Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council adopts 2026 budget, approves growth levy appeal for balance.
The approved budget is tight, with no employee raises and a vacant police officer position.
Highlights
Key Highlights
- 01Council adopts 2026 budget, approves growth levy appeal for balance.
- 02Council approves Ripley Annexation of 71.93 acres.
- 03Council increases pay for most board members to $100 per meeting.
- 04Council approves new water utility tap and meter deposit fees.
- 05Council authorizes Town Manager to sign Duke Easement for Harmon Farms.
- 06Council approves a sign in the right-of-way at 113 N. Sale Street.
Written for residents
Summary
The approved budget is tight, with no employee raises and a vacant police officer position.
The Council unanimously adopted the 2026 Budget, Ordinance 2025-21, for appropriations and tax rates. Town Manager Michael Farmer stated the budget is tight and close to a zero increase, noting no raises for employees and an inability to replace a vacant police officer position. The Council also unanimously approved a Growth Levy Appeal Petition, which Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer explained is crucial for the budget to be balanced.
The Council unanimously approved Resolution 29-2025, the Ripley Annexation Fiscal Plan, for the annexation of 71.93 acres into the Town of Ellettsville. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained the Plan Commission had previously approved the annexation. The Council also unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-24, the Ripley Annexation, which designates the parcels as Agricultural upon annexation.
The Council unanimously approved Resolution 33-2025 to amend the pay for Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Parks Board, and Redevelopment Commission members. Town Manager Michael Farmer explained the pay would increase from $50 to $100 per meeting. Council member William Ellis clarified that Town Council members serving on other boards would not receive double pay.
The Council unanimously approved Resolution 30-2025 to increase the labor cost for the Town of Ellettsville Water Utility. Town Manager Michael Farmer explained this helps cover repair costs for equipment and labor when damage occurs or when the Department of Public Works assists with construction projects. The Council also unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-23, which amends the schedule of non-recurring charges for tap and meter deposit fees. These fees are based on materials and labor to ensure the town breaks even without overcharging new customers.
The Council unanimously approved Resolution 32-2025, which amends the Ellettsville Riverfront Economic Development District. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained this clarifies parcel numbers and legal descriptions within the district. The Council also unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-24 to establish signing authority for Community Crossings Matching Grants, which Planning Director Denise Line said is required for grant applications.
The Council unanimously authorized Town Manager Michael Farmer to sign a Duke Easement for the Harmon Farms development. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained this easement allows the developer to go through town property for the benefit of the development. The Council also unanimously approved a request for a new business at 113 N. Sale Street to hang a sign in the right-of-way, which meets accessibility requirements.
Planning Director Denise Line announced that the bull for the Heritage Center would be put up that afternoon, noting the center is nearing completion.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to pay outstanding accounts payable vouchers and payroll.
Resolution 29-2025 to Approve the Ripley Annexation Fiscal Plan
Approval of the fiscal plan for the Ripley Annexation, consisting of 71.93 acres into the Town of Ellettsville.
Resolution 30-2025 to Increase the Labor Cost for the Town of Ellettsville Water Utility
Approval to increase the labor cost for the Town of Ellettsville Water Utility to facilitate expenses for equipment repair and construction project assistance, based on industry standards.
Resolution 31-2025 Transfer of Funds Parks
Approval of a transfer of funds from one line item to the Heritage Trail Town Improvements project to complete pavement and concrete parts of the Heritage Center project.
Resolution 33-2025 to Amend the Pay for Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Parks Board and Redevelopment Commission Members
Approval to increase compensation for board members on the Ellettsville Plan Commission, Parks Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Redevelopment Commission from $50 to $100 per meeting. The amendment specifies that Town Council members already receiving compensation from the Town Council will not receive additional pay for participation on these boards.
Ordinance 2025-23 Recommending the Amendment of the Schedule of Non-recurring Charges for Tap and Meter Deposit Fees
Approval of an ordinance to amend the schedule of non-recurring charges for water tap and meter deposit fees, based on materials and labor costs, to ensure the town breaks even and does not lose money due to inflation.
Ordinance 2025-24 to Establish Signing Authority for Community Crossings Matching Grants
Approval of an ordinance to establish signing authority for Community Crossings Matching Grants, providing the council with the authority to sign grant applications and awards.
Adoption of the 2026 Budget Ordinance 2025-21 Appropriations and Tax Rates
Approval and adoption of the 2026 Budget, including appropriations and tax rates. The budget is described as tight, with no employee raises or replacement of a vacant police officer position, and is dependent on the Growth Levy Appeal for balance.
Growth Levy Appeal Petition
Approval of the Growth Levy Appeal Petition, which allows the town to qualify for a growth factor based on its three-year average growth. This appeal is crucial for achieving a balanced budget and is the last year the town can utilize this mechanism under current legislation.