Welcome to The Timesheet. This column is a report of work done on behalf of the people of Hamilton County. It’s to be informative, too – a place to learn about projects and how our county government works.
As your employee, it’s important to me that you know what is being worked on as transparently as possible in government. You hired me as your County Councilman, and my hope is that you’ll choose to be informed by regularly reading this column, getting involved, consider volunteering, and by asking questions. Council meetings are at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in downtown Noblesville. Meetings are also available to watch online for those unable to attend in person.
Here is where my time this past month has been spent.
In addition to the County Council public meetings, August work included: attending Board of Commissioners public meetings, watching a Noblesville and Cicero Town Council meetings, attending seven 2026 budget planning meetings with various departments, and a Council Executive session.
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The in-person August personnel committee meeting was canceled in lieu of a poll of the members. The poll required that we evaluate the vacating of two part-time deputy prosecutor positions and approve one full-time deputy prosecutor position at a net increased cost of $23,062.56 (including benefits). The changes were approved.
The insurance committee did not meet in August.
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The finance committee met on the 20th for a detailed briefing on the financial implications of the Riverview Health ground acquisition. Analysis and discussions included paying cash or bonding the cost. We recommended to the full council the purchase of the ground using existing cash reserves.
Next, we approved for full council review the bonding of $12 million to acquire the Sheridan Airport, the former Godby Furniture building, and to renovate the Rely Center.
Lastly, we discussed at length the projected negative balances in a number of county fund accounts based on submitted budgets and expected revenues. We head into budget sessions with the General Fund projected to have almost a $13 million deficit, the Parks & Recreation fund at almost a $2 million deficit and the Cumulative Courthouse fund at almost a $900,000 deficit. We have our work cut out for us heading into budget sessions. Starting from these expected negative balances cost containment and reduction must happen. We are at the intersection of growth and state government property tax reform implementation.
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This month I received 15 constituent service requests and communications. One set of communications was regarding the Dunbar Road project in Adams Township. Neighbors’ communications were exclusively in opposition to the project, including a walking trail. Ultimately, this project will come before council in September.
Next, I received an inquiry about LGBTQ materials at Hamilton East Public Library. The constituent wanted to understand the policy of the library and how adult-oriented materials were managed in a taxpayer-funded library – specifically, if the HEPL had to operate under the same rules that the State has in place for school libraries. I shared the HEPL policies, making note of the differences between the two systems of governance.
The next set of inquiries centered on the Estridge development in Jackson Township. Ninety percent of the communications were remonstration against the development. In each case, my communication replies were very similar: this is a local Cicero and Jackson Township zoning matter and the County has no jurisdiction or authority on the project. Ultimately the project was approved by the Cicero Town Council.
A unique inquiry came in the form of a request asking about how to update the Covenants and Conditions Restrictions for a subdivision that resides in County zoning territory. After some research and work by Trini Beaver, our County Recorder, the constituent’s questions were resolved and the updates filed.
The other primary set of communications centered on 236th Street west of Cicero and the bridge and road project that is still unopened. I’ve pushed and pushed on this project with the explanation for delays not changing. I hosted the Highway Department and Engineer at a Cicero Town Council meeting and live-streamed them speaking on the project, issues, and expected completion date. Next, and somewhat out of frustration expressed to me, I drove the project again last week, parked the truck and walked the entire site. I am told that it will open by the end of September. Lastly, at a resident’s request I looked into any penalties or reimbursements for this project’s delays. This was a federal project so the rules don’t allow for meaningful recovery for the county.
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Noteworthy items from August center on the 2026 budget. Twenty-four of the 27 departments asked for increases in their 2026 budgets. Apart from expected cost-of-living increases, a few items stand out.
The energy bill for county buildings is projected to increase by almost $1 million. I met with our facilities director and walked through the County’s plans for utility cost containment. I am comfortable that as a team, he and his people are doing anything they can to mitigate taxpayer utility costs. This includes smart thermostats, lighting, and even addressing unnecessary electricity use after hours.
In another department, cell phone usage was an issue, and in two others, overtime costs were higher than peer departments in comparable County government agencies. Each agency leader was challenged and then encouraged to manage costs. Without question, this budget will be the most challenging I’ve had the opportunity to work on.
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It was an honor to represent you this month at the Hamilton County Drug Court Graduation, at the Hamilton Heights Community Prayer Breakfast, the Indiana Family Institute Conservative Family Social dinner, and at the Noblesville 2025 State of the City Address at Innovation Mile hosted by Mayor Chris Jensen.
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This is my timesheet. This is where my time went during August 2025. While my job is primarily the financial oversight of the county budget, it is important that I understand the Board of Commissioners’ priorities and balance them with the stewardship of taxpayer dollars. That is the job, and I am excited to do the people’s business.
As a taxpayer myself, and listening to so many of you, our employers, it’s important for the taxpayers to have access to all the information you want. I work for you, and although you may not choose to do a deep dive into what your County Council does, it’s important that you can always do so.
Feel free to contact me at (317) 832-1104 or mark.hall@hamiltoncounty.in.gov with questions, feedback, or if you would like to talk about county business.