This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, August 26th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have Civic Conversations - a monthly podcast collaboration between the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County and WFHB. Today’s topic is redistricting with guests Julia Vaughn of Common Cause and Sonia Leerkamp of Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Robert Robinson reports on the new Fourth Street parking garage which opened for use earlier this week.

But first, Emily McCoy has this week’s Statehouse Roundup:

Last week, the United States released its census count conducted last year to the public. According to the census count, Bloomington lost roughly 1,200 people dropping from a population of roughly 80,000 to 79,000. Mayor John Hamilton criticized the findings from the census, stating that the numbers are inaccurate citing evidence that the past few census results have seen Bloomington increase in population by roughly 6,000 people. As stated by Mayor Hamilton, a lower population count by the census, would mean a loss of funds for the city. “If we missed one out of 300 people in a census count, that could add up to a $1 million of loss over ten years.”

Mayor Hamilton points to the shut down of Indiana University during the pandemic as the main cause for the inaccurate census results. Hamilton ended his address, stating that the city of Bloomington is looking into appealing the results of the census.

On Wednesday Governor Eric Holcomb signed an executive order to create the Indiana Public Health Commission. The goal of the commission is to overview the current status of Indiana's public health system and administer appropriate changes to be brought at the 2023 legislative session. A large part of the commission focus will be on how well Indiana’s public health system handled the covid-19 emergency and what adaptations are needed for future public health emergencies. Governor Holcomb stated that, “We’re simply trying to build the best state in the country." The commission will be led by former state senator Luke Kenley and former state health commissioner Dr. Judy Monroe.

Monroe County Council Work Session 

During their August 24th Work Session, the Monroe County Council discussed a report on county job descriptions and classifications. Council member Geoff McKim questioned Waggoner, Irwin, Sheele, and Associates Senior Consultant Addie Rooker whether Monroe County should be scaling back its longevity system. Rooker replied that the incentive is great, but that reducing the cap from 49 years to 35 could free up money that the County can use elsewhere.

McKim commented on the importance of having an independent firm look at job classifications. County Counsel Margie Rice reiterated this importance. She said past County Councils dropped the ball, and that this County Council has an opportunity to set up a new system.

Council member Trent Deckard warned against words without actions. He said it would be important to learn from the mistakes that previous County Councils made in implementing WIS’s plans.

The Monroe County Council meets for its first budget session on September 8th.

Monroe County Board of Commissioners

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday to authorize funding for various projects.

Department heads updated the Board of Commissioners. Allison Moore, the director of Emergency Management had a timely PSA, that cooling stations are up and running at local fire stations if anyone needs help when there is a heat advisory. She also urged the public to stay inside and to stay hydrated.

Jackie Nester, Assistant Director of the Planning Department,