the proposal to reduce membership.

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Carmel kicked off its high school homecoming activities Thursday evening with a tribute to widely-known former Carmel High School principal, the late Dale Graham. He was with the school system 36 years, serving as principal the last 25 years before retiring in 1989. The auditorium where the tribute was held is named for Graham. The Carmel Clay Historical Society sponsored the event.