Politics & Policy

Carmel City Council approves $252.4M 2027 budget prioritizing public safety, affordability

The Carmel City Council approved the city’s $252.4 million 2027 budget on 2026-10-19, keeping the tax rate flat and emphasizing public safety, core services and long-term fiscal stability. The general fund is $152.6 million; detailed budget documents and department presentation videos are posted by the city.

Elkhart City Council approves $127 million balanced budget for 2027

On Oct. 15, 2026 the City of Elkhart announced the City Council voted to pass a $127 million balanced budget for 2027. The city cited improving property-tax estimates, rising Local Income Tax receipts and changes that reduced the anticipated impact of Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1.

IRS launches mobile app to answer tax questions; WISH-TV says it offers another option for taxpayers

WISH-TV reports the IRS has launched a mobile app to help users quickly get answers to tax questions and view letters or notices. The agency says the app adds a 24/7 option but is not intended to replace phone or in-person help.

Braun renews gas tax suspension, broadens untaxed diesel use for farmers

Braun extends Indiana gas tax suspension through Nov. 4, lifts dyed‑diesel restrictions for farmers

Gov. Mike Braun extended the state energy emergency and continued suspending Indiana’s gasoline use and gasoline excise taxes through Nov. 4, 2026, keeping the pause in all 92 counties and lifting dyed‑diesel limits so farmers may use it for farm‑related activities, the administration said.

Braun extends Indiana's gas tax holiday for seventh month in a row

Fishers proposes $224M 2027 budget with raises, wastewater boost and 6.7‑cent property tax-rate increase

Mayor Scott Fadness presented a draft 2027 Fishers budget on 2026-09-21 that totals about $224 million (roughly $20 million higher than 2026). The plan includes 3% raises for all employees, a higher retirement match, a longevity pay increase for first responders and a proposed 6.7‑cent increase to the city property tax rate; the council will vote Oct. 12, 2026.

Rising fuel prices squeeze Indiana households and farmers; Braun extends gas-tax holiday through Oct. 5

Indiana gas prices averaged $3.92 and diesel $6.42 per gallon on Thursday, and Gov. Mike Braun extended the state gas-tax holiday through Oct. 5, 2026, while diesel remained taxable, economists say the spike is creating an “affordability crisis.”

Braun: Indiana Board of Finance approves additional gas tax reimbursements as holiday continues

Indiana board approves roughly $139M to reimburse local road funds; $46M distribution to counties, cities and towns announced Sept. 15, 2026

On Sept. 15, 2026 the Indiana State Board of Finance approved about $139 million in reimbursements from the State Highway Fund to replace July gasoline excise and use tax revenue; the State Comptroller’s Office announced plans to begin distributing $46 million to counties, cities and towns.

Indiana employers expand childcare benefits to retain staff, warn tax credit’s $2.5M cap could limit help

At an Indiana Chamber childcare summit, employers including the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Parkview Health and Cummins described employer-funded childcare programs that helped retention, while raising concerns that a state employer childcare tax credit — capped statewide at $2.5 million and never claimed — may not cover future investments.

Braun: Tax filing deadline for some Hoosiers extended after August's storms

Pendleton woman accused of $359K childcare fund scam

Federal prosecutors say a Pendleton woman used falsified attendance and food claims to obtain about $359,083.60 from federal child‑care programs tied to three Indianapolis centers, and she also faces individual tax charges. Court filings say she has agreed to plead guilty but has not yet formally entered a plea.

Former Indianapolis daycare operator federally charged with wire fraud, failing to file income tax return

Westfield short-term rental complaints spotlight limits on local regulation and potential impacts on housing and tax revenue

A Westfield resident says a nearby large short-term rental is causing noise, parking and trespassing problems, but city officials say state law limits local restrictions. Mayor Scott Willis says the city can enforce traffic and noise rules but broader limits on rentals are constrained by state action.

Braun extends Indiana gas-tax holiday through Oct. 6, aiming to relieve pump costs for Hoosiers

Gov. Mike Braun extended the state gas tax holiday for 30 days, suspending Indiana’s gasoline use and excise taxes through Oct. 6. The governor said the pause is intended to ease household costs and will be reviewed again in 30 days.

Indiana keeps pump prices among nation’s lowest by tapping reserves to extend gas tax break

Gov. Mike Braun and legislative leaders agreed to use state reserve funds to continue suspending Indiana’s gas taxes through early October, the governor said, keeping consumer relief in place while officials say road funding will be preserved.

Braun extends 30-day gas tax pause through Oct. 6, pledges reserves to keep INDOT projects funded

Governor Mike Braun extended the suspension of Indiana's Gasoline Usage and Gasoline Excise taxes through Oct. 6 for all 92 counties and said he will tap state reserves so highway projects and local units are not cut. He will reevaluate the pause in 30 days.

Zionsville budget would tap $1.6M of $40M reserves, end soft hiring freeze to add firefighters and staff

Mayor John Stehr’s proposed 2026 budget would draw on reserves to cover temporary deficits tied to tax changes and resume hiring, including six firefighters in 2027. The Town Council will have a first reading of the plan on Sept. 21.

Indianapolis teachers union opposes IPEC-backed $95M school tax plan as IPS still faces $20M in cuts

A proposed IPEC-backed referendum would raise about $95 million annually for Indianapolis public schools, with roughly half directed to Indianapolis Public Schools and the rest to about 60 charter schools. The Indianapolis Education Association opposes the measure because IPS officials say the district would still need roughly $20 million in additional cuts even if the measure passes.

Hoosier Lottery to send about $350M surplus to state, aiding pensions and lowering vehicle excise tax

Preliminary, unaudited results show nearly $1.7 billion in Hoosier Lottery sales for fiscal 2026 and an estimated almost $350 million surplus to be transferred to state coffers, up from $341 million a year earlier but below pandemic highs.

UPDATE: Indianapolis paused data centers. Three were already through the door.

The county's moratorium runs to the end of 2027, but it doesn't touch more than $6 billion in projects approved before it passed. The fight has moved to tax breaks, a court case and a new study panel.

Indiana shifts $130.45M to restore June road funding for INDOT and local governments

The State Board of Finance approved three transfers totaling $130.45 million from the State Highway Fund’s existing balance to replace road revenue lost in June during Gov. Mike Braun’s gasoline tax suspension. After distributions, $72.17 million will return to the State Highway Fund for INDOT and about $58.3 million will go to counties, cities and towns.

Bears keep Hammond stadium plan alive as Indiana law allows potentially $1B for nearby infrastructure

The Chicago Bears say Hammond remains the primary site for a proposed domed stadium while environmental and topographical studies continue at two northwest Indiana parcels. State legislation signed in February could make “potentially $1 billion or more” in taxpayer funds available for infrastructure near the site, the article reports.