I have covered or had some involvement in government budget issues since about 1973.  The numbers involved and the complexities associated with government budgeting can glaze over the eyes of the most involved citizen.

But when governments at any level propose a budget, it is about much more than numbers.  A government spending plan provides an insight into priorities of our elected officials.   We are talking law enforcement, emergency services, streets & roads, health and many other parts of local government that impact your daily life.

The City of Fishers has a budget proposal on the table for 2024 that totals $164 million.  The city’s share of the property tax rate will go down slightly next year.

When you drill down on what is included, I could point out a number of specifics, but allow me to center on one part of Mayor Fadness’ spending plan now before the City Council.  It relates to Carmel.

How so, you may ask?  Fishers city officials convinced state lawmakers to change the formula for distributing local income tax money which Fishers argued gave Carmel an unfair windfall (obviously, Carmel has a different view).  That legislative fix lasts just three years.

Mayor Fadness has taken that extra money from the state’s decision and saved it into the city’s cash reserves.  The mayor says there is about $21 million of that money from Carmel in the cash reserves account, and in 2024, he plans to spend $12 million of that money on specific projects.  They include an innovation fund for local teachers and establishment of a retired teacher group to evaluate and make decisions on which teacher plans will be funded.  There will be money for trail connectivity, an enhanced neighborhood vibrancy program, sidewalk repairs, urban forestry and sidewalk repairs.  There will be new landscaping for medians on city streets so they will not need grass cutting in the future, a safety issue for city crews.

There is more, but here is the point.  In many instances, city leaders are limited in how money can be spent.  Some money is earmarked only for streets and roads and have further limitations under state law.  Other funds coming into city government are limited to a specific use.

This money from the three-year state tax distribution change with Carmel has no such limitation.  The cash reserves can be spent however the mayor and city council decide.

The public hearing on the City of Fishers 2024 budget is scheduled for Monday. September 18, with the meeting starting at 7pm.  The public hearing on the city’s 2024 budget is one of the first agenda items.

If you have specific ideas on how your city should spend the money available, take some time and review the budget at this link.  If you have comments, you can stand before the podium and give city leaders your ideas on how our public money should be spent.