The Fishers City Council on Monday night formally approved the city’s 2026 budget, totaling $203.6 million across operating, capital, and debt service funds. The spending plan passed unanimously, 7–0, with Councilors Pete Peterson and Cecilia Coble absent.

Mayor Scott Fadness first outlined the details of the proposed budget during the Council’s September session. On Monday, City Controller Lisa Bradford presented the plan for final approval.

Finance Committee Chair John Weingardt described this year’s budget preparation as particularly extensive. “It was a long process. It took months,” he said, adding that “any city in Indiana would love to have our (2026) budget.”

Fishers benefited from recent state legislative changes that allow the city to receive a larger share of revenue from the local option income tax than in prior years. Going forward, cities in Indiana will also have greater authority to set their own local income tax rates within state-established limits.

Other Council Actions

• Lift-Assist Fees for Care Facilities:
  The Council approved an ordinance allowing the Fishers Fire and Emergency Services Department to charge a $1,000 fee to certain care facilities beginning in 2026, after the second non-emergency lift-assist call in a calendar year.
  The department has worked with nursing homes and assisted living facilities to clarify when non-emergency calls should be handled through other means, but the number of such calls has continued to rise. The new fee is intended to help offset the cost of repeated non-emergency responses.

• Car Condominium Definition:
  Council members also held a first reading on proposed amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance. One change would formally define a “Car Condominium” as a facility for long-term vehicle storage, maintenance, and related uses such as workshops or lounges for vehicle enthusiasts. A final vote on the proposal is expected in November.

• Meeting Schedule Adjustment:
  Monday’s meeting was held earlier in the month than usual due to next week’s fall break for Hamilton Southeastern Schools.