Merrillville Town Council approves first reading of 2024 budget proposal
Every year, autumn brings cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and municipal budget season.
The Town Council on Tuesday, Sept. 26, unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance for the 2024 budget.
Next year’s spending plan was advertised with more than $47 million in total expenses spread over 55 funds.
“They include things like the general fund, which is the bulk of your budget for operational expenses for the Town,” said Trista Hudson, Merrillville’s financial adviser from Cender & Dalton.
The 2024 budget proposal will be back before the Council on Oct. 10 for second and final reading. That meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway.
Hudson said there could be adjustments to the spending plan before the panel considers adopting the budget ordinance.
“Both the budget and levies are advertised a little bit high so that you have some room to decide and narrow back down to where the expenses need to be,” Hudson said of the common practice used when municipalities are organizing their budgets for the upcoming year.
The 2024 budget advertisement shows more than $14 million coming in through property taxes to support municipal operations.
“I expect this will come in a little bit lower as we work through the budget,” Hudson said.
The Town of Merrillville’s 2024 budget proposal is available for review through the Indiana Gateway portal, and residents are encouraged to visit https://tinyurl.com/mr443wmt to access the advertised spending plan. The Indiana Gateway provides much more information than budgetary details. Residents can obtain data on TIF districts, employee compensation, and other information regarding how public dollars are spent. Visit https://gateway.ifionline.org/ to visit the Indiana Gateway portal.