Hamilton County Council wraps up 2027 budget hearings

New courts & public safety center drive staffing needs

The Hamilton County Council recently completed two days of hearings on the proposed 2027 budget, with much of the discussion focused on staffing two new courts and the county’s new Public Safety Center scheduled to open next year.

County Financial Consultant Mike Reuter opened the Sept. 1 hearings by giving Council members the “lay of the land,” outlining the revenues and resources available heading into 2027. The county has a cash balance of approximately $115 million and is projected to receive approximately $15.4 million in interest income.

Beaver

“Hamilton County remains in a strong financial position, but we’re operating in a different environment than we have in years past,” County Council President Brad Beaver said. “Property and income taxes remain our largest revenue sources, but assessed values declined this year. It makes careful budgeting and long-term planning even more important as we look ahead.”

Much of the proposed new spending is tied to facilities and services coming online in 2027. Hamilton Superior Courts 8 and 9 are scheduled to begin operating in January, requiring additional staffing throughout the justice system. In addition to the two judges to be elected in November, requests include four new employees in the Clerk’s Office, seven employees for the two new courts, two deputy prosecutors and one support position in the Prosecutor’s Office, and three additional Sheriff’s Office employees for the Judicial Center.

The county is also preparing to open its new Public Safety Communications Center in 2027. The $85 million, three-story facility will provide 108,000 square feet for 911 dispatch and emergency operations. Later in 2027, the new Public Safety Training Center will be available to serve multiple municipalities and towns police, fire, and EMS. At least seven new Buildings & Grounds employees have been requested to help operate and maintain the new facilities.

The final 2027 budget is scheduled to be adopted at a special session of the Hamilton County Council on Oct. 19 before being sent to the State of Indiana for approval. Once approved, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.