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, and by asking questions. Council meetings are at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the 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.
Like many of us, February’s work was interrupted by Influenza A. Yep, I caught the flu. Personally, I missed an entire week of work. Yuck! Glad that’s over. February’s work concentrated on Finance, the Regional Development Commission, the County Utility District and researching upcoming proposed projects for both the full council as well as the RDC.
February’s personnel committee meeting was canceled. Normally, personnel requests are voted on as they occur – first in the personnel committee and then at the next regular council meeting using a recommendation from the committee.
The finance committee meeting included a detailed presentation of, and much discussion about, the county’s cash position. We were also briefed on the increase in interest income over budget and the final county tax rate as approved by the Department of Local Government and Finance. The county is in a strong financial position, our tax rate went down slightly, we have the sixth-lowest tax rate in the state and continue to maintain the best possible bond rating, AAA.
You may recall from a few months ago, the 2024 budget, for the first time in a few years, contributes to the rainy-day fund. The challenge ahead will be to balance the expense of upcoming projects with keeping our reserves strong.
I spent time this month studying the County Utility District. Of particular interest is how it works, why it was necessary and then learning how important it is as a means of protecting the water sources (aquifers) we have in the area. Water is increasingly becoming a challenge for counties throughout Indiana and for Hamilton County to stay competitive.
Reviewing the proposed Police and Fire Training Center plans along with the financing options has taken a good amount of time. This project is being revisited from a few years ago. This proposed project would be funded with existing county TIF district money. Along with updated functionality this new development has the support of our public safety leadership around the county. After much review, I am in favor of the project, provided we can successfully fund the construction and provided ongoing operational and maintenance costs are paid for independent of county funds.
In addition to the County Council public meetings, February’s work included attending our first 2024 Finance Committee meeting, watching a Board of Commissioners public meeting, attending a Noblesville City Council meeting and a Cicero Town Council meeting.
This month there were two constituents service requests. Usually, requests require research with a county department, securing the correct answer and then following up with the taxpayer.
February’s taxpayer questions were regarding the 2024 budget and the county tax rate. A constituent expressed concern after reading in the paper that higher than expected county investment income would be moved into existing budgeted line-item expenses. The 2024 budget included a substantial budgeted amount of investment income, and thanks to our County Treasurer, the investment income numbers exceeded the anticipated budgeted income. Those excess funds will be held in the county general account until appropriated.
The second request was for information regarding the county tax rate and where on the county auditor’s webpage our rates by township could be found. The taxpayer wanted to compare the county tax rate with that of Noblesville School District.
This month, it was an honor to represent you at the Westfield Small Business Networking meeting and at the Judge Andrew Bloch robing ceremony.
This is my timesheet. This is where my time went during month 14. There are quite a few projects in the queue for 2024, and while my job is primarily the financial oversight of the county budget, it is important to 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.