Originally posted Aug 2020. Updated Aug 16, 2022.

For the 2020 election,  the Democrat candidates for Commissioner and Council developed their platform (positions). Republican candidates did not. As of Aug 8, 2022, no platforms developed for the 2022 elections.

Aug 10, 2022. League supports creation of Human Rights Commission submitted by LWVBC Board of Directors (submitted by Cathy Rountree.

• • Background Information: Proposed: Nashville Human Rights Commission – For the Record

 Aug 3, 2022. League urges legislators to support reproductive health, League of Women Voters Brown County Board of Directors (Submitted by Shari Frank, president)

• • Banning reproductive rights strips people of their bodily autonomy, their constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law and the right to privacy. Women and pregnant people will no longer be equal in our democracy if decisions about their reproductive health are put under the control of the state.

Mar 9, 2021.  Letter: ‘Distasteful’ and ‘abusive’ GOP posts need to stop By Maddison Miller

• • Local GOP post on Facebook. Summary from an article posted on the Brown County Republican Facebook page and response by Mark Bowman – Party Chairman.

Mar 9, 2021. Letter: House bill would help expand voting access, Judith East, board member, League of Women Voters of Brown County …. H.R.1, the “For the People Act.” The updates in this bill are designed to enable as many Americans as possible to participate in our democratic system of government. They eliminate barriers to registering to vote and getting to the polls, among other fair practices.

• • Indiana AG: ROKITA SAYS HR1 IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL; PLANS TO SUE IF SIGNED BY PRESIDENT 
  • Mar 16, 2021. BCD. Letter: House bill is ‘direct political attack on our voting rights’ by JD Ray

  • Mar 16, 2021 , BCD. Letter: Election bill provisions call processes into question by Don Stewart.

  • Mar 23, 2021. Letter: Voting rights legislation needed by Denny Kubal, Brown County
  • Mar 30, 20231. Letter: Ask senators to pass the For the People Act, H.R.1/S.1 by Shari Frank, president, League of Women Voters Brown County

  • Jun 6, 2021. Joe Manchin: Why I’m voting against the For the People Act

    • • American democracy is something special, it is bigger than one party, or the tweet-filled partisan attack politics of the moment. It is my sincere hope that all of us, especially those who are privileged to serve, remember our responsibility to do more to unite this country before it is too late.
      • Joe Manchin is a Democrat representing West Virginia in the U.S. Senate. He is a former West Virginia governor and secretary of state.

Nov 24, 2020.  BCD. Letter: 2020 was the most secure election ever by Shari Frank, Brown County  League of Women Voters

Sep 23, 2020.  BCD. ELECTION: County council at large Q-and-A By Staff Reports

• We believe in the dignity of and civil and human rights of all people. We call for the end to racism in all forms. We call for a review of all county laws, directives and initiatives of all kinds by any agency or segment of county government to determine if any such laws, directives or initiatives have or could result in racism or inequality in any form. We call for the expeditious remediation of any such instances so found.
  • The statement: “We call for the end to racism in all forms.”  By what method?  

This position is supported by the Brown County League of Women Voters (LoWV).

• • Resolution_For_Racial_Justice Resolution for Black People and All People of Color.  By majority vote on Saturday, Aug 1, 2020, the board of the Brown County League of Women Voters voted to support the National League of Women Voters’ Resolution for “Racial Justice for Black People and All People of Color.”   Includes the following:
    • This resolution addresses racial injustices experienced by Black People, Indigenous People, and all People of Color (BIPOC) in our country. Racism is at the core of the national upheaval following George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2021  therefore it is fitting that League of Women Voters members consider how to address racial justice while carrying out the public policies of LWV.
    • Whereas, the League acknowledges painfully that America is a nation founded on racism. We must end white privilege and the myth of white supremacy if we are to become the nation we pledge to be; 
  • Resolves #136 and #139 met the Leagues criteria for inclusion:
    • Motion #136 – We Resolve First, That the League advocates against systemic racism in the justice system and, at a minimum, for preventing excessive force and brutality by law enforcement. We also call for prompt actions by all League members to advocate within every level of government to eradicate systemic racism, and the harm that it causes;  (1) and,
    • Motion #139 – We Resolve Second, That the League help our elected officials and all Americans recognize these truths to be self-evident; that Black, Indigenous and all people of color (BIPOC)viii deserve equal protection under the law; and that we demand solutions for the terrible wrongs done, so that regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and gender identity or sexual orientation we may truly become a nation “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” 

Far Left vs Liberals

• • But the Romano incident also highlighted another, perhaps more far-reaching, aspect of the ongoing culture wars, namely how the “woke” left seems to be devouring old school liberals. While liberals and conservatives still battle on the largest political stage, the Critics Circle fight illustrates the arcane factional struggle within the left, in which the radical faction takes on comparatively easy targets like Romano because they are accessible and vulnerable in a way that actual racists and other non-insiders are not.
  • … the cancel culture won this battle. Certainly it will be more difficult for people in the liberal press, universities, and the nonprofit world to express doubts about what has emerged as the mandatory view on racism — that it is “systemic,” that it is the abiding and chief feature of all American history and life, that we are all culpable in it, and that to deny that culpability is itself racist. 

A Conservative Perspective on Racism and Systemic Racism 

• Is America Racist – Larry Elder 
• Larry Elder Eviscerates the Myth of ‘Systemic Racism’  

• ‘Systemic Racism’ or Systemic Rubbish?  By Ilana Mercer,  August 8, 2020

  • To concretize a variable, it must be cast in empirical, measurable terms—the opaque “racism” abstraction being one variable (to use statistical nomenclature).
  • Until you have meticulously applied research methodology to statistically operationalize this inchoate thing called “racism”—systemic or other—it remains nothing but a thought crime.

The case of George Floyd

• Jason Whitlock: ‘No rational person’ can watch leaked George Floyd footage and think police were motivated by race by Andrew Mark Miller, Washington Examiner, Aug 4, 2020
• Who Killed George Floyd? by GEORGE PARRY,  The American Spectator, August 6, 2020, Minnesota’s attorney general needs to pay attention to the available evidence, which in this case is incontrovertible. 

Race and Black Lives Matter (BLM)

• • The Two Very Different Meanings Of ‘Black Lives Matter’, By David Marcus, The Federalist
    • the term has two very distinct, if not contradictory meanings in today’s America. One is a general statement of support for civil rights; the other is a loose Marxist organization with a clear radical agenda.
  • Commentary: The Various Faces of Black Lives Matter by Robert Stilson, RealClearPolitics, June 21, 2020.
    • Black Lives Matter can mean something different depending on what part of the movement is being referenced 
    • BLM began as the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter in 2013 in wake of the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin. That earliest iteration of the term was the general statement of support. But very quickly BLM became the umbrella name for a network of loosely affiliated activist groups with a very far left set of objectives. In fact one of the founders has said on video that the organization was founded by “trained Marxists.”
  • The agenda of Black Lives Matter is far different from the slogan  By Mike Gonzalez and Andrew Olivastro, New York Post, July 1, 2020
    • Many see the slogan Black Lives Matter as a plea to ­secure the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans, especially historically wronged African Americans.  
    • Tragically, when they do donate, they are likely to bankroll a number of radical organizations, founded by committed Marxists whose goals aren’t to make the American Dream a reality for everyone — but to transform America completely.

(1)  “Systemic“.  Regarding implied and direct references to “systems and systemic:”   All results (successes and problems) represent outcomes from systems.  There are methods and tools for identifying, assessing, and improving systems.  These include identifying the aim (purpose, need) of the respective system, capability assessments, operational definitions of the data being used in assessments, cause and effect diagrams, affinity and Pareto charts, histograms, the five why’s, run and process behavior charts to include trend interpretation standards, and analysis of variation – common cause (normal, expected) and special cause variation (outlier, unusual, temporary) to name a few.   The Brown County Leader Network provides support for addressing systemic issues.

Nashville Sanitary Sewer Master Plan

Nashville Utility Services Board

Master Plan

• Oct 15, 2020 FINAL. Town of Nashville Sanitary Sewer Master Plan – adopted 10-15-2020 (453 pages)
  • The Town has not adopted any Extraterritorial Utilities Ordinance for Sewer at this time. We recommend that the Town pursue this type of ordinance as it provides for the authority to regulate sanitary sewer service to areas outside the corporate limits. p12.
  • One option which the Brown County RSD report did not explore is routing Bean Blossom’s sewer to the Town for treatment. This option could consist of a gravity sewer extension, from the previously mentioned Greenbriar Lake sewer extension, north along Greasy Creek Road. Sufficient grade is present to route a 10-inch gravity line from Greasy Creek Road at Creamer Road, north for approximately 2.80 miles to Freeman Ridge Road. At this point a force main would be required to convey flow from the Bean Blossom town limits (approx. 1.0 mile).
  • The number of EDUs in which this sewer extension could serve was derived from the Brown County RSD report. In their report they estimate that 276 EDUs are currently in the Town of Bean Blossom, and approximately 60 additional EDUs along Greasy Creek Road. See Appendix A, Figure 5-5, for a map of this sewer extension. The engineer’s opinion of probable project costs is $6,283,000. p32.
  • Recommended expansions p28,  What is the evidence supporting the scores?
  • Follow-up (email confirmation). Table 6.2  “was derived from interviews with Town Council and Utility Staff.”

• DRAFT: Nashville Sanitary Sewer Master Plan July 15, 2020 (173 pages)

Current Events

Jun 8, 2021. BCD. Town moves on Utility projects.

Mar 2, 2021. Town starting process of creating a comprehensive plan By Sara Clifford

• The idea is not to start over completely; the town has so many plans that were done in the past that it could make sense to reuse or incorporate them.In addition, within the past year or so, the town council has adopted a sewer master plan and started work on a stormwater plan; its Utility Service Board has begun talking about infrastructure work needed now and in the future; a committee is working on a bicycle and pedestrian master plan; and the redevelopment commission is in the process of getting a new TIF and economic development plan approved. All those plans need to mesh, and a comprehensive plan could drive all of them, Norton said.

Summary of the Master Plan – Brown County Democrat

Aug 20, 2020. Town Council Meeting.  A presentation on the plan was presented. It was stated the intent was not to approve the plan at this meeting.  The consensus appeared to be that there was a valid need for system improvements and this should be the priority for Nashville. There was no documentation presented of a valid need to expand service to other areas in the county that could be served by the Nashville Plant.

July 28, 2020.  My comments about the plan – also shared at the FaceBook group – Brown County Matters. I reviewed the plan and have a few initial questions below.  I shared these with Town Council Member Nancy Crocker and referenced these questions at last month’s Town Council meeting.

The initial perception is that this is a Town centric strategy.

• On the town’s “growth”, how many new residents were acquired as a result of annexation (pg 11)?
• The Town has had a policy that linked annexations with sewer service.  What is the Town’s current position?
• What is the projected cost to Nashville Sewer customers over the next 10, 20, 40-year planning cycle (pg 1) if there are no new customers, e.g., growth?  Is this information available in a spreadsheet?   Are “future demands” being overestimated to “reduce operations and maintenance costs” to Town customers and taxpayers?
• 40-year potential and 2.50-mile radius of Nashville (pg 1).  Is the 2.50-mile radius in the current agreement with the Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD)?
• Reference to “Hill Top” Development.  Is the name “Hill Top” based on a legal description?  The majority of homes are located on Town Hill Rd, East, and West.
• I am skeptical of the assumptions regarding population and growth projections. Did the assumptions factor in the economic impact of COVID?  What are the qualifications of the individuals guesstimating these projections?  (pg. 14-17)
• Overall, the county has a low to moderate-income level of 53.1% (2017).  Hook-ups and higher monthly utility costs will be a burden for many.  The “target” of a monthly rate of $65.00 (pg. 37) is likely conservative.  Without growth, costs of maintenance will have to be passed on to the customer. Helmsburg customers are currently paying $92.50.   I would like to see a spreadsheet that projects revenues, costs, and monthly rates over the life cycle of the respective projects given the growth and no growth projections.  Maintenance and repair costs have to be passed on to the customers – many of which are on fixed incomes.
• The plan references areas with failed/failing septic systems to justify a sewer expansion (pg 10, 14, section 4.3, pg.17). What is the evidence of failure?  How many systems have been identified as failing?
• Pg 11 – typo regarding the 2018 estimated population of “18,013”?
• On the Recommended Sewer Matrix chart (pg 28-29),  what is the supporting documentation regarding the ratings?  I live on Town Hill – I was not contacted. Residences have replaced inadequate systems with Presby’s.  What is the detail that supports these ratings?
• Extraterritorial Zoning Ordinance (pg.3). What is this?  Does it provide the Town with the same powers that are granted to an RSD? An RSD can “force” sewer hook-up. The BCRSD has adopted this standard. Exceptions to the rule are only temporary.

July 15, 2020.  BCD.  Town developing sewer master plan, updates, expansions by Sara Clifford

• … in 2018, the Brown County RSD vacated about a mile-and-a-half radius around town limits — basically, to the tops of the hills that surround major roads into town — in case the town ever wanted to extend sewer to those properties.
• This draft sewer master plan includes several neighborhoods in that mile-and-a-half buffer zone as well as others, and prioritizes them, in the engineers’ opinion, according to how quickly the town should or could bring them sewer:

March 11, 2020.  BCD, Plans, fixes being made at town wastewater plant Sara Clifford

•  Nashville now has a plan to fix the violations which the state found at its wastewater treatment plant last year. In the meantime, new customers…

Dec 4, 2019.  BCD. Town OKs major study of sewer service Sara Clifford – The Nashville Town Council has hired a firm to do a comprehensive study of Nashville’s sewer plant and operations — how the plant is…

• • Attachment Indiana Hill Rd Crossing Closure and Settlement Agreement (Note the county attorneys (Lauren Box, Jacob German from Barnes and Thornburg) are refenced in this document that was signed on “April 9, 2020”. )  This implies that “discussions” occurred several weeks or months prior to the decision by the commissioners to sign the resolution.
    •  Indiana Railroad “Now, Therefore, in consideration of the costs to be borne, including the [1] expense of holding a public hearing and litigation, in addition to the [2] potential availablility of public funds, the Parties seek to amicably agree to close the crossing and to settle this matter and all related claims, …” IndianaHillRoad-Closure-and-Settlement-Agreement_21April2020

Jan 28, 2022. The Settlement Agreement references that the Indiana Railroad Company petitioned the County to close the crossing and referenced the requirement for a “public  hearing.”  Did this public hearing require the posting of a legal notice in the Brown County Democrat?  

The Settlement Agreement also references support for the County to apply to INDOT for railroad crossing closure  funds. Mike Magnor submitted an application for the Crossing-Closure grant and approval of $10,000.  

• • Sep 21, 2020.  FY21 GCF- Brown County Application Summary
  • Apr 12, 2021. Grant #21-GCF-LPA-02_Executed Agreement (Brown County- Crossing Closure)
  • Per the Brown County Auditor, this is a “Reimbursable Grant” , e.g. the County will be reimbursed for expenses up tp 10K.
  • 2020_06_10 Brown County- RR grade Crossing Fund Application App Summary (closure)

Interesting language in Grant #21-GCF-LPA-02_Executed Agreement (Brown County- Crossing Closure) The funds received by the Grantee pursuant to this Grant Agreement shall be used only to implement the Project or provide the services in conformance with this Grant Agreement and for no other purpose.

• • Page 2  Item 3 A: The Grantee shall implement and complete the Project in accordance with Exhibit A and with the plans and specifications contained in its grant application, which is on file with the State and is incorporated by reference. Modification of the Project shall require prior written approval of the State.
  • Item 3 C: Should the Grantee re-open the RR crossing in the future (no statute of limitations implied!), Grantee repays all Grant funds to INDOT and covers all costs of re-opening.
  • …..  There are lots of performance conditions on these Grants.

The Indiana State Legislature established the Railroad Grade Crossing Fund (RRGCF) to channel funding for railroad crossing safety improvement projects throughout Indiana.

See Indiana Code 8-6-7.7 ,  IC 8-6-7.7-6.1Railroad grade crossing fund

Indiana RailRoad Petition for Closures?

• • References:  IC 8-6-7.7-3.2, i.e.:IC 8-6-7.7-3.2  Petition for closure; public hearing; determination and findings by unit
  • item  “1C. …INDOT must schedule an appeal on the denial of the petition as set forth in IC 4-21.5 within sixty (60) days after the petition is denied …”, the question arises about what to do if a Petition is neither denied or accepted by the Parties (in the case at hand this would be Brown County and INRD)?
  • Sec. 3.2. (a) A person may petition a unit (as defined in IC 36-1-2-23) under whose jurisdiction a public railroad crossing lies for the closure of a public railroad crossing. The unit shall conduct a public hearing on the petition not more than sixty (60) days after the date on which the unit receives the petition.
    • The 60 day requirment does not appear to be a suggestion, to be set aside at will by either BC or INRD. The INRD Petition with BC, filed on May 20, 2019, as described in Item 1 of the Crossing Closure & Settlement Agreement RECITALS: “On May 20, 2019, INRD petitioned the Board to close a railroad grade crossing located at Indian Hill Road, DOT #292 193F, in Brown County, Indiana, pursuant to Indiana Code section 8-6-6.7-3.2 …”, elicited no response by BC which satisfied the requirements stated in IC 8-6-7..7-3.2 above — a hearing was NOT held within 60 days.

Railroad Grade Crossing Fund The Indiana State Legislature established the Railroad Grade Crossing Fund (RRGCF) per Indiana Code 8-6-7.7-6.1; to provide funding for railroad crossing safety improvement projects throughout Indiana. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the most effective way to improve railroad crossing safety is to close crossings. With this in mind, INDOT encourages the use of RRGCF monies to be used as an incentive to help communities that choose to permanently close crossings … and  …  A rail crossing closure is considered the strongest tool for enhancing safety as it eliminates the intersection where rail – highway accidents may occur. Indiana Code 8-6-7.7-6.1 outlines the types of projects that are eligible for Railroad Grade Crossing Funds. Railroad crossing closures would fall under the category of “Other safety improvements” and are eligible project types to receive funds from the Railroad Grade Crossing Fund.

• • Crossing-Closure-Guidelines-FY22-2.pdf     
    • Link to the Guidance

    • “FY 2022 Grade Crossing Fund.”

LEGEND – “BCD” – Brown County Democrat;
“BCM” – Brown County Matters – Facebook Page

Oct 14, 2021. BCD. Facing a new challenge: Route changes due to railroad crossing closure, By Abigail Youmans  

• Brown and Morgan counties have hosted runners in a variety of distance events during the Tecumseh Trail Challenge every year since 2003.

• The trail has been a destination for runners from dozens of states who participate in the DINO (Do INdiana off-road) race, with participation growing to more than 700 in 2010. But now the point-to-point race route has been turned into a loop due to the Indian Hill Road railroad crossing closure.

• As of Oct. 8, DINO and the Indiana Trail Running Association had no progress with creating a pedestrian railroad crossing, forcing them to make the Tecumseh Trail Challenge a looped route. DINO Director Brian Holzhausen said it was a “difficult decision.”

July 6, 2021. The Republic. Railroad closure blocks Tecumseh Trail; groups lobby for crossing, By Staff Reports    

July 1, 2021. Closed ahead: Tecumseh Trail users lobbying for pedestrian crossing at Indian Hill By   Suzannah Couch

• BCM Facebook Post of the Article
• BCD Facebook Post 

Mar 25, 2021.  BCM Statement – Commissioner Pittman

2020

July 21, 2020. BCM Kevin Fleming – Proposing an alternative route

July 14, 2020. Indian Hill Road residents question railroad closing. Suzannah Couch . Residents of Indian Hill Road attended the Brown County Commissioners meeting on June 17 to question the closure of a railroad crossing which resulted in the road becoming a dead end.

June 28, 2020. BCM Jennifer Ruff.  INDIAN HILL ROAD – Update (Sort of) Alright ya’ll – you’re making me feel like I own this place!! Nobody drives down my road anymore!! Get down here and enjoy this beautiful spot!! (Remember – you can only access it from the south side of Indian Hill and it’s narrow with lots of curves, so drive slow and careful.)

June 17 Commissioner Meeting. – Audio (0:29:55 – 0:54:16 minute mark)   where residents learned of the closing after the fact with no notifications. Comments by the commissioners and highway superintendent included statements that have since been proven inaccurate.  Indian Hill Road residents question railroad closing,   Suzannah Couch – July 16, 2020 

• • Transcript of the audio – discussion on the closing:  June-17-2020_2pdf
    • Tecumseh-Closure-june-17-2020_Biddle-Magner-dialogue_2
    • Facebook – BCM-Dialogue-March-2021_2 – Highlighted  … Pittman, Shuck, Ruff

June 28, 2020. BCM. Tim J. Clark 

June 23, 2020. BCM Paul Nelson. A bit of light on a dark situation After getting into a rather heated discussion over the Indian Hill road closing, I have come to learn that that road will still be available for pedestrian traffic as the road easement is part of the Tecumseh trail.

June 16, 2020 – BCM. Jennifer Ruff – … Brown County, I’m super disappointed in you. The railroad crossing on Indian Hill Road is now closed. I’m glad you made a deal to get $35,000 from the state so you could put up these horrible road blocks.

June 11, 2020,   BCM Jennifer Ruff  Need advice PLEASE!!!  I live in a location in Brown County that is pretty remote — except that it is only about thirty seconds off of 45. I have to drive over a strange slab bridge over a creek and up over a railroad crossing to get to 45.

June 10, 2020. BCD. COUNTY NEWS: Railroad crossing closing; 

• • A  railroad crossing that has been identified as unsafe and dangerous by the Indiana Rail Road Company on Indian Hill Road is set to be closed permanently

  • The crossing is near the end of Indian Hill Road that connects to State Road 45.

  • A date for when the closing will happen has not been set.

  • At the April 15 Brown County Commissioners meeting, Brown County Highway Superintendent Mike Magner said that Indiana Rail Road had been discussing the crossing and what to do with it for about two years. They have now formally requested that the county close the crossing.

    • Minutes of the April 15, 2020 Meeting. No mention in the discussion of the closure.
      • April 15 2020 Commissioners Meeting Minutes
  • The resolution to close the crossing due to safety was approved unanimously at the May 6 commissioner’s meeting. The railroad company will now begin its process to close the crossing and the county can apply for state grants to do improvements to the road since it’s becoming a dead end on the south end. The state will also give the county around $35,000 in mitigation money to do the road improvements, Magner said.
    • Update: The amount was 10K – reimbursable grant. Lower amount due to lower safety risk.

May 6, 2020 Minutes – IVBCI Commissioner Meeting – RR Crossing Closure – Indiana Hill Rd

• • Audio (M4a extension) – Discussion on the closing at 47:30.   
    • Audio (MP3 extension)
  • Facebook Post – Brown County Matters – includes Minutes  

• • Attachment Indiana Hill Rd Crossing Closure and Settlement Agreement (Note the county attorneys (Lauren Box, Jacob German from Barnes and Thornburg) are referenced in this document that was signed on “April 9, 2020”. )  This implies that “discussions” occurred several weeks or months prior to the decision by the commissioners to sign the resolution. (April 9, 2020)
    • This agreement was signed by all three commissioners on April 21, 2020. No mention of this decision at a “public meeting.”  

April 15, 2020. Initial discussion regarding closing the Indian Hill RR Crossing.  Commissioners Anderson referenced that there were informal discussions over the past couple of years. There were technical issues with the audio. The meeting was conducted via Zoom – Covid policy starting to change processes.

• • Audio 1 – 19:36 – Starts off with a discussion by Mike Magnor and Dave Anderson about closing the crossing. 
  • Audio 2: 36:42 –   recording does not include discussions on closing the crossing

Jan 3, 2020. IBJ  Morton Marcus: Knobstone could be Indiana’s trail to tomorrow

• There is a rehabilitated focus by the Governor’s Office on tourism in Indiana. Yes, the stepchild of economic development is being touted as a priority.
• Fortunately, there is a 23-year-old plan to boost OR (Outdoor Recreation) tourism in Indiana. It involves a premier hiking trail from Deam Lake in Clark County to Martinsville in Morgan County, a trail of roughly 150 miles, winding through six additional counties (Scott, Washington, Jackson, Brown, Lawrence and Monroe). This is the Knobstone Trail, which already exists with the exception of a few unconnected sections. With pending rail-trail connections, the Knobstone will link the Indianapolis metro area with that of Louisville.

2021 Budget. Presentations from the Departments are scheduled for Aug 17, 18, 19. The budget guidance  to the Departments from the Council includes factoring in a cost of living increase from 1-3%.

An increase would be dependent on the status of the 2019 budget and revenue projections for 2021 and 2022.  Copies of the guidance and planning documents below:

June 17, 2021: Guidance

• 2021 Budget Estimate Guidance
• 2021 Brown County T-Chart
• 2020 EMPLOYEE BASE PAY
• Budget Estimate 2021 Form 1
• Performance evaluation letter Salary Template 2021
• Salary Template 2021

Council Meetings: – 2021 Budget Topics

• June 15, 2020. Council Meeting 

Stats Indiana provides another link to the  Indiana Real Estate Market reports that includes information by county.

Example: 2020 Brown-County Local Market Update – 2019-2020 and Year to Date Sales provided by Indiana Association of Realtors.

Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF).
FACT SHEET – Trending – Annual Adjustments of Assessed Values

Brown County GIS System. Includes 5 years of data on assessments, tax payments, and description of properties.

Overview of the process.  The Indiana Association of Realtors provides information on sales to include the breakdown by counties.  The county assessor reviews sales by “neighborhoods” that cover an area broader than the immediate area in order to identify the trend of sales.  The calculation of assessed value accounts for “outliers” — property sold statistically higher than the norm.  The median value (the middle point where half of the homes are higher and half are lower), is used to calculate the assessment.

A further check on the assessment is for the property owners to obtain an estimate on market value from local realtors.

The County Auditor uses the information provided by the assessment to calculate the tax payment and the County Treasurer bills the property owners and collects the payments.

MORE INFO – Department Local Government Finance (DLGF)

DLGF – Property Tax Terms and Definitions

DLGF Property taxes are due twice a year. You will receive a statement with upcoming due dates in the Spring.  Current property tax due dates are:

• May 11, 2020
• November 10, 2020

DLGF Tax Bill 101

DLGF: Graphic – Assessment_to_Tax_Billing_Start to Finish 

181101 – Assessment-to-BudgetProcess

The Atlantic was founded in 1857.  Their December 2019 Issue:  The Atlantic Devotes Its December Issue to a Special Report: “How to Stop a Civil War”  Essays consider how America is coming apart—and prospects for rebuilding a more civil, functional, and unified society.

June 2020 Issue Atlantic – Special Preview.  We Are Living in a Failed State.  The coronavirus didn’t break America. It revealed what was already broken.  By George Packer

• When the virus came here, it found a country with serious underlying conditions, and it exploited them ruthlessly. Chronic ills—a corrupt political class, a sclerotic bureaucracy, a heartless economy, a divided and distracted public—had gone untreated for years. We had learned to live, uncomfortably, with the symptoms. It took the scale and intimacy of a pandemic to expose their severity—to shock Americans with the recognition that we are in the high-risk category.

Apr 28, 2020. Commentary on the article at at RealClearPolitics.com.  The Perilous State of Our Union, and How We Got Here by Les Francis

May 2019 National survey of citizens sponsored by the American Bar Association

• The nationally representative poll of 1,000 members of the American public found troubling gaps in their knowledge of American history and government, as well as constitutional rights. One in 10 think the Declaration of Independence freed slaves in the Confederate states and almost 1 in 5 believe the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution are called the Declaration of Independence instead of the Bill of Rights.

• In [the] 2018 version of the Woodrow Wilson foundation test, only 13% of Americans could accurately tell you when the Constitution was ratified, 60% didn’t know who the U.S. fought in World War II, and only 24% correctly identified a single thing Ben Franklin was famous for. (Some 37% believed he invented the lightbulb.) In the 2019 version of the survey, only 43% knew that President Wilson was the U.S. commander-in-chief during World War I, which was particularly galling to the poll sponsors.