Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
A $200,000 home pays $66 more a year if reorganization passes.
The Ellettsville Town Council held a public hearing for the proposed 2027 budget.
Highlights
Key Highlights
- 01A $200,000 home pays $66 more a year if reorganization passes.
- 02The proposed 2027 budget includes two fire funding scenarios.
- 03The municipal fire budget is $4,242,455 if reorganization passes.
- 04The special fire protection territory budget is $4,168,425 if reorganization fails.
- 05The police department will have a new fund with a $2.2 million primary fund.
- 06The public works budget is $1,661,324, with no spending from the new wheel tax fund.
Written for residents
Summary
The Ellettsville Town Council held a public hearing for the proposed 2027 budget. This increase is for an average $200,000 home within the town of Ellettsville. Town Manager Mike Farmer stated the budget process involved extensive community focus due to fire territory and reorganization efforts. Council members discussed the property tax implications of the proposed merger with Richland Township, referred to as reorganization.
A resident owning a $200,000 home in town would see a $66 annual increase if reorganization passes. If reorganization fails, the same home would see a $64 annual increase. For a $300,000 home in town, residents would not see an increase under either scenario.
The proposed budget includes two distinct fire department funding scenarios, depending on the outcome of the November 3rd reorganization vote. If reorganization is approved, the municipal fire structure would apply, with a total proposed budget of $4,242,455. This budget is supported by several funding sources, including local income tax and economic development tax.
If reorganization is not approved, the alternative special fire protection territory structure would be reflected, with a total proposed budget of $4,168,425. This scenario consists of the special fire protection territory general fund and an equipment replacement fund. The difference between the two scenarios is approximately $74,000.
The council introduced a new municipal police fund for 2027. The primary police fund is proposed at $2.2 million. Additional funding for the police department will come from local income tax, public safety, cumulative capital development, and economic development income tax.
The proposed 2027 budget includes $530,000 for township assistance, a component associated with reorganization. Of this, $450,000 is within township assistance, and $80,000 is supported through economic development income tax. This separate presentation aims to make the cost of these services transparent.
The proposed budget for administration is $1,046,000, primarily supported by the general fund. Planning and zoning has a proposed operating budget of $589,159, funded exclusively through the general fund. Planning vehicle and software expenditures are reported within the administration budget but operationally belong to the planning department.
The proposed public works budget is $1,661,324, supported by the Motor Vehicle Highway (MVH) fund, local road and street funds, and a new municipal wheel tax. The council intentionally budgeted zero expenditures from the municipal wheel tax fund in 2027 to allow the fund to accumulate cash. The parks and recreation budget for 2027 is $112,400, funded through the park and recreation fund.
The next budget meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 19th, at 6:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to review the budget and ask questions.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Municipal Fire Structure (if reorganization approved)
Estimated: $4,242,455
Total proposed alignment for the fire department if the November 3rd reorganization is approved. Supported by local income tax, CCD, and economic development tax, with the largest piece being just over $3.1 million.
Special Fire Protection Territory (if reorganization not approved)
Estimated: $4,168,425
Alternative fire funding structure if reorganization is not approved. Consists of the special fire protection territory general fund and the equipment replacement fund.
Police Department Budget
Estimated: $2,200,000
Primary police fund is approximately $2.2 million, with additional funding from local income tax, public safety, cumulative capital development, and economic development income tax. This is a new fund for 2027 with no existing balance.
Township Assistance Budget
Estimated: $530,000
Total proposed budget for township assistance. $450,000 is within township assistance and $80,000 is supported through economic development income tax.
Administration Budget
Estimated: $1,046,000
Proposed budget for administration, supported primarily by the general fund, CCD, and economic development tax. Includes planning vehicle, computer, and software expenditures for reporting purposes, though operationally belonging to the planning department.
Planning and Zoning Budget
Estimated: $589,159
Proposed budget for 2027, funded exclusively through the general fund. Represents the operating budget for the department.
Public Works Budget
Estimated: $1,661,324
Proposed public works budget, supported by motor vehicle highway (MVH), MVH restricted, local road street cumulative funds, municipal tax, and eventually the new municipal wheel tax. Zero expenditures budgeted from the municipal wheel tax fund in 2027 to allow cash accumulation. MVH estimated ending balance of $98,042, but historically higher.
Parks and Recreation Budget
Estimated: $112,400
Proposed parks budget for 2027, funded through the park and recreation fund. Projected to maintain a positive ending cash balance.
Debt Appropriations
Estimated: $379,341
Total proposed debt appropriations, consisting of $119,000 in debt service and $260,341 in lease rental payments.