10/13/26 - Hammond City Council Meeting

The October 13, 2026 Hammond City Council meeting included the mayor’s report and discussion of the 2027 budget. The mayor described a total budget increase of slightly more than $1 million, contractual employee raises of about 3%, and a 5% increase in recycling-service costs. Other budget figures mentioned included nearly $6 million in payments in lieu of taxes, about $3.5 million annually for Collegebound, and roughly $12 million in water sales to neighboring communities. The transcript refers to public hearings on three ordinances, but does not identify them or capture a vote or spending-related motion; no contract award, vendor selection, or bid approval is evident.

The mayor also discussed safeguards for the city’s license-plate-reader system, economic development interest related to a potential Bears stadium, and community events. The finance committee had not met, and its representative characterized the budget as good given the city’s challenges. Apart from the reported contractual increase in recycling costs, no specific procurement action was identified in the transcript.