Government

WL scales back annexation plans

Mike Loizzo — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:06:35 +0000

Most Wabash Township residents who were facing annexation into West Lafayette are no longer part of the plan. (NEW MAP)

The city scaled back the area to include Purdue and land adjacent to the new U.S. 231 bypass. It also includes the Menard’s on U.S. 52 and what will be the new Meijer store next to it.

Tippecanoe Co officials work on a five year financial plan

Mike Loizzo — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:36:09 +0000

How much cash reserves are enough? That’s the question Tippecanoe County officials are trying to determine. Members of the county council and commission are working out a five year financial plan before they begin crafting next year’s budget.

While the county has close to $20 million in its general and rainy day funds, a financial consultant wants there to be significant reserves in other funds too.

Commissioner Tom Murtaugh says they’ll have to find the right balance between maintaining steady revenue and increasing costs.

IN Supreme Court: House Dems' fines must be paid

Brandon Smith — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:13:56 +0000

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday it should not get involved in a lawsuit challenging the collection of fines handed down to House Democrats during their walkouts in the 2011 and 2012 sessions.

In a three to two decision, Chief Justice Brent Dickson wrote for the majority, ruling the fines imposed by House Republicans were internal matters of the legislature and not subject to judicial review.

IN Emergency Solutions Grant cut

Brandon Smith — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:55:11 +0000

The Indiana Emergency Solution Grant, federal money aimed at helping the state’s homeless population, is facing a 23% cut due to the sequester.

The grant provides money to homeless shelters across Indiana. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority expected a 5% cut in federal funding, similar to other sequester reductions. But instead the state will receive $700,000 less for the upcoming fiscal year.

ISTEP Study Committee meetings begin this week

Brandon Smith — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:50:01 +0000

In the wake of ISTEP testing disruptions that have called into question the validity of this year’s tests, the General Assembly this week will hold the first of two hearings investigating the issue.

Legislators initially hoped to have one comprehensive study committee hearing on ISTEP in June. But with results of the tests and a third-party validation of those results not expected until July, Commission on Education co-chairs Representative Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and Senator Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) will hold two meetings on the topic.

IN Supreme Court to hear Rockport case

Brandon Smith — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:17:50 +0000

The future of a southwest Indiana coal-to-natural gas plant is in the hands of the Indiana Supreme Court.

Rockport coal gasification plant owners Leucadia signed a 30 year contract with the state in 2011. It requires the state to buy gas from Rockport at a predetermined price, rather than using market rates. The state then resells the energy source.

IN revenue for May below projection

Brandon Smith — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:13:21 +0000

Indiana didn’t collect as much revenue as predicted in May, due in part to individual income tax collections that came in well below expectations. Still, the state is ahead of projections overall.

The state’s revenue collections last month were nearly 7% below the most recent forecast. While sales tax collections in May were better than expected, individual income tax collections were off by more than 22% from the forecast.

Seven firms express interest in redevelopment of old Lafayette golf course

Mike Loizzo — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:10:37 +0000

When the Lafayette Park Board voted in January to close the municipal golf course, there were no future plans for the site. Now, seven firms have come forward to show interest in making the property an asset to the Greater Lafayette area. The Wabash River Enhancement Corporation board received potential project plans Thursday morning.

Executive Director Stan Lambert says the companies are well known and have done quality work with other developments. However, he thinks working with a riverfront project is unique.

IN's HIRE saves money by keeping ex-offenders out of prison

Brandon Smith — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:00:00 +0000

State leaders are calling a program to put former inmates to work a success. The Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry – or HIRE – is a cooperative effort between the state departments of workforce development and correction, along with Indiana businesses.

Of the more than 20,000 people released from Indiana prisons each year, the Department of Correction reports 36% return to prison within three years. The recidivism rate climbs to 60% if the person is unemployed. The HIRE program was created last year to provide inmates a path to the workforce.

Commissioners recommend one-time bonus for most employees in 2014

Kristin Malavenda — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:45:23 +0000

Tippecanoe County employees will not be getting a raise in 2014.

But Commissioners are recommending the County Council approve a one-thousand dollar bonus for most full-time and regular part-time positions.

Dave Byers says that excludes those who make 70-thousand dollars or more.

He says this is a way to thank the employees for their hard work in 2013 without placing an ongoing burden on the General Fund.

Roughly 600 employees would be eligible for the bonus.