One issue that has arisen while I was out of town last week is the long-running issue of how local income tax proceeds are divided between the cities of Fishers and Carmel.  The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Business Journal and just this week, Current in Fishers, have all written stories about a bill being shepherded through the Indiana Senate by Kyle Walker, representing Fishers and Lawrence.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has argued for many years that Carmel gets more than its fair share in dividing-up the local income tax pie.  Leila Kheiry, Editor of Current in Fishers, cites recent numbers in her story, showing Carmel will receive nearly $77 million in income taxes in 2025, compared to $42.5 million for Fishers.  Considering Fishers and Carmel have about the same population number, that is a large discrepancy.

A recent effort by state lawmakers to fix this and send more money Fishers’ way was struck down as unconstitutional by a Marion County judge.

Senator Walker is proposing a bill that would send more income tax cash to Fishers, but plans to amend the bill once on the Senate floor to send more funds Carmel’s way.  As one would expect, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam opposes the bill.  Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness supports the measure.

Since Current Publishing has no paywall, you can read reporter Kheiry’s story at this link.