Brownsburg Town Council hears first reading for 2024 budget

By Melissa Gibson

The Brownsburg Town Council met Sept. 14 for a regular meeting at the Brownsburg Town Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg.

What happened: Jodi Dickey, Director of Development Services shared the Advisory Plan Commission (APC) Summary and the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Report.

What this Means: As the APC continues to work with consultants regarding a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Dickey advised the council of upcoming meeting dates, however, she expects the public hearing portion of the discussion will occur in early Nov.

Councilman Ben Lacey requested a regular update at Council meetings to stay advised as to progress in the UDO discussions.

What happened: Town Manager, Deb Cook presented the first reading of an ordinance approving the Town of Brownsburg and Fire Territory Budgets.

What this Means: The proposed 2024 budget totals $78,578,304 across 15 departments. Though it is a decrease of more than $3.7 million from 2023, the budget includes an eight percent salary increase for town employees, a three percent employer health insurance contribution for town employees and prioritizing local infrastructure investments. In the first reading, passed unanimously by the council, the budget also called for a 4.9 percent taxpayer increase, referencing the increased expenses from gas, electricity and other utilities.

What happened: Several ordinances and resolutions 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 had their own public hearing and plans can continue with the unanimous vote by the council.

What happened: A resolution to approve the incorporation of the Brownsburg Building Corporation related to matters regarding a park project was brought before the council.

What this Means: In an effort to move the process forward on the potential Brownsburg Aquatic Center project, the council was asked to approve a building corporation for purposes of bond issuance.

After a brief discussion, the council chose to table this step until further plans and even financial moves were in effect before creating the corporation.

What happened: Town Manager Deb Cook appointed a Parks and Recreation director.

What this Means: Amber Lane has been an employee with the town for seven years, while participating in several award-winning projects with the Parks Department and will now serve as the Parks and Recreation director under the council.

What happened: Cook announced the appointment of Assistant Town Manager, Sean Pabst.

What this Means: Pabst, former Capital Projects Manager for the town, has been an employee with the town for 11 years.

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