This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 23rd, 2024.

Later in the program, Megan Gushwa from the Brown County Humane Society, on the help they provide to the community that bigger shelters do not, like free pet food for local pet owners struggling with poverty. Learn more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Also coming up in the next half hour, local journalist Dave Askins of the B Square Bulletin offers an item from the regular newsletter, the Almost Daily Bulletin. Today’s entry tackles a postponed vote by the Bloomington City Council.

But first, your daily headlines:

Monroe County Council

The Monroe County Council met on September 17th. County Commissioner Julie Thomas presented during department updates to comment on Monday’s public discussion on the jail. She also stated that the commissioners will be moving forward with the North Park site.

Next, the council continued their discussion on increasing the county jail tax to help fund the construction of a new jail facility.

Jail Transition Director, Corey Grass, started the discussion. He and Councilmember Kate Wiltz discussed the timeline leading up to this vote.

Councilmember Geoff McKim asked Grass about what he thinks about the saying, “If you build it, they’ll fill it,” asking for those concerned about building a larger jail than necessary. Grass responded.

Council Member McKim said he is in support of approving the maximum tax increase of 0.2%.

As did Council Member Cheryl Munson, who said that she has been involved in approving a tax increase for Monroe County in the past, and takes that responsibility very seriously.

Council Member Jennifer Crossley shared that she cares about all of Monroe County citizens, those that are incarcerated, and those that are on fixed income who will be impacted by a tax increase, but that she thinks they need to make a new jail.

Councilmember Wiltz shared her concern about the size of the jail facility, and explained why she is not in support of voting to approve the maximum tax increase rate of 0.2%.

Councilmember Peter Iverson said that he is in support of increasing the tax rate. He said that the expansion of the jail facility will allow for more community groups to visit the jail and provide more opportunities for the inmates.

The council members passed an amendment of the ordinance, for a 0.175% tax rate. A public hearing of that rate will be held on October 7th.

Feature Report:

The Brown County Humane Society calls itself the little shelter with big results. Despite having resources that are more limited than nearby cities like Bloomington and Columbus, this shelter headquartered in Nashville, Indiana is able to offer help to the community that bigger shelters do not, like free pet food for local pet owners struggling with poverty. Community Relations Manager Megan Gushwa says volunteers are what makes it all possible, and she’s here to ask for YOUR help on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

Up next, local journalist Dave Askins of the B Square Bulletin offers an item from the regular newsletter, the Almost Daily Bulletin. Today’s entry tackles a postponed vote by the Bloomington City Council. For more, we turn to Dave Askins.

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