Indiana

More Tuesday Tidbits

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Okay, where were we?  Oh yeah, the CIB and Uni Gov 2.0.

There was a moment of irony as we got the bad news at today’s Capital Improvement Board meeting, the bad weather hitting the area had really started to come down.  

Here’s a breakdown of the $115 million deficit officials announced.

• Lucas Oil operating costs - $20  million
• CIB Operations - $5 million
• Conseco Field House - $15 million (as of 2010)
• Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association - $3 million
• Two one-time loan and insurance obligations - $43 million
• Circle Center Mall Investor Loan Payment - $34 million

CIB officials say they are taking steps to tackle the problem such as cutting staff, reducing services, capping salaries and benefits.  But it will also need assistance from the city, the legislature, vendors and its tenants (i.e. the Colts, Pacers, etc.)

I’m not sure what’s going to happen next, but as I said the other day, I feel for the elected or appointed official who goes to the public asking for a bailout.  I’d notify my next of kin first.

Uni Gov 2.0

Mayor Greg Ballard spent the day talking tax caps and government reform.  The Mayor testified before a Senate Committee today saying the 1-2-3 tax caps are necessary for citizens to have predictability in the tax bills.   The Mayor also called for “Uni Gov 2.0″ by consolidating fire, poor relief, county property tax administration and emergency 9-11 services.

His speech was sprinkled with bi-partisanship acknowledging former Mayors Richard Lugar and Bart Peterson as well as acknowledging State Senator Jim Merritt and State Representative Ed Delaney for their government reform efforts.  

A public forum on government reform is scheduled for Wednesday night at Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet School at 7 p.m.  The Mayor and a bi-partisan group of Marion County lawmakers will be there.  The forum is sponsored by the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on January 27, 2009 (boomark / email).