The meeting was held at City Hall in the multi-purpose room and was open to the public.
The council and mayor discussed additional funding opportunities to help cushion the reductions in property tax revenue the city expects to see as a result of legislative changes made during the 2025 legislative session.
The first topic discussed was the wheel tax in Decatur County. Currently, all of Decatur County has a $50 wheel tax, including those who live in the City of Greensburg. The city does collect a portion of that revenue from the Decatur County wheel tax; however, the city has the option to implement its own wheel tax. This would reduce the wheel tax from $50 to $25 for citizens residing in the City of Greensburg while allowing the city to collect an estimated additional $100,000 more per year then they collect from the counties wheel tax. It was reiterated that those living in Greensburg would be subject to the $25 tax, rather than the $50 tax. This would not be an additional tax to anyone in the county.
Mayor Josh Marsh explained that this is something the city is weighing its options on, and no changes could take effect until 2028. It is too late in the year to implement the change for 2027; however, this is something the council could consider in 2027 for the 2028 budget year. If implemented, the change would save Greensburg residents money while providing additional revenue to the city.
The city also discussed the importance of providing raises to its frontline workers, department heads, and elected officials. The mayor proposed a 2% raise for frontline staff, with a longevity percentage added to that. The budget also proposes a 4% raise for department heads and elected officials.
Nathan Stoermer, Greensburg Fire Chief, provided information about what he is requesting within his budget, including additional incentives for Assistant Fire Chiefs, Lieutenants, and Captains. Stoermer stated that these positions are a critical part of the department and that each position has specific job responsibilities. In order to be promoted to one of these positions, individuals must complete a written test, participate in an interview with fire chiefs who are not part of the Greensburg Fire Department, and demonstrate their ability to perform the job. Stoermer requested additional compensation amounts that would be divided among those individuals based on their respective ranks.
Stoermer also discussed several increases in his budget related to expenses that were previously split between the city and Honda under their agreement. Since the city is no longer contracted with Honda, those expenses must now be moved so they are paid entirely from city funds.
It was explained that state legislators increased the amount that must be contributed to employee pensions. This is not something the city can change because it is the result of a change in state legislation.
Mike McNealy of the Greensburg Police Department provided information about how he would like to incentivize promoted individuals within his department, including the Patrol Captain, Assistant Police Chief, Lieutenants, and Sergeants. McNealy stated that until this year, he had been able to cover longevity pay with funding within his department because the department was understaffed. However, the department is now fully staffed with 19 employees, plus McNealy and three K-9s. McNealy reduced his Field Training Officer (FTO) line item because the department is currently fully staffed.
McNealy also discussed the need for new radios and Tasers, which are included in his budget requests.
Mayor Josh Marsh stated that he had no changes to discuss within his department. Amy Bornes, City Clerk-Treasurer, stated that she had only a minor change involving an expense that had previously been paid through the Honda line and has now been transferred to the general fund.
There were no changes to the City Council budget to discuss.
Currently, Decatur County has budgets for Information Technology, 911, and Animal Control. At the end of the year, the county comes to the City of Greensburg to collect 50% of the funds they spent.
Mark Carman, City Council member, asked about departments that provide services countywide, such as 911 and Animal Control. The city and county currently split those expenses 50/50. Carman questioned why other municipalities in the county are not contributing toward those expenses since they also utilize the services of those departments. Bornes stated that she would add that to a list of questions the city can ask the county.
Leigh Ann Dashiell, 911 Director, also stated that her department receives an estimated $300,000 toward its budget from the State of Indiana. Dashiell said the 911 Dispatch Center is currently fully staffed with 19 employees. She also discussed the new system that has been installed and how the upgrades will streamline the work of her team.
The Animal Control budget did have a few changes, but nothing significant. The Information Technology budget request remains very close to previous years.
Mark Klosterkemper, Street Commissioner, stated that his budget has minimal increases. He said he has worked diligently to reduce expenses in different areas to ensure the budget sees minimal increases. Klosterkemper added that his department has operated at approximately the same budget level for the past five or six years.
Klosterkemper did state that his budget request includes replacing a boom truck that has experienced excessive wear and tear and has more mileage than any other piece of equipment in his department.
Overall, as the mayor read through the different funds included in the proposed budget, most remain the same or have only minimal changes compared to last year’s budget.
Two major expenses the city will have in 2027 are the delivery of a new ladder truck and rescue truck, along with the remaining balances due on both purchases. The city expects to receive its ladder truck in February, with a remaining balance of $1,012,050. The rescue truck is scheduled to arrive in July, with a remaining balance of $1,087,310.
The mayor reviewed funds that could be used to pay the remaining balances and provided options to the city council. Mayor Marsh stated that he would like to see these expenses included in the budget rather than waiting until the trucks are delivered and then having to complete an appropriation to issue the checks.
Marsh also stated that he has asked the Decatur County Community Foundation if it would be willing to provide the city with a grant toward the fire truck purchases. He said Tami Wenning, Executive Director, indicated that she would take the request to her board for consideration.
Gary Bailey, Airport Director, provided an update on the airport, stating that it is now operating debt-free and is currently operating in the black. Bailey said the airport has been seeing approximately $12,000 per month in fuel sales over the past several months.
Bailey stated that the airport is looking for available funding that could be used to construct additional hangars. He added that the airport currently has a waiting list for hangar space. At this time, the airport generates revenue through hangar rentals, aviation fuel sales, and farm ground rentals.
The next step in the budget process is for the council to meet with its insurance carrier and hear its presentation. The council tentatively scheduled September 2 or 3 for the insurance presentation. At its September regular meeting, the council will then schedule a second budget workshop.
This meeting was for discussion and all funds and costs spoken about are proposed budget items.
