Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council approves new wheel tax and motor vehicle license excise tax.
The new taxes will generate an estimated $89,000 annually to help fund road projects.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
VideoWatch the meeting videoYouTubePDFView minutes PDFocrHighlights
Key Highlights
- 01Council approves new wheel tax and motor vehicle license excise tax.
- 02Council finances $116,589 for Fire Department roof repair.
- 03Council annexes 1.003 acres for Blackwell Contractors, Inc.
- 04Council annexes 3.33 acres for Valu-Built Construction LLC.
- 05Council tables update to Planning Department certifications list.
Written for residents
Summary
The new taxes will generate an estimated $89,000 annually to help fund road projects.
Council approved an ordinance imposing a $5 per commercial vehicle wheel tax and a $15 per passenger vehicle motor vehicle license excise tax. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained the ordinance was amended to align with Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) forms. Council member William Ellis stated the tax is necessary to secure Community Crossings grants, which provide state matching funds for local road projects. A resident asked about net revenues and administrative costs, and Town Manager Michael Farmer estimated $89,000 in annual revenue, with administrative costs primarily handled by the BMV and internal staff.
Council voted to finance $116,589.15 for the Fire Department roof repair through The Peoples State Bank. William Ellis noted that financing would prevent depleting existing reserve funds. He estimated the interest cost would be approximately $1,500 if paid off sooner than the full three-year term.
Council approved a fiscal plan and voluntary annexation of 1.003 acres for Blackwell Contractors, Inc. The property, located at 3750 West State Road 46, will be zoned general business. Darla Brown stated the estimated tax rate for Ellettsville taxpayers would decrease from .5673 to .5645 in 2025-26.
Council also approved a fiscal plan and voluntary annexation of 3.33 acres for Valu-Built Construction LLC. This land, located at 4599 North Thomas Road, will be zoned residential R1. The estimated tax rate for Ellettsville taxpayers would also decrease from .5673 to .5645 in 2025-26.
Council tabled a motion to update the certifications list for the Planning Department. Town Manager Michael Farmer explained the need for a certified community floodplain administrator due to new federal guidelines. The motion was tabled to clarify the correct title of the new certification and avoid confusion with existing certifications on the list.
Check the sources
Where the video and the documents differ
The meeting video and the official documents state different things on the points below. The summary uses the documents' figure, except where a point says the documents' figure could not be read.
Ordinance 2025-20 Voluntary Annexation of Two Parcels 4599 N. Thomas Rd Bloomington IN 47404
The documents say: 47404
The video says: 47401
Financing for Fire Department Roof Repair
The documents say: $116,589.15
The video says: $115,589.15
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve the payment of Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll.
Resolution 24-2025 Fiscal Plan for Blackwell Contractors, Inc. Annexation
Approval of the fiscal plan for the annexation of 1.003 acres in Ward 4, to be zoned general business. The estimated tax rate would change from .5673 to .5645 in 2025-26.
Resolution 25-2025 Fiscal Plan for Valu-Built Construction LLC Annexation
Approval of the fiscal plan for the voluntary annexation of two parcels totaling approximately 3.33 acres at 4599 North Thomas Road, to be zoned residential R1. The estimated tax rate would change from .5673 to .5645 in 2025-26.
Ordinance 2025-18 Imposing a Wheel Tax and Motor Vehicle License Excise Tax
Approval of an amended ordinance imposing a $5 per vehicle wheel tax (generally for commercial vehicles) and a $15 per vehicle municipal surtax (for passenger vehicles). The estimated annual revenue is $89,000.00.
Ordinance 2025-19 Voluntary Annexation of 3750 W St Road 46 Bloomington IN 47404
Approval of the voluntary annexation of one parcel totaling approximately 1.003 acres located at 3750 West State Road 46, with a zoning designation of commercial to general business upon annexation.
Ordinance 2025-20 Voluntary Annexation of Two Parcels 4599 N. Thomas Rd Bloomington IN 47404
Approval of the voluntary annexation of two parcels totaling approximately 3.33 acres located at 4599 North Thomas Road, with a zoning designation of Residential 1, single family residential.
Updating Certifications List for Planning
Motion to approve updating the certifications list for Planning, which included a $250 payment for a certified community floodplain administrator. The motion was tabled for clarification on the certification title.
Financing for Fire Department Roof Repair
Motion to finance $116,589.15 for fire department roof repair through The Peoples State Bank.