Fishers has seen a major shift in the size and placement of the city’s population between 2010 and 2020.  As a result, the Fishers City Council must redraw the council districts before the next city election in 2023.

City Attorney Chris Greisl presented a proposal for new district lines to council members Monday night.  He said the map was prepared by the city staff, ensuring the districts were in compliance with state and federal laws.

Several council members had been hearing from residents in the Gray Eagle subdivision, unhappy that the neighborhood was split into two council districts, meaning more than one council member would be representing the area.  Gray Eagle in now in Councilor Brad DeReamer’s district, and DeReamer has submitted a change in the map that would keep Gray Eagle back in one council district.

Council President Todd Zimmerman reminded Gray Eagle homeowners that being represented by two members of the council is not necessarily a bad thing.

Councilor Jocelyn Vare said having the Fishers city staff prepare the first draft of the map was not a bipartisan process.  Greisl said any council member can submit proposed changes and there will be a part of the Fishers City Web site where the public may comment on the districts.

The legal deadline to approve the new city council districts is November 8.  First reading of the map was Monday night.  Unless the council schedules a special meeting, the map would need final council approval during the regular council meeting in October.