The Fishers City Council voted unanimously to approve an accounting change that will continue the funding mechanism for the new City Hall and Arts Center.  This allows $6.3 million of American Rescue Plan funds to be utilized in constructing the new building.  Just over $17 million will be borrowed through the issuance of a bond to cover the rest of the construction money for the new center.  Mayor Scott Fadness says this project will not increase the city property tax rate.

“We’re excited to kick this project off,” Fadness told council members.  “We think it’s an incredible opportunity for our community.”

According to Fadness, the arrangement with the Indianapolis Arts Center will generate a regular revenue stream to fund local arts organizations and their projects, calling this “a unique opportunity.”

In response to a council question, Fadness says that naming rights could be another income source for the arts center.

In other news from Monday night’s council session:

–Second reading approval was provided allowing Fishers to join other cities in the area on the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority.  Mayor Fadness says this body would have no taxing authority but will allow eligibility for the city to receive initial funding for the planned park along the White River north of 96th Street.

–Councilors voted unanimously to use bond funds left over from the purchase of HSE Utilities to fund infrastructure projects.

–The council provided first reading approval for using economic revenue bonds left over from the Spark project on North Street downtown, funding part of the Nickel Plate Trail tunnel underneath 116th Street.  The measure will return to the council at a future session for second reading.

–Councilors voted unanimously to use money in an excess levy account to fund Neighborhood Matching grants.

–The council approved a long list of voluntary annexations.