Bloomington’s Mayor proposes tax hike, “climate change preparedness” cited in rationale
Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton has shared a proposal with the Bloomington City Council outlining the need for new revenue. The memorandum detailed the Mayor’s rationale for an increase in the Monroe County Local Income Tax (LIT) and the issuance of two $5 million general obligation (G.O.) bonds on a five-year cycle. The memo and supporting documents are available online at https://bton.in/zkjeh.
Mayor Hamilton revealed areas in which he believes the increased tax revenue will be directed, it reads:
For the 2023 City budget and beyond, the City needs additional revenue to appropriately fund continued progress, specifically for investments in:
- Public safety, including newly-negotiated Police salaries, future Fire Department salary negotiations, continued innovation of service delivery, and building replacements and upgrades
- Climate change preparedness and mitigation to enhance public transit and advance goals set in the Climate Action Plan (CAP)
- Equity and quality of life for all, including access to housing, good jobs, local food, the arts, and economic stability
- Essential city services, to maintain assets and assure ongoing excellence
For more information about the proposal visit bloomington.in.gov/newrevenue. The website includes information shared with City Council, a short video message from Mayor Hamilton, Frequently Asked Questions, and opportunities to provide feedback directly via a public poll and other methods.
Indiana University’s Grace Berger named All-American
Senior Guard Grace Berger has been named a 2022 USBWA All-American honorable mention, adding to her being named a 2022 Associated Press All-American honorable mention, also this week.
Berger repeats as an USBWA All-American honorable mention, earning a spot on the team in 2020-21 as well. She is the only player in program history to earn All-American awards from the USBWA.
Berger has guided Indiana to its third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, its highest ever NCAA seed at # 3, and first trip to the Big Ten Championship game in 20 years. Berger averages a team-high 16.3 points per game with two double-doubles and 27 games in double figures this season. She also averages 6.2 rebounds, a team-high 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 45% from the floor and 80% from the free throw line.
#11 *3rd seeded) Indiana (22-8) will open NCAA Tournament play on Saturday, March 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET against 14-seeded Charlotte inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Tickets are still available through the IU Ticket Office by clicking here.
Hoosiers invited to visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov to see what treasure awaits
Hoosiers are advised to visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov to see if they have any money waiting.
“Returning unclaimed property to rightful owners is an important part of our mission,” Indiana Attorney General Rokita said.
While all states administer unclaimed property programs, Indiana is the only one where the attorney general oversees this function. Last year, Attorney General Rokita’s Unclaimed Property Division returned $48 million to Hoosiers.
Here are a few things you might find
- closed bank accounts
- court deposits
- insurance checks
- utility refunds
- old paychecks
- closed estates
Once unclaimed property is in its custody, the Unclaimed Property Division conducts an aggressive outreach effort to locate the rightful owners or heirs. Individuals and/or businesses have 25 years in which to claim money once it is reported to the Unclaimed Property Division. So be sure to check IndianaUnclaimed.gov or text CLAIM to 46220 to search your name, family, or business.
This Week in Hoosier History
1969 – Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb signed a bill to consolidate government within Marion County. Called “UNIGOV,” the plan was first introduced by Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar.
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