By Melissa Gibson
The Brownsburg Town Council met Sept. 28 for a regular meeting at the Brownsburg Town Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg.
What happened: Development Services Director Jodi Dickey shared a report regarding recent UDO Committee activities.
What this Means: A committee consisting of Brownsburg residents, consultants, Advisory Plan Commission (APC) members, developers and other have been working to create a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for the Town of Brownsburg.
Dickey said the committee believes they are ready to host a public open house (tentatively set for Nov. 6) to present and discuss the current document. In addition, information will be added to the Town of Brownsburg’s website which will include interactive maps, education on UDO’s and a step-by-step walk through of project goals.
Councilman Ben Lacey expressed his concern about the current process and feedback he has received regarding how the committee is coming to their conclusions as well as the current UDO document as it stands, suggesting that more work is still required to present a final document.
What happened: Frank Monts, Water Superintendent shared the Water Department Report.
What this Means: Though the discussion regarding the report was uneventful, Monts asked Brownsburg High School student Owen Ellis to share with the council what he has planned as his Eagle project out of Troop 97 in Brownsburg.
Ellis is asking for volunteers to help him paint fire hydrants in three neighborhoods near Williams Park. He estimates there are 50-70 fire hydrants in need of a fresh coat and will be completing the work in the next month.
What happened: A second reading and advertised public hearing was held for the 2024 Budget.
What this Means: During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents spoke for and against the current budget proposal; siting the main issues as the eight percent salary increase for town employees and the nearly five percent tax increase to the public.
Brownsburg Town Manager Deb Cook said of the increase, “This is not a huge jump in tax increase. It dropped low last year and is now, leveling off. There are many reasons this can happen.”
Members of the Council discussed the salary increase and referenced the “correction” needed to bring town employees up to competitive wages. However, they did not anticipate a large increase in 2025.
The proposed 2024 budget totals $78,697,067, a decrease of more than $3.7 million from 2023. A detailed account of the proposed 2024 budget can be located on the Town of Brownsburg’s website. Council approved the second reading unanimously.
What happened: The third and final reading for several ordinances and resolutions was presented for the Carr property located at 7055 E. County Rd. 300 North was brought before the Council.
What this Means: Three parcels were requested for voluntary annexation along with fiscal resolutions for each one. Each parcel of property received a unanimous vote by the Council.