Tales from the City
I’ve been picking up a few items from around the city lately. Here they are…
Police Consolidation
My sources tell me Mayor Bart Peterson is in for some mixed news. In the realm of police consolidation sources tell me IPD officers want to vote on the Mayor’s offer for a contract raise of 3.5 to 6.5 percent.
Fire Consolidation
In addition, Mayor Peterson has a new ally in fire consolidation, Republican Councilmember Ike Randolph. Randolph tells me that because there is no tax increase in proposal he can support it. He told me it was never about savings, but efficiency.
City Sholsh Fund Goes Dry?
On the flipside though, the city may not get the $13 million it wants from back alcohol excise taxes. The City-County owes millions in child welfare and juvenile justice debt to the state of Indiana. The Governor’s budget man Chuck Shalliol, while not speaking directly to the city’s situation, told me he’s not crazy about writing a check to someone who owes him money. So the city may have to take another course of action.
Jailhouse Rocks
Expect the Brizzi proposal for 250 jail beds to be reintroduced at the City-County Council next week. The plan has been modified since its inception. Originally the plan called for 250 beds this summer at New Castle prison, now the plan is for the beds to be used for criminals with six-month sentences. Since there won’t be any transportation costs it lowers the price per inmate from $46 per day to $39, the same as the costs for Liberty Hall. I’m told the measure will get a hearing and appointed to a Public Safety subcommittee. Council Democrats were not happy with their President Monroe Gray for his actions in torpedoing the proposal the first time so they decided this course of action would be much better.
