September 2024
This month, we are pleased to feature Zionsville Mayor John Stehr and Zionsville Town Council President Jason Plunkett on the cover. We sat down with Stehr and Plunkett, who emphasized their shared commitment to addressing key issues that will shape the town’s future.
Working as a united front, both leaders underscored their dedication to improving the quality of life for residents, supporting local businesses and ensuring sustainable growth. By collaborating across both branches of local government, they are focused on implementing solutions that will benefit Zionsville’s property owners and business community while securing the town’s long-term prosperity.
2025 Budget Proposal Unveiled
Zionsville’s 2025 budget proposal stands as a testament to proactive governance and community-focused stewardship, aiming to fortify infrastructure, enhance public safety and sustain economic vitality amidst a backdrop of sustained growth.
On September 16, the Zionsville Town Council commenced a pivotal phase in its governance, unveiling a comprehensive $52.5-million budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year 2025. This milestone marks the town’s inaugural use of a robust five-year financial planning strategy aimed at steering priorities not only for the next year but also for the years ahead.
“One of the things that has been a good addition here is budgeting with a five-year [spending and revenue] plan in mind,” Stehr said. “Looking at it through that lens, it has been an orderly and fruitful [budgeting] process. There hasn’t been a lot of acrimony, and we all kind of understand what our revenue picture is and what we need to get done as far as spending is concerned. I hope this lays the foundation for other budget processes and other talks going forward in all manner of things here in our town government.”
Plunkett added, “The budget is something to celebrate. I think we’re in a spot where, broadly, the budget seems to be viewed positively. We had been operating in the dark for four years, and the [budget] process wasn’t an enjoyable experience. What has been really nice about working with Mayor Stehr and his administration over the last few months is the frequent communication. We’ve communicated regularly about what the priorities should be, and I think what you’ll see in this budget what will ultimately be approved is a lot of give and take… a lot of negotiation. Everybody didn’t get everything they wanted, but the town ultimately wins because it is a solid budget that has input from all around.”
Prioritizing Public Safety and Infrastructure
Central to the 2025 budget is a strategic allocation towards enhancing public safety and infrastructure. The proposed plan includes provisions for adding an additional police officer and hiring four new firefighters, bolstering emergency response capabilities.
Additionally, significant investments are earmarked for expanding the town’s pathway network, including vital connections along Oak Street and Route 421, as well as a transformative trail linking Appaloosa Crossing to Hamilton County via 300 South. Renovation plans for Lincoln Park and the realignment of Zionsville Road underscore the town’s commitment to enhancing its quality of place.
Plunkett stated, “The council and administration are working together on the ordinance rewrites and cleanups that are important as some [ordinances] still reference positions that existed before the town’s reorganization and installation of a mayor, and to streamline government, this is certainly a valid and necessary task to do.”
Stehr explained the importance of merit boards being selected by the local government versus state-imposed [merit] boards.
“The state of Indiana is mandating that we have merit boards, and if we don’t do our own by the end of the year, they [state] will impose theirs on us,” Stehr said. “I think in situations like that, it’s always better to be in control to make sure it fits the local needs and desires, so that’s one of the reasons why we’re moving forward on that. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do for our public safety. I say it all the time, ‘The most important thing that we do is public safety.’ Everything else flows from there. We need to make sure that we’re operating in the best possible way that we can for our fire and police departments.”
Plunkett added, “Regarding the safety board, it’s going to be nice to get back to having regular interactions with the fire department about the positive things that are taking place in the community, just like we do with the Board of Police Commissioners now.”
The mayor took this opportunity to announce the return of Pancake Day on October 5 after a hiatus.
“I think people here want to support our public safety agencies, and Pancake Day gives the public an opportunity to do that,” Stehr said. “It’s great interaction between the fire service and the community, and it will raise a few dollars that will be put to good use by ZFD. It’s a really important community event, and I’m really excited that we’re able to bring it back.”
Employee Welfare and Fiscal Responsibility
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of its workforce, Zionsville intends to implement a minimum 4% salary increase across municipal employees, ensuring parity among public safety personnel. Simultaneously, the proposed municipal tax rate is set to decrease from .5229 to .4805, reinforcing Zionsville’s reputation for maintaining one of the lowest tax rates among communities in the donut counties.
Strategic Economic Development Initiatives
The budget blueprint also outlines a proactive approach to economic development, emphasizing continued collaboration with the Boone Economic Development Corporation and the Indy Chamber. An upcoming asset audit aims to streamline future planning efforts, aligning fiscal strategies with the town’s long-term growth objectives.
Future Prospects and Public Involvement
Looking ahead, Zionsville anticipates the results of a comprehensive planning process examining land use across its expansive 67-square-mile jurisdiction, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
Stehr and Plunkett spoke about their joint efforts to repair Zionsville’s bond rating.
Plunkett emphasized, “It is important for the residents of our town to know, and for the government agencies and folks that impact our bond rating to see us working together.”
The mayor concluded, “Anytime we bond for any project, the higher the bond rating, the better the interest rate. A half a point to three-quarters of a point makes a huge difference over the long term of how many thousands of dollars we have to pay back. So, reclaiming our AA+ bond rating continues to be a focus, and I think we’re well on our way. I think the budget process has been a big part of that, and we hope to continue down that path to get that rating back because Zionsville deserves it, and we need to get it back to support our own economic health going forward.”
The administration will present the budget again to the Zionsville Town Council for formal approval on October 7, 2024.
