Budget, data centers and road funding on council agenda
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Indianapolis residents are preparing for a blockbuster City-County Council meeting Monday night.
The big picture: While Mayor Joe Hogsett's office is introducing his proposal for the next annual budget, data center opponents are gathering in support of the council's vote on a moratorium on new data center projects.
- Meanwhile, council Democrats are busy scrambling to rally votes to override the mayor's veto of their road funding plan.
Why it matters: The budget, road funding plan and data center regulations are all proposals with the potential to make a major impact on the future of Indianapolis.
State of play: Council President Maggie Lewis proposed the pause on new data center projects last month, and Hogsett has said he supports it.
- Should the council approve it Monday, it would be in place through the end of 2027 while city officials continue working through new restrictions on where and how data centers can operate in Marion County.
- It comes after months of vociferous pushback from residents.
Yes, but: It wouldn't apply to projects already in the works, like the Metrobloks project in Martindale-Brightwood or the DC Blox project near Irvington.
Friction point: While Hogsett and council Democrats are largely in agreement on data centers, there's division over how to fund the city's portion of a road funding matching grant from the state.
Catch up quick: Council Democrats passed a proposal to raise the county's vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax to pay for the match, which starts at $50 million next year and increases to $100 million by 2031.
- Hogsett, who has opposed tax increases during his tenure, vetoed the proposal.
The latest: Democrats will vote Monday to override the veto, but said last week they don't have enough votes.
- They passed the proposal 14-10 but will need 17 votes to override Hogsett.
What's next: After its introduction Monday, the budget will be heard in committee meetings over the next six weeks.
- A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5, ahead of a final vote from the City-County Council on Oct. 19.