Local News Brief

623 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Tuesday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. That’s almost 300 less than the state’s moving average, which is at about 900 newly diagnosed cases a day.

Yesterday, there were 11 new deaths in the state, while Monroe County saw 24 new confirmed cases. Monroe County’s case numbers have fluctuated more than they usually do in the past week. The newly reported cases are less than a sixth of the previous day’s reported cases. It’s unclear what is causing the fluctuations.

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Indiana University was expected to publish new statistics about its Covid-19 testing results yesterday, but the results weren’t published until today, and its website now says that it will update its statistics every Wednesday going forward.

Unlike the previous update, this one did not specify how many positive cases were documented by the university. The change in language was not explained on the online dashboard.

The previous week, the university reported that, since mid-August, over 1,200 positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone. Since then, the university reported another 345 positive tests.

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Smoke from wildfires on the west coast has made its way to Indiana. The sun can appear hazy, and although the unusual sight is often associated with poor air quality, the smoke is about fifteen to twenty thousand feet in the air and does not pose a serious health risk, according to the National Weather Service.

Monroe County Council – Budget Hearing

The Monroe County Council discussed the 2021 County Council General Budget during their September 15th meeting. Budget Administrator Kim Shell said a part time hourly position was added to the budget.

Shell mentioned an increase in the contractual budget for a contract with Waggoner, Irwin, Scheele and Associates or WIS for job salary studies. Council member Geoff McKim questioned if more funds would be needed to compensate the WIS study.

Shell said a final bill has not been received. Council member Marty Hawk said WIS would not be necessary to research what elected officials make. Councilor Eric Spoonmore said only a small cost would be used for that service.

Shell reported increases for travel and training and the Sofia Travis Community Services. Council members approved the 2021 general fund budget for approximately 5 hundred sixty one thousand 5 hundred dollars, with Hawk voting against.

 

Bloomington City Council to Vote on Raising Local Income Tax in Wednesday Meeting

Bloomington City Council will vote on a 0.25 percent increase in local income tax on Wednesday.

The proposed tax increase is a part of Mayor John Hamilton’s “Recover Forward” initiative. Mayor Hamilton said the taxes will be used for economic development — while expanding on racial and climate justice.

“We want to do the right thing to protect our vulnerable citizens,” said Mayor Hamilton.

The tax would be expected to generate $8.7 million — $4 million to the city and the remainder to the county. Over 50 percent of the tax would come from residents who earn over $100 thousand per year.

The proposed tax increase faces opposition from several parties. City council member Susan Sandberg said the city needs to be transparent in how the tax revenue is spent.

“This is almost too large of a project. It’s too much of a kitchen sink approach, and it’s very very hard to take this message out to the constituents,” said Sandberg.

Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce issued a statement calling for council members to reject the proposal. Members of Monroe County Council and Ellettsville Town Council expressed their opposition for the county-wide tax increase.

On Monday, an anonymous letter from two local businesses owners was posted on Reddit addressed...