by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

There is good news on taxes for local government in Hamilton County, and therefore the public. Good news in the fact that Local Income Tax (LIT) revenue next year will increase at least somewhat despite the effects of the pandemic.

Local government depends on LIT to provide around half the funds required to operate public services and facilities. The 1 percent tax is levied on all county wage earners, and there had been fears that with job losses by some individuals, the overall tax revenue would be reduced.

County Auditor Robin Mills has received information from the state revenue department that projects Hamilton County, including its municipal units, will receive $188.4 million next year, amounting to a $15 million increase.

But Mills cautions that this is based on collections from July 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020 rather than last year’s collection estimates made from July 1, 2018 through only June 30, 2019.

The tax money is collected by state authorities and refunded to counties. LIT was formerly known as the County Option Income Tax or COIT.

The projections are usually very accurate and may even be a bit conservative based on past experience. The projected amount is about 8 percent more than the past year’s collections.

This money combined with property tax revenue should allow county and municipal governments to fund their budgets for public services without having the cut back on their plans for next year.

Of the total distribution, county government is projected to receive $50.1 million. Among the cities, Carmel will get $44.6 million, Fishers $30.5 million and Noblesville $24.3 million.

Other units will be disbursed lesser amounts, but even townships will share around $12 million and public libraries about $11 million.

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board President is about halfway through her second term on the board and is not up for re-election in 2020, but posted on Facebook in the early morning hours of Wednesday that she is “disappointed in so many people in our community right now.”

Fullhart cites one particular Facebook group she does not name, “…who have resorted to name calling and out-right bullying toward those (that) don’t share their views.”

She describes one post on that group aimed at another group of HSE parents. “The vitriol and nastiness is awful,” wrote the school board president.

“2020 has brought out the worst in so many people, and emboldened horrible behavior,” wrote Fullhart. “At least I have hope for the children of our community, many of whom are behaving better than their parents. I’ve seen so many great examples of things students are doing that show they care about their fellow human beings. Some of their parents, not so much”

In the era of COVID-19, virtual classes, with social distancing in schools and nearly everywhere else, it is clear we are all feeling the pain – students, parents, teachers and school administrators alike.  It may be time to take a deep breath, think about not just how difficult this time is and has been for you and your family, but also think about how everyone around you is suffering as well.

Although Michelle Fullhart is “disappointed” in some parts of the HSE Schools community, there are others working to deal with the challenges of life in a pandemic.  Ms. Fullhart does cite this in what she described as a Facebook “rant.”  Time will tell how we all get through this.

I have a previous post about the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) school board candidate forum held virtually on Zoom Monday evening.  HSEA has now made the full video of the session available online at the link below.

Candidates also submitted answers to written questions, available at this link.

8 of the 11 candidates in the upcoming at-large election participated in the forum

There are times that an explanation is needed to understand a particular story.  Allow me to explain how at-large elections work for seats on the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board.  HSE Schools encompass three townships – Delaware, Fall Creek and Wayne.  The City of Fishers lies within the boundaries of Delaware and Fall Creek Townships.

In the at-large election of 2020, there are three seats on the board up for election.  All registered voters in all three townships vote for all three seats.  Each of the three election contests are held by residents of each township.  So, you must reside within your township to run, and your opposition comes from others living in the same township.

So, as a voter, you have a vote in all three township elections, no matter where you live within the school district.  With that in mind, let’s talk about the school board candidate forum held virtually on Zoom September 21st.

Of the 11 total candidates on the ballot, 8 attended the forum.  Those not in attendance included Jason Arnold and Suzanne Thomas running in Fall Creek Township, along with Tiffany Pascoe in Wayne Township.

The forum was sponsored by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association, the union representing teachers in the school district.  The association’s long-time president, Janet Chandler, moderated the forum, asking the questions.  Candidates were allowed a two-minute opening statement, one-minute to address questions and one-minute for a closing statement.

The forum found much agreement among the candidates.  Board hopefuls were asked why they are running, what it’s like campaigning in a pandemic, how to handle the operating tax referendum that will expire during their term on the board, financial priorities, redistricting that will be needed once the new elementary school is constructed, how to handle racial issues, and plans to support students in mental health.

HSEA plans to post the forum video online soon.  In the meantime, LarryInFishers recorded the audio of the one-minute closing statements from each candidate at the forum.  Here is the order of the statements, with the link below if you wish to listen to their closing statements.

Ron Thieme – Wayne Township

Sarah E Parks-Reese – Wayne Township

Clint Wilson – Fall Creek Township

Matt Stolle – Fall Creek Township

Chauna Leigh Holder – Fall Creek Township

Amanda Shera – Delaware Township

Sarah Donsbach – Delaware Township

Tony Bagato – Delaware Township

Mayor Scott Fadness was crunching numbers, finding cuts and trimming his 2021 spending plan when state officials informed his staff late last week that he would have $7 million more in income than expected.  The mayor and his staff went to work and revised the budget numbers to provide increased staff and more compensation for city employees.

The original budget called for spending of $115.1 million.  After the new numbers were factored-in, the mayor is now proposing to the city council a 2021 budget of $117.5 million.  That will still leave the city with cash reserves in 2021 of $35.7 million.

The increased income tax money will go to:

–An increase for nonprofits from the city from $100,000 to $150,000.

–A 3% raise in pay for city employees.

–A $500 one-time bonus for city workers (elected officials not included) to be paid in 2021.

–One additional firefighter.

–One addition police officer.

–One additional Civilian Intelligence Analyst for the Police Department.

–Two additional full-time city inspectors.

–Full funding for design and construction of a new fire station on the growing northeast side of the city.

Fadness also said the Fishers city tax rate for 2020 is second lowest among cities in Hamilton County.  Cicero is the only municipality with a lower tax rate within the county.

Fadness touted a budget proposal for next year he describes as featuring a tax neutral budget, public safety investments, $6 million dedicated to roads and an enhanced cash reserve if needed.  The mayor also reminded council members that Fishers continues to be the only city in the state with a AAA debt rating from Standard & Poor’s.

Monday was the first reading for the 2021 budget.  Council members are scheduled to take a final vote on the spending plan next month.

In Indiana, each county’s election process is administered by the county clerk, with guidance from the Indiana Secretary of State’s office.  In Hamilton County, the elected clerk is Kathy Williams.  In this podcast, Ms. Williams talks about how this election cycle is so much different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as absentee ballots, early voting, the registration deadline and how long it will likely take counting the ballots once the polls close November 3rd.  Below the link to the podcast is information about early voting.

2020 Dates and Times for Early Voting in Person

Judicial Center – One Hamilton County Square, Noblesville

Tuesday thru Friday, October 6 – 9 from 8 am to 4:30 pm
Monday thru Friday, October 12 – 16 from 8 am to 4:30 pm
Monday thru Friday, October 19 – 23 from 8 am to 4:30 pm

Saturday, October 24 from 9 am to 4 pm
Monday thru Friday, October 26 – 30 from 8 am to 4:30 pm

Saturday, October 31 from 9 am to 4 pm
Monday, November 2 from 8 am to noon

Hamilton County Fairgrounds Annex Building – 2003 Pleasant St, Noblesville

Tuesday thru Friday, October 6 – 9 from 9 am to 4 pm
Monday thru Friday, October 12 – 16 from 9 am to 4 pm
Monday thru Saturday, October 19 – 24 from 9 am to 4 pm
Monday thru Saturday, October 26 – 31 from 9 am to 4 pm
Monday, November 2 from 8 am to noon

Jill Perelman Pavilion, 3000 W 116th St, Carmel

Mercy Road Church, 2381 Pointe Parkway, Carmel

Billericay Park Building, 12690 Promise Road, Fishers

Roy G Holland Memorial Park Building, 1 Park Drive, Fishers

Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn Street, Westfield

Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st St, Carmel

Wednesday and Thursday, October 21 & 22 from 2 pm to 7 pm
Friday and Saturday, October 23 & 24 from 10 am to 3 pm
Wednesday and Thursday, October 28 & 29 from 2 pm to 7 pm
Friday and Saturday, October 30 & 31 from 10 am to 3 pm

Defense ruled the field for much of  Friday night’s game between Westfield and Hamilton Southeastern, which took place at the Shamrocks’ Riverview Health Stadium.

It took a fourth-quarter touchdown for Westfield to get the separation it needed,
and that allowed the ‘Rocks to cruise home with a 14-3 victory over the Class
6A No. 9 Royals. The victory also kept Westfield unbeaten in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference, while it was the first league loss of the year for Southeastern.

Maximus Webster got the Shamrocks on the board early in the first quarter with
a short touchdown run. That would be it for scoring until the waning seconds of
the second period. The Royals’ Alex Geroulis kicked a 23-yard field goal, keeping
Southeastern within 7-3 at halftime.

Neither team scored in the third quarter. Webster struck again for Westfield
early in the fourth, punching the ball in from the one-yard line. Sean Sullivan
successfully kicked both extra points after each score.

The ‘Rocks had nine different players make at least five total tackles. Micah Hauser led with nine stops, while Charles Dager made eight tackles. Kyle Paper totaled seven tackles, Bryson Hoover and Seth Poriah both had six, and Dillon Thienemann made five.

“Our defense was amazing and kept some great players in check all night,” said Westfield coach Jake Gilbert. “They also forced two takeaways and had several tackles for loss. We are really flying to the football.”

Webster completed 8 of 16 pass attempts for 91 yards and led the rushing with 77 yards. Hauser was right behind on the ground with 75 yards.

“Still too many mistakes on offense but I think we can figure it out soon,” said Gilbert.

John McCall went 10-of-15 through the air for HSE, with 49 yards total. He also was the top rusher for the Royals with 32 yards. Nate Haas had an outstanding defensive night, with 12 tackles. JT Mutchner had 6.5 stops and Louden Sundling made five tackles.

“It was a very defensive-oriented game,” said Southeastern coach Michael Kelly. “Both teams had two turnovers. Their defensive line is physical and they did a nice job scheming against us offensively.”

Westfield now shares the HCC lead with Brownsburg; both teams are 3-0 in the league. This sets up a big game next week, as the ‘Rocks will play at the Bulldogs’ field next Friday. Westfield is 4-1 overall.

The Royals dropped to 2-1 in the conference and 3-2 overall. They will return
home to TCU Field next Friday to play Zionsville.

Hamilton County Reporter

Fishers ran into a buzzsaw on Friday, as the host Tigers dropped a 42-6 Hoosier Crossroads Conference game to Class 6A No. 2 Brownsburg.

The Bulldogs took control of the game early, with Caleb Marcus scoring two touchdowns late in the first quarter. Brownsburg then scored on a 95-yard pass play early in the second period, with Ben Easters throwing to Luke Lacey, who carried it into the end zone. Two more rushing touchdowns gave the Bulldogs a 35-0 halftime lead.

“Brownsburg’s a really good football team and we knew that going in, and we knew that we were going to have to play at our best to come out victorious,” said Tigers coach Curt Funk. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to perform the way we would like to tonight.”
Fishers scored its lone touchdown at the beginning of the second half, when Carson Dunn ran 70 yards into the end zone. Christian Wayne made the extra-point attempt.

Dunn wound up as the Tigers’ leading rusher with 73 yards. Quarterback Lucas Prewitt went 7-of-14 through the air for 40 yards, with Landon Morris making three catches. Shane Cole, Seth Dunnuck and Curtis Kearshner all had six tackles, including a sack for Kearshner.
Fishers is now 1-2 in HCC play and 1-4 overall. The Tigers go on the road next week to play Avon; this game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

“We just told our kids that we just got to keep improving each week and building,” said Funk. “And our goal is to be peaking at the end of the season. We’re going to use this loss as a teaching tool as coaches.”

I began showing up at Fishers Town Council meetings in January of 2012 as I began this local news blog.  I had been a reporter covering other local government bodies but it had been more than 28 years since covering such a beat and I was learning at every meeting.

The Town of Fishers retained the law firm of Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim for legal services to the town and in the early days of my town council coverage, Attorney Doug Church was at most council meetings.  He was a treasure trove of information for a new reporter such as me.

For example, when the council passed a routine item financially supporting the Fishers YMCA, Doug Church went into the history of how the Y ended up in Fishers and not another area community (many wanted it).  That history ended up in my story, because I was certain many residents of Fishers, a number of them recent residents, were not aware that Fishers was chosen over many other suitors for that beautiful YMCA facility we continue to enjoy today.

I also remember a town council work session when Counselor Church gave a stern warning to councilors not to lobby a certain board, which state law dictates must remain independent.  Everyone listened carefully and my best educated guess tells me no one lobbied that body again.

Doug Church is a man with a stellar reputation among legal circles, not just locally, but throughout the state.  When he argued before the state supreme court on behalf of the town many years ago, I watched the video and it was clear attorney Church’s reputation was well known to all the justices.

As a new reporter trying to cover the local council, Mr. Church often introduced me to people in town government he thought I should know.  Overall, in his dealings with me, he has always been a class act.

As Fishers became a city, the mayor hired a city attorney and no longer continued the contract with Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim.  But Doug Church’s fingerprints in forming the Fishers we know today are everywhere.

I tend to see Doug Church each year at the fund raising breakfast for the Fishers YMCA.  We nod and say hello and that’s the extent of my contacts with him in recent years.

I am giving you all this background to recognize Doug Church.  He has been named the 2020 Legendary Lawyer by his peers in the Indiana Bar Foundation for his dedication to legal ethics, community involvement and public service, according to a story published this past week by my news gathering partner, the Hamilton County Reporter.

“There is not another person who possesses greater insight, greater passion, or greater humility than Doug,” said the Honorable Steven David, Indiana Supreme Court, in his letter of support. “He is everything that comes to mind when one thinks of what a legendary lawyer is and what a legendary lawyer means to our profession.”

My congratulations to Doug Church on a well deserved honor.

When the community is divided, the elected school board is sometimes also divided.  Thursday morning, the Hamilton Southeastern School Board voted 4-3 to begin 100% in-person classes for grades up to the 4th beginning October 5th.  There will be online virtual classes for those parents choosing that option.

The division on the board was not about whether to return to in-person learning, it was a debate about which date, with some board members advocating for October 12 or 15 as the start date.

Board members Sylvia Shepler, Amanda Shera, Janet Pritchett and Clint Wilson voted for the measure.  Michelle Fullhart, Brad Boyer and Julie Chambers voted against it.

Brad Boyer asked Superintendent Allen Bourff whether social distancing can continue to be observed with school buildings at or near 100% capacity, compared to the hybrid system’s 50%.  Bourff responded that there are no guarantees but staff will enforce distancing to the extent possible.  Dr. Bourff also said the wearing of masks becomes even more important as all students return to classrooms.

Julie Chambers asked whether there will be enough staffing to handle all the classrooms, and Bourff responded that administrators will be “hard-pressed” to keep all the classrooms open.  Administrators told the board they would need to be creative in keeping classrooms staffed, but so far have not resorted to combining classes.

Chambers asked about all-virtual students, and wanted to know whether virtual students were getting the same attention as those physically in the classroom.  Bourff indicated teachers are nervous about handling virtual students while also teaching those in the classroom.  A group of parents representing all-virtual students will be meeting with Dr. Bourff next week.

The Thursday morning session was billed as a special meeting.  The next regularly scheduled school board meeting is set for Wednesday, and the possibility of setting a date to return students grades 5-12 100% in classrooms will likely be discussed and possibly considered, based on the discussions held Thursday morning.