Muncie City Council September 14, 2026

The City of Muncie held a City Council meeting on September 14, 2026, which included extensive discussions on the proposed 2027 budgets for the Muncie Indiana Transit System and the Muncie Sanitary District. The transit system budget reflected a 6% increase primarily due to capital expenditures for new buses costing approximately $721,000 each, with funding partially supported by federal grants. The sanitary district budget also saw a 4% increase, mainly attributed to rising disposal fees from their contractor, Best Way. Council members debated the structure of the finance committee, with concerns raised about limiting membership to three members rather than all nine councilors, impacting budget oversight and public engagement. Additionally, the council considered an ordinance to place "In God We Trust" decals on police and fire vehicles, which sparked significant public comment regarding costs, constitutional concerns, and community inclusivity. Other topics included contract negotiations for transit employees, capital improvement plans for the Beach Grove Cemetery, and calls for greater transparency and accountability in city operations. Several motions related to budget ordinances were introduced and voted on, with public hearings held to gather community input.