Compiled by Peg McRoy
The Avon Town Council met Sept. 7. Meetings can be viewed at avonindiana.gov/livestream. The council normally meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Avon Town Hall, 6570 E. U.S. 36. However, the council will meet the first and third Thursdays of the month for the balance of the year in Avon Town Hall. The next scheduled meeting is Sept. 21.
What happened: A summary as an initial introduction to the council of the 2024 town budget was given by Town Manager Ryan Cannon. Avon’s total budget for next year is $31.5 million.
What this means: Some of the budgetary line items noted within a summary of the budget changes for 2024 include a 4% cost of living increase for most positions and a payroll increase due to an increase in the number of staff. Cost increases for computer replacements, insurance, utilities, legal and financial consulting, updating the comprehensive plan, additional programming and events, continued investment trail, sidewalk and street construction and design and maintenance, and replacement of equipment in various departments.
What happened: A resolution was adopted to petition the Department of Local Government Finance for an increase above the maximum levy. Town Manager Ryan Cannon reported that this represents a slight tax increase, based on the current assessed value, of approximately .017 cents. This will not change property taxes for taxpayers who are already at their property tax cap.
What this means: The town’s financial advisor, FSG Inc., has advised the town and the town council of the town’s eligibility to appeal to the Department of Local Government Finance for an increase in the maximum levy amount to $420,000. This eligibility is based on the town’s growth over the last three years.
What happened: A resolution was affirmed that establishes, expands, and consolidates the town’s economic development area in the Easton Gray allocation area. The plan commission has determined that this growth aligns with the town’s comprehensive plan and sent it to the council with a positive recommendation.
What this means: This changes the boundaries and expands designated allocation areas within the Phase I Riverwalk District Allocation Area, Phase II Riverwalk District Allocation Area, and the HOPA-1, 2, and 3 allocation areas. This action now goes before the redevelopment commission for a public hearing and the passage of a confirmatory resolution. At that point, the resolution will again be presented to the council for adoption.
What happened: An ordinance was passed that rezones 78.87 acres of property from agricultural to institutional for the planned construction of Avon Middle School West.
What this means: The rezoned parcel of land is located near CR 100 S. and CR 450 E. The request was made by the Avon Community School Corporation. The middle school will accommodate sixth, seventh, and eighth graders with a target capacity of between 937 to 987 students at opening and will include a gymnasium, cafetorium, two-story academic wing, tennis courts, softball and baseball fields, a football and track field, a discus and shot-put area, and practice fields. The rezoning opens the path for the development of a new master plan for the school.
What happened: A bid was awarded to Signal Construction, Inc., for the installation of a rapid reflecting flashing pedestrian beacon for a crossing at CR 625 E. by Murphy Park that will service the White Lick Trail crossing at that location.
What this means: Avon is working with the Township for the installation of this pedestrian crossing beacon. Avon is also putting flashers at CR 200 N. and Centennial Trail. To make it a more economical quote, the town requested a quote for both locations. The town will be reimbursed for the cost by the Township for the CR 625 E. crossing. Signal Construction’s bid for both locations is $26,934.
