Indy Council Approves 2021 Budget
(photo courtesy of our partners at WFYI)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indianapolis City-County Council has unanimously approved the city’s budget for 2021. Our partners at WFYI report the nearly $1.3 billion budget includes more than $261 million for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, an increase over the previous year.
The budget also includes large appropriations for the Indianapolis Fire Department, infrastructure improvements, city courts, and metropolitan development efforts.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office says the budget will also invest more than $4 million in violence reduction initiatives, as well as “help ensure more Marion County residents have the skills and credentials needed for good paying jobs.”
Hogsett issued a statement following the approval Monday night:
“First, let me thank President Vop Osili and Council leadership for their tireless work to ensure a detailed, socially-distanced examination of the City-County budget over the last two months.
This balanced budget prepares for an uncertain financial future while continuing to make investments that will keep our roads paved, our neighborhoods safe, and our community moving forward. Importantly, this budget also focuses investments in neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID-19 and builds upon existing programming aimed at addressing food access, homelessness, and mental health challenges.
Tonight’s unanimous vote is testament to the shared commitment of Indianapolis leaders toward addressing the needs of our community through sound fiscal policy and meaningful neighborhood investment.”
The budgets for various municipal corporations, including the Indianapolis Public Library and IndyGo, also received approval. Hogsett’s office says the budget will also make investments in neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID-19.
The council also passed a bill changing the IMPD General Orders Board, which will now have a civilian majority. Opponents of the controversial bill expressed concern that the police department would not have enough say in its own policy-making process, according to WFYI.
The new board will be comprised of four civilian representatives and three IMPD representatives.