Indianapolis council members pass pay raises and safe streets update

The Indianapolis City-County Council passed proposals related to addiction, councilor pay, and safe streets at Monday night's meeting.

City-County Council members will be paid more under a newly passed proposal. Five Republican councilors voted against the measure that raises pay to $31,000 a year. Council Minority Leader Brian Mowery (R-25) opposed the measure in committee.

“It’s no secret that the council is woefully underpaid, but I would much prefer a much more conservative approach to this proposal,” Mowery said.

No public comment was given, in favor or opposition, to the city renewing its safe syringe program for two years. The Marion County Public Health Department launched the mobile unit in 2018 and reports nearly 2,000 people used the service and more than 200 engaged in recovery services in one year.

The council passed a special resolution to recognize the celebration of Pride Month.  Council Vice President Zach Adamson said he was the first openly LGBTQ member of the Indianapolis City-County Council, taking office in 2011.

“And that speaks to how society has evolved. We have four of us who are here before you, the LGBTQ Caucus,” Adamson said.

Final approval was given to a new TIF district that creates two-story and three-story family housing in the Shortee’s Real Street district. An updated Complete Streets Ordinance also received final consent. That measure sets up a new fatal crash review team and more equity in infrastructure planning.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.