Hamilton County Councilman Mark Hall’s March Timesheet

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 county government. You hired me as your County Councilman, and my hope is that you will choose to be informed by regularly reading this column, getting involved, considering 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, March work included: watching Board of Commissioners’ and Noblesville City Council public meetings, attending a Cicero Town Council meeting, meeting with Jason LeMaster, Hamilton County Health Department Administrator, to discuss his departments annual report, a meeting with Chris Mertens, Hamilton County Information Technology Director, to discuss upcoming software price increases and the departments project dashboard, a Redevelopment Commission meeting, a personnel committee meeting, an insurance stewardship review meeting and a finance committee meeting.

Yes, it was a very busy month.

* * *

The March personnel committee meeting included a Judicial Services position reclassification request, Prosecutor’s Office band increases for three of the deputy prosecuting attorneys, three reclassification review requests for the Parks and Recreation Department, the Sheriff’s Department submitted a classification review request seeking to convert an existing Corrections Officer position into a newly established Support Services Manager position, and the Human Resources Department submitted a request for team lead differential pay increase to bring a team lead in their department in line with the compensation of other team leads.

Not all the requests were approved after committee members reviewed the supporting documentation, which included studies from our outside vendor. The requests were moved to the full council with the committee’s recommendations for a final vote.

* * *

The finance committee meeting included a presentation by the HEPL (Hamilton East Public Library) Director Melissa Loiselle regarding their planned third library location. We also received a legislative briefing update from the county financial consultant. This included expected changes to revenue sources over the next several years as well as the expected supplemental LIT distribution that is in process.

We discussed the interlocal agreement with the city of Fishers regarding work on State Road 37 and the counties commitment from years ago for an additional $4.5 million.

We then turned to Parks and their request for an additional $2.5 million appropriation and the cash balance requirements of the finance committee for the Parks Fund, noting that Parks’ levy has gone up considerably over the past several years.

Lastly, we moved on to a review of how we could finance road projects at the intersections of 146^th Street and Hazel Dell Road, and 146^th Street and Gray Road. The amount of planning that goes into financing these road improvements is massive. We must be years ahead of the process to plan properly. In one case, the county has been awarded $9 million towards a project I expect to cost over $35 million. That means that we must have the means and mechanisms to finance the remaining costs in a timely manner to not lose the $9 million time-sensitive grant. It is kind of like juggling porcupines while riding a unicycle – tricky on its best day.

* * *

The insurance committee met and reviewed our present state on expenses, claims, and reserves. I appreciate that our outside consultants keep officials well informed on the health of the plan and how it is being managed.

* * *

During March I received five constituent service requests and communications. Again this month, families living near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Cherry Tree Road contacted me regarding the speed limit along Cherry Tree Road and its intersection with the new Pleasant Street Parkway. The planned speed test is to take place in April as is some road maintenance to address wear and tear on Cherry Tree. Again, I drove to the area twice and continue to work with the county highway department to address the families’ concerns.

Another request was regarding the “Burn Out” events and campgrounds set up in the area of 211^th Street and Creek Road. Many local officials have received several disturbing reports of noise, safety, and sanitary concerns over the conditions regarding these events. In speaking with the health department, sheriff, and county attorney, these events are operating within the present regulations.

The last set of communications questioned Riverview Health and their purchase of the naming rights for the Arena at Innovation Mile. The taxpayers were unhappy that taxpayer money was used to bail out Riverview and shortly thereafter they spent upwards of $5 million to purchase naming rights to the arena. I must admit that the optics of such a move do not make me happy either. I investigated the transaction a bit and spoke with the county attorney who also is a member of the Riverview Hospital Board. He reported to me that part of the agreement with Parkview includes funding for marketing and promotion from Parkview. Furthermore, the funds used for the naming rights originated from Parkview not Riverview.

* * *

Of special note this month was the tour of the new Public Safety building under construction east of State Road 37 and north of State Road 32. The time was spent walking around the entire site, asking questions that, as a taxpayer, I would want the answers to. This facility will house all our 911 and Emergency Management teams. The care taken to build this facility to withstand an EF5 tornado ensures that even during a horrible disaster, emergency personnel can communicate and serve the citizens of Hamilton County. At more than $70 million, it deserves much attention. I am happy to report that the project is on time and budget.

Lastly, it was an honor to represent you this month at the Sheridan Community Schools State of Finances presentation where Dr. Mundy outlined the finance needs of the district considering the SEA1 property tax credits. In short, the district will need to pass a referendum to ensure financial continuity in the years ahead.

* * *

This is my timesheet. This is where my time went during March 2026. 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.