07/21/2026 - MUST Meeting

The Hendricks County Government held a MUST Committee meeting on July 21, 2026, focused on navigating changes to local income tax (LIT) distribution mandated by new state legislation (SB 1 and related bills). The meeting, led by Nancy Marsh and featuring financial advisor Greg Garitas, addressed the transition from a levy-based to a rate-based LIT system and its impact on towns, townships, libraries, fire and EMS services, and schools within the county. Key procurement-related discussions included concerns about revenue losses for towns like Brownsburg and Plainfield under the new system, the need for equitable distribution formulas, and the potential for future adjustments to tax rates to accommodate growth and capital projects. Fire and EMS funding was highlighted as a critical issue, with calls for specific allocation studies to maintain service levels. The meeting emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions, with updated income data expected in August to inform further discussions. Attendees, including clerk treasurers, township trustees, library directors, and public safety officials, expressed concerns about maintaining current funding levels and the challenges posed by the new tax structure. The county council plans to finalize an agreement by December 1, 2026, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and data analysis to guide equitable LIT distribution and support for capital improvement projects and essential services.