08/04/2026 - Council Budget Hearings

The Hendricks County Government held its Council Budget Hearings on August 4, 2026, focusing extensively on departmental budget requests and capital improvement projects. Key procurement-related discussions included the IT department's request for an additional help desk employee to address new ADA compliance requirements for government websites and documents, along with budget increases for cybersecurity software (CrowdStrike) and recorder software. The engineering department requested $6 million for the construction of roundabouts on State Road 39 and I-70, anticipating local contributions and developer participation. The highway department planned to purchase a mini excavator and a loader to replace rented and damaged equipment. The sheriff's office requested two new merit deputy positions and discussed funding for fleet vehicle replacements and training programs. The coroner's office proposed new budget line items for contracts and intern positions. Several departments discussed grant funding adjustments and the need to align project income budgets with actual revenues. Motions to approve various departmental budget items, including personnel and operational expenses, were passed unanimously or with strong support. The meeting also addressed ongoing capital projects, such as courthouse furniture and fairgrounds facilities, and discussed the management of wheel tax revenues and supplemental local income tax (LIT) funds. Overall, the meeting involved detailed budget reviews, contract considerations, and capital project funding allocations relevant to county operations and infrastructure.