UNIGOV HANDBOOK A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government
Prepared by the League of Women Voters of Indianapolis
UNIGOV HANDBOOK
Unigov Handbook A Book of Factual Information about Indianapolis, Indiana
This Handbook has been compiled by the League of Women Voters of Indianapolis
Published by League of Women Voters Education Fund Indianapolis, Indiana © 2016
3 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the promotion of informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to women and men 16 and older.
The LWV directs its attention solely to matters of government and the individual’s responsibility in that government. The LWV is active in voter education and provides impartial voting information.
The voicemail number of the LWV of Indianapolis is (317) 767-4187, and its website can be found at lwvindy.org.
First Edition 1980 Second Printing 1982 Second Edition 1985 Third Edition 1994 Fourth Edition 2001 Fifth Edition 2011 Sixth Edition 2016
4 The League of Women Voters is the only living legacy of the woman suffrage movement. For almost 100 years, our commitment to making democracy work has been unwavering. Never endorsing political candidates or parties, the LWV is where we can all work together to create civically engaged communities.
JOIN NOW! Learn more at lwvindy.org. Membership open to anyone at least 16 years of age. [email protected] Preface
What is Unigov? How does it work? How can I participate knowledgeably in local government?
This Unigov Handbook was designed to inform you about the government in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was compiled, researched, and edited by League of Women Voters members and its community partners and is intended to provide accurate, nonpartisan information.
We hope the Handbook will contribute to the understanding and involvement of citizens and be a useful resource to students. As such, the LWV will make every effort to update its website (lwvindy.org) when changes occur between re-printings of the Handbook within Unigov.
Citizens are also encouraged to visit the city’s website at indy.gov to locate current information on who is serving in an elected office or on an appointed board or committee. The city’s calendar can also be accessed through its website which provides information on public meetings and hearings.
Acknowledgments
The League of Women Voters of Indianapolis is grateful to the local government officials, employees, and others in the community who helped to make this publication as accurate, current, and useful as possible.
Editing and fact-checking thanks include Councilor Zach Adamson, Debbie Asberry, Aaron Atwell, Paul Babcock, Alfie Ballew, Linda Broadfoot, Scott Chinn, Jason Dudich, Myla Eldridge, Art Farnsley, Charnette Garner, Lindsay Grant, Madelyn Gregory, Mat- thew Gutwein, Matt Impink, Julee Jacob, Judi Jessup, Erin Kelley, Sheila Suess Kennedy, Carol Kirk, Jason Larrison, Jamie Leap, Karen Kay Leonard, Emily Mack, Martin Mahern, Ernest Malone, Peg McLeish, Jacqueline Nytes, Meg Purnsley, Jim Rawlinson, Ron Rein- king, Bryan Roach, Mary Lou Rothe, Maxine Russell, Emily Shrock, Ann Sutton, Michael Terry, Hope Tribble, Emily VanOsdol, Aliya Wishner, and Ahmed Young.
The LWV especially appreciates the Indy generous support of the Indy Chamber and of Indiana University’s Center for Civic Literacy for their generous support, including the invaluable assistance of Whitney Fields, School of Public and Environmental Affairs intern.
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Table of Contents Preface & Acknowledgments...... 8
Part I: Be an Informed Citizen ...... 12
Historical Overview and Recent Changes ...... 13
State Control and Local Government Overview ...... 16 Executive Branch ...... 17 Legislative Branch ...... 17 Judicial Branch ...... 17 Excluded Cities ...... 18 Included Towns ...... 18 Townships ...... 18 Schools ...... 18 Municipal Corporations ...... 18 County Offices ...... 18
The Executive Branch ...... 19 The City: Office of the Mayor...... 19 City Departments ...... 19 Code Enforcement ...... 19 Metropolitan Development ...... 21 Parks and Recreation ...... 23 Indianapolis Marion County Police Dept...... 24 Indianapolis Fire Dept...... 25 Public Works...... 26 City Offices...... 27 Audit and Performance ...... 27 Corporation Counsel ...... 27 Education Innovation ...... 28 Finance and Management/Controller’s Office ...... 28 Minority and Women Business Development...... 29 Public Health and Safety ...... 29 The County...... 30 Assessor ...... 31 Auditor ...... 31 Clerk of the Circuit Court ...... 31 Coroner...... 32
9 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Prosecutor ...... 32 Public Defender ...... 34 Recorder ...... 34 Sheriff...... 34 Surveyor ...... 34 Treasurer...... 34 County Boards, Offices, and Agencies ...... 35 Board of County Commissioners ...... 35 Board of Voter Registration ...... 35 County Election Board ...... 35 State of Indiana Division of Family Resources ...... 35 Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic...... 35 Services Agency ...... 35 Information Services Agency ...... 35 Municipal Corporations ...... 36 Capital Improvement Board ...... 36 Health and Hospital Corporation ...... 36 Indianapolis Airport Authority ...... 37 Indianapolis-Marion County Building Authority ...... 37 Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library ...... 37 Indianapolis Public Improvement Bond Bank ...... 37 Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation ...... 38
The Legislative Branch ...... 39 The Council...... 39 City-County Council...... 40 Committees ...... 40 Permanent Committees...... 40 Standing Committees...... 40 Special Service District Councils ...... 40 Special Committees ...... 40 Investigative Committees ...... 40 Budget Process ...... 42 Financing City-County Government ...... 43
The Judicial Branch ...... 45 Circuit and Superior Courts ...... 45 Small Claims Court...... 46 Grand Jury ...... 46 Petit Jury ...... 46 Public Defender Board...... 46
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Other Units of Government and Public-Private Partnerships ...... 49 Boards and Commissions ...... 49 Citizens’ Police Complaint Board ...... 49 Ethics Commission ...... 49 Indianapolis Housing Agency ...... 49 Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board ...... 49 Marion County Cooperative Extension Service ...... 50
Public-Private Partnerships ...... 50 Citizens Energy Group ...... 50 DevelopIndy ...... 50 Indianapolis Downtown, Inc...... 50 Indy Partnership ...... 50 Visit Indy ...... 50 The Township ...... 51
Part II: Be an Active Citizen
The Citizen ...... 53 Voter Registration and Elections ...... 53 Be an Informed Voter ...... 53 Communicate your Opinions ...... 54 Observe Meetings ...... 54 Other Skills as a Citizen ...... 54 Become a Candidate for Electoral Office ...... 55 Opportunities to Work within Political Parties ...... 56
Index...... 61
11 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government PART 1 Be an Informed Citizen UNIGOV HANDBOOK
Historical Overview and Recent Changes
In the late 1960s, Richard Lugar pro- ment in Marion County in two fundamen- posed a series of changes to state law that tal ways. First, the City of Indianapolis’ restructured Indianapolis’ city govern- city limits were expanded to include all of ment. Lugar and others argued that such Marion County, with the only exceptions changes would prevent an erosion of the being the Excluded Cities of Beech Grove, city’s tax base which was being threatened Lawrence, Southport, and Speedway. Sec- by growth beyond the city limits. Under ond, many different functions of city and Unigov, as these changes were called, the county government were consolidated into city limits expanded to the county limits a new municipal entity called the Consoli- and many functions of city and county dated City of Indianapolis. This consolida- government were consolidated. Although tion was called unified government, hence Indianapolis is currently the only city the name “Unigov.” in the state with the Unigov framework, Unigov is itself a set of state laws that au- Unlike the 91 other counties in Indiana, tomatically applies to any city that reaches where city mayors and city councils and the total population of 600,000. (The county boards of commissioners and original population threshold was 250,000, county councils all have differing execu- but the General Assembly increased the tive, legislative, and fiscal powers, Unigov number to prevent other cities from con- established a single executive, who is both verting to the Unigov structure.) mayor of the city and county executive, and a City-County Council, which is the On January 1, 1970, Unigov went into effect legislative body to the city and county. As and transformed city and county govern- a result, the structure of Unigov appears
13 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government similar to the structure of our state and • The Excluded Cities of Beech Grove, federal government, with a separation of Lawrence, Southport, and Speedway powers among three equal branches of each maintained their autonomy, government: executive, legislative, and with their own police forces, school judicial. The executive branch consists of systems, and mayors (except Speed- the Mayor’s office, city departments, and way where there is a town manager county agencies. The City-County Coun- who is employed by the town cil makes up the legislative branch, while council). Nevertheless, citizens of the judicial branch consists of the court these excluded cities still vote for the system. Indy Mayor and Council.
At its inception, Unigov was a radical de- • Township government remained parture from the typical structure of local wholly separate. government in Indiana. Though much was consolidated, various entities within Since the creation of Unigov 40-plus years Marion County retained their autonomy. ago, efforts to streamline have continued. Therefore, despite the name “Unigov,” • City and county information not all functions of local government in technology services have been Marion County were absorbed by Unigov. consolidated into a county For example: agency known as the Information Services Agency (ISA). • The county-elected offices of Assessor, Auditor, Clerk of the Circuit • In 2001, the Department of Capital Court (also called County Clerk), Asset Management merged into the Coroner, Prosecutor, Sheriff, Department of Public Works. Surveyor, Recorder, and Treasurer • In 2008, the Marion County remained separate elected offices and Justice Agency was consolidated part of Marion County government. into the Department of Public • Fire service and school districts were Safety—which the City-County maintained at their pre-Unigov Council voted to eliminate in 2016 borders, with the Indianapolis Fire and re-organize into the Office of Public Health and Safety by 2017. Department providing service within the old city limits, the Excluded Cities • In 2009, the Department of (with the exception of Southport) Administration was eliminated, providing their own fire service, and with human resources transferring the townships providing fire service. to the Office of Finance & • City and county law enforcement, Management. provided by the Indianapolis Police Department (IPD) and the Sheriff’s The financial operations of the city and Department respectively, remained county have also been reformed. separate, with IPD providing service within the old city limits and the • In 2005, the Auditor’s duties relating Sheriff providing service outside of to the county budget were transferred the old city limits and Excluded Cities. to the Controller and the
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Controller’s duties relating to city transferred to the then Department payroll and warrants were of Public Safety. transferred to the Auditor. • In 2016, a proposal was passed to • In 2008, state law provided for a eliminate the Department of referendum for voters to decide Public Safety and to create an whether or not to consolidate the Office of Public Health & Safety duties of the Township Assessor (full re-organization to occur by into the County Assessor. The 2017). Mayor Hogsett signed an referendum was held in all townships executive order in 2016 immediately except Decatur, where the township delegating more responsibility to assessor position had already been the police and fire chiefs making eliminated because the township had them the heads of their respective fewer than 15,000 parcels. Nearly city departments and specifying that two-thirds of voters in the eight they report directly to the mayor. other townships voted for consolidation, thereby eliminating Expansions and contractions in executive the position of Township Assessor and legislative power have also changed in Marion County. since 1970. • In 2001, charter school legislation City and county public safety functions was enacted giving the Mayor have undergone significant changes in authority to charter a school recent years. anywhere within the consolidated city. Charters are overseen by a board • In 2007, Indianapolis Police with members appointed by the Department (IPD) law enforcement Mayor. Charter schools are secular, officers and the Sheriff ’s law tuition-free public schools that are enforcement deputies were not subject to many of the regulations consolidated into a new for traditional public schools. They Indianapolis Metropolitan Police control their own curriculum, Department (IMPD) under the control staffing, organization, and budget. of the Sheriff. In 2008, control went to the Mayor. • In 2013, state law eliminated the four at-large councilor positions on • Also in 2007, state law changed the City-County Council. These seats, to allow for the voluntary which were elected by all voters in consolidation of township fire the County, had been a part of departments into the Indianapolis Unigov since its creation. Those Fire Department (IFD). All but three positions were eliminated effective townships—Decatur, Pike, and January 1, 2016. Wayne—have since consolidated into IFD. • In 2009, park rangers and, in 2011, the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency (MECA),
15 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government State Control and Local Government Overview
Throughout the United States, state control established by state law. Cities have the over local government is the norm rather power to levy taxes only when authorized than the exception. Local governments to do so by state legislation. in Indiana are creatures of the state; their powers are granted through laws enacted Until 1971, it was assumed that cities, by the General Assembly. counties, and towns could not exercise a specific power unless that power was State law in Indiana gives cities, towns, granted by the state. In 1971, a “home rule” and counties the power to perform certain bill was enacted allowing cities to exercise services and to impose regulations on any power necessary for the public good their citizens. Indiana cities are incorpo- unless specifically prohibited by the state rated into three classes according to size. or federal law. Similar legislation was “First class” cities have a population over enacted for counties in 1975 and for towns 600,000. Indianapolis is the only such city in 1977. These changes to state law also in the state. denied certain powers to the local govern- ments. Interpretation of “home rule” by State law establishes one form of govern- the courts and State Attorney General had ment for all classes of Indiana cities, the been mixed. As a result, cities and towns Mayor-Council form, except that third believed it was more prudent to continue class cities may employ a nonpartisan city to seek changes to state law by continuing manager. The administrative organization to work through the Legislature in order to of cities, the manner of appointment, the make local changes. term of office, and the powers and duties of various boards and agencies are all
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In 1980 the General Assembly passed a Each of the six departments has a direc- new “home rule” law that consolidated tor or chief appointed by the Mayor and previously separate provisions and was approved by the City-County Council, and made uniformly applicable to counties and each department has an appointed board municipalities. It was intended to give a to oversee the operations of the depart- more liberal scope to the home rule con- ment. These appointed board members are cept in Indiana and specifically declares not paid and the board meetings are open the policy of the state is to grant units all to the public. the powers they need for the effective operation of government as to local affairs. In addition to the six departments, several Any doubt as to the existence of a power is offices oversee the functions within their to be resolved in favor of its existence. purview: Audit & Performance, Corpo- ration Counsel, Education Innovation, While the 1980 policy is certainly still Finance & Management (overseen by the subject to interpretation in particular Controller), Minority & Women Business instances, this statute does provide better Development, and the Office of Public guidelines in the event of judicial review. Health and Safety. Directors of each office As with the previous home rule laws, there are appointed by the Mayor. are still general and specific limits placed on the scope of home rule authority. Also, The Legislative Branch. The legislative the “new home rule,” like the old, being branch is the City-County Council, which statutory rather than constitutional, does is made up of twenty-five members who not allow the “sovereign” operation of local represent specific districts in the county. governments without the consent of the Until January 1, 2016, there were also four Legislature, but is rather a grant of au- “at-large” members who represented the thority to them by the Legislature through entire county. The Council has exclusive implied consent. power to adopt budgets, levy taxes, and make appropriations. The Council can Local Government Overview enact, repeal, or amend local laws called “ordinances,” which in most cases are subject to the approval of the Mayor. The The Executive Branch. The executive branch carries out the day-to-day opera- Council also has the power to appoint tions of the city. City government is man- people to boards and commissions and aged by the Mayor’s Office. There are six to confirm some of the Mayor’s appoint- departments under the executive branch: ments of department and office directors Department of Code Enforcement (DCE), and some of the appointments to boards Department of Metropolitan Development and commissions. (DMD), Parks and Recreation, Indianapolis Marion County Police Department (IMPD), The Judicial Branch. The judicial branch Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), and consists of a Circuit Court, a Superior the Department of Public Works (DPW). Court with four divisions and 32 judges, (As previously noted, the Department and a Small Claims Court with nine of Public Safety was eliminated in 2016, courtrooms. resulting in the police and fire chiefs each reporting directly to the Mayor.)
17 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Excluded Cities. The cities of Beech charter schools, neither the Mayor nor the Grove, Lawrence, and Southport and the City-County Council has any authority town of Speedway were not annexed into over a school corporation. (In 2001 the the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and state granted the mayor’s office the author- are called “Excluded Cities.” In addition to ity to authorize charter schools.) The India- voting for the mayors and councils of their napolis Public Schools (IPS) is the second own respective cities and towns, residents largest school district in the state. of Excluded Cities are also able to vote for the Mayor of Indianapolis and for a coun- Municipal Corporations. There are seven cil member representing their district. This independent Municipal Corporations: arrangement was passed because residents Capital Improvement Board (CIB), Health are obligated to pay many county-wide and Hospital Corporation (HHC), Indi- taxes and because a variety of the powers anapolis Airport Authority, Indianapo- of the Mayor of Indianapolis and the city lis-Marion County Public Library (IndyPL), departments extend to the entire county. Indianapolis Public Transportation Cor- poration (IndyGo), Indianapolis-Marion Included Towns. There are ten “Included County Building Authority, and the Local Towns” in Marion County, character- Improvement Bond Bank (Bond Bank). ized by a population of fewer than 5,000 residents that elected to retain town County Offices of Assessor, Auditor, status. Those are: Clermont, Crows Nest, Coroner, Prosecutor, Sheriff, Surveyor, Homecroft, Meridian Hills, North Crows Recorder, Treasurer, and Clerk of the Nest, Rocky Ripple, Spring Hill, Warren Circuit Court (also called County Clerk). Park, Williams Creek, and Wynnedale. Except the Assessor, all of these offices Unlike Excluded Cities, Included Towns are established by the state constitution are within the city limits of the Consoli- and cannot be eliminated unless the dated City of Indianapolis and are not able constitution is amended—a difficult and to establish laws that conflict with those time-consuming process. (Although the established by the City-County Council. offices cannot be eliminated, the powers and duties of the county officials are set by Townships. Marion County has nine state law, which is why the county auditor townships: Center, Decatur, Franklin, and sheriff have more limited powers in Lawrence, Perry, Pike, Warren, Washing- Marion County than in other counties.) ton, and Wayne. In each of the townships, Thus, though the Mayor is the county there is an elected Township Trustee, executive, Marion County government Township Constable, and a seven-member continues to exist as a separate entity. board that oversees the township budget. The Council is the legislative body, and other common functions between city and Schools. Marion County has eleven school county government, such as information districts which are separate from the “civil technology and human resources, are city” (i.e., the consolidated city of Unigov). shared to reduce costs. Each is a separate municipality with its own elected board. The school boards determine school budgets and policies within state law. With the exception of
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Executive Branch
The City: a central agency to contact for service requests, information, or complaints. Office of the Mayor Some of the reasons to call include weeds, The Mayor’s Office consists of the Mayor potholes, trash, abandoned vehicles, and the Mayor’s executive staff which malfunctioning traffic signals, and street includes a Chief of Staff and one or more maintenance. deputy mayors. The mayor appoints deputy mayors and, under state law, the City-County Council may create additional City Departments *Citizen-led oversight boards, commissions, deputy mayors and specify their authority. and committees are in italics. Therefore, deputy mayor numbers, titles, and functions change with each admin- istration. In recent years, deputy mayor Department of Code positions have related to neighborhoods, economic development, education, and Enforcement (DCE) The mission of the Department of Code international and cultural affairs, among Enforcement is to improve the quality of others. life in the City of Indianapolis through strategic application of civil code reg- The Mayor’s cabinet, made up of the Dep- ulation; effective licensing, permitting, uty Mayors, Mayor’s Office directors, and inspection, enforcement, and abatement city department directors, meets regularly practices; and local government oversight to discuss policy-making activity. of property use, safety, and maintenance of the business, event, professional, and Mayor’s Action Center. The Mayor’s construction industries. Action Center provides the public with
19 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Animal Care and Control Division. The rights-of-way. Animal Control Division is responsible for protecting the public from injuries, prop- Bureau of License and Permit Services. erty damage, and disease caused by stray The Bureau of License and Permit animals. The animal shelter located on Services provides licensure or registration Harding Street is managed and operated to construction contractors and regulated by this division. It also inspects businesses businesses. Through a comprehensive dealing with animals prior to their being application, the Bureau conducts project approved for a license by the Department and plan reviews for public and construc- of Code Enforcement. tion safety via enforcement of the appli- cable building code and ordinances in the Bureau of Administration and Financial City of Indianapolis. Services. The mission of the Bureau of Administration and Financial Services is Bureau of Logistical Services. The to manage the department’s financial and mission of the Bureau of Logistical Ser- administrative matters, always promoting vices is to provide the citizens of India- transparency and the overall financial napolis, Department of Code Enforcement, health of the department. and other city departments and agencies with the address, fleet, technology, doc- Board of Code Enforcement. The Director ument, office, and facility management of the Department of Code Enforcement required for safe, efficient, and effective chairs this five member board. Two mem- operations related to the department’s core bers are appointed by the Mayor and two function and mission. by the City-County Council for one-year terms. The board is the governing body of Bureau of Property Safety and the department. It reviews the department Maintenance. The Bureau of Property budget and approves all contracts. Public Safety and Maintenance provides respon- meetings are held monthly. sible government oversight and regulation of property maintenance, zoning, land use Bureau of Construction Services. The and development standards, regulated mission of the Bureau of Construction business licensed entities, and weighing Services is to provide government and measuring devices. oversight and regulation of the building construction industry, including both Contractor and Skilled Trade Boards. residential and commercial construction, These are boards that write policies and as well as all activities conducted in the regulations concerning contractor conduct public rights-of-way for safe and quality and requirements for securing building construction. permits. Those Boards are the Contrac- tors Board, Board of Electrical Examiners, Bureau of Environmental Services. The Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners, mission of the Bureau of Environmen- and the Board of Wrecking Examiners. tal Services is to assure environmental If there is some official business to come protection for Indianapolis residents and before a board, that board holds regular to provide government oversight and monthly meetings in city offices. Special regulation of air quality, soil control, illegal meetings may be called by the chair or any dumping, and forestry in the public three members of a board.
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Division of Administration, Logistics, ership opportunities, to supporting the Licenses, and Permits. The Division of growth of jobs and investment in commu- Administration, Logistics, Licenses, and nities throughout the city—the Depart- Permits provides strategic application of ment of Metropolitan Development (DMD) civil code regulation through oversight of works in partnership with other city business and construction industries, ur- departments to improve the city, ban forest practices, fiscal and administra- neighborhood by neighborhood. tive services for the Department of Code Enforcement, and other city departments Metropolitan Development Commission. and agencies. The Metropolitan Development Com- mission is the policy-making body of the Division of Inspections. The Division of DMD that adopts the Comprehensive Plan Inspections provides strategic application of Marion County. This plan is used by the of civil code regulation through inspec- commission and other units of govern- tion, enforcement, and abatement services ment as a guide for orderly growth. The related to property use/safety and mainte- commission controls the establishment of nance, the building construction industry, redevelopment areas, manages tax incre- and environmental concerns. ment finance (TIF) districts, and acquires and sells property in such areas in order to License Review Board of Indianapolis carry out a redevelopment plan. The com- and Marion County. In all instances mission has nine appointed members who where the Code provides that a decision of serve one-year terms. Five are appointed the license administrator or other official by the Mayor and four by the City-County may be appealed to the Board of Code En- Council. forcement, the board acts by and through a committee. At its first meeting each calen- Division of Community & Economic dar year, the Board of Code Enforcement Development. The Department of Metro- elects three of its members, not including politan Development takes a multi-dimen- the chair of the board, as a committee for sional approach to enhancing Indianapolis’ the purpose of hearing such appeals, and Community Economic Development by elects one of the committee members to empowering each key component as its serve as the chairperson. The actions of own division, resulting in three focus that committee, with respect to an appeal teams: Community Development, Eco- of a decision of the license administrator nomic Incentives, and Redevelopment. or other official, is final for the entire Board With guidance and oversight from the of Code Enforcement without any further department’s Administrative staff, each action, review, or approval by the board. section works to promote economic de- The person or entity appealing may submit velopment in Indianapolis by leveraging evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and be public and private resources to aid in the represented by counsel. increase of affordable housing, job creation and retention, and the implementation of commercial, industrial, and retail Department of Metropolitan developments. Development (DMD) From planning for the City of Indianapolis’ future, to creating affordable homeown-
21 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Community Development Section by serving as strategic planning resources Community Development administers for city government and neighborhoods. community development grant programs awarded each year by the Current Planning Section U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Current Planning supports the Development (HUD). The section works Metropolitan Development to create community partnerships and Commission (MDC), and the provides funding to support initiatives Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals focused on affordable housing, (BZA) by evaluating, administering neighborhood revitalization, homeless and providing professional planning assistance, youth activities and recommendations for all land supportive services while helping project development petitions filed. This sponsors remain in compliance with section also updates and maintains HUD regulations. all zoning ordinances.
economic Incentives Section Long Range Planning Section Economic Incentives assists with the The Long Range Planning Section is implementation of commercial, responsible for Marion County’s industrial and retail development Comprehensive Plan, which is used projects that create a variety of job by the Metropolitan Development opportunities, increase the tax base, and Commission and other units of aid neighborhood projects that revitalize government as a guide for communities. development, and serves as the basis for zoning decisions within the redevelopment Section county. This section coordinates Redevelopment leverages staff expertise, partners and stakeholders while funding, and other resources to serving as the catalyst in planning transform unused and under-used activities related to land use, properties in Indianapolis into assets transportation, parks, resiliency, for the economy and the community. and neighborhood housing. The section targets brownfields, vacant and abandoned housing, and urban Metropolitan Planning Organization. blight. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a regional body Division of Planning. The Department housed within the City of Indianapolis. of Metropolitan Development approaches The MPO is responsible for regional long city planning with two lenses; one lens is range transportation planning according focused on where Indianapolis currently to federal regulations. The transporta- is, in cooperation with the Current Plan- tion planning function is governed by ning Section, and the other is focused on the Indianapolis Regional Transportation where Indianapolis will be in the future, Council (IRTC) Policy Committee, which is with the Long Range Planning Section. comprised of the elected and appointed of- With guidance and oversight from the ficials in central Indiana. Key functions of department’s Administrative staff, each the MPO include the development of their division works to strengthen the people eight-county (including Marion County) and places of Indianapolis-Marion County planning area’s Long Range Transportation
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Plan and the development and mainte- Lawrence and Speedway, which have their nance of the Indianapolis Regional Trans- own zoning appeals boards of five mem- portation Improvement Program, which bers each. The Board is authorized to allow documents how all federal transportation or deny a variance pertaining to develop- planning funds will be expended in ment standards and use restrictions under Central Indiana over a four-year period. various specific conditions. It also hears and decides on special exceptions to a Indianapolis Historic Preservation zoning ordinance; these are administrative Commission. In 1967, the Indiana State decisions and do not involve a change in Legislature established and empowered the zoning law. the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) to preserve the char- Metropolitan Plat Committee. The acter and fabric of historically significant Metropolitan Plat Committee has five areas and structures for all present and fu- members appointed by the Metropolitan ture citizens of Marion County. The IHPC Development Commission for one-year accomplishes this task by protecting areas terms. An individual must be a member through local designation and through of the Metropolitan Development Com- providing technical assistance on the mission to be appointed to this committee. restoration and rehabilitation of historic The Plat Committee approves all subdivi- structures or areas. sion plats in Marion County and controls all vacations of streets, alleys, easements, The IHPC is a nine-member board ap- and plats. pointed by the executive and legislative body of the consolidated city, with design Department of Parks and zoning review jurisdiction in the local- ly designated historic districts and conser- and Recreation vation districts. Since 1976, the IHPC has The Department of Parks and Recreation had a professional staff that functions as a provides recreational programming and division of the Department of Metropoli- facilities throughout Marion County and tan Development of the City of Indianap- enforces all provisions of city ordinances olis. The IHPC provides design and zoning and state statutes regarding public park review and approval for locally designated lands and facilities use. historic districts, conservation areas, and individually designated properties. Administration Division. The division provides management and support to the Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals. department, including human resources, The Board of Zoning Appeals hears re- staff development, grant coordination, quests for variances in the zoning laws. information systems, marketing and It is made up of three divisions with five communications, community relations, members each, who are appointed for a finance, partnership development, and one-year term. Two are appointed by the volunteer services. Mayor, two by the City-County Council, and one by the Department of Metropol- Board of Parks and Recreation. The itan Development. All three boards have Director of the Department of Parks and county-wide jurisdiction, not including the Recreation chairs this five member board. excluded municipalities of Beech Grove, Two members are appointed by the Mayor
23 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government and two by the City-County Council for County and is primarily responsible for one-year terms. The board is the govern- maintaining order and protecting individ- ing body of the department. It reviews the uals’ lives and property. It is charged with department budget and approves all con- crime prevention and detection and the tracts. Public meetings are held monthly at capture of offenders. the City-County Building. (On occasion, by the decision of the director, these meetings The department includes the Office of the are held at one of the Indy Parks facilities.) Chief and the Divisions of Administration, Investigations, and Patrol. The IMPD’s Community Recreation. The division merit system and appointments are super- manages and operates programs and ser- vised by the Police Merit Board. vices at city parks and recreation facilities. Division staff organizes a wide range of of- Office of the Chief. Includes executive ferings in sports, arts, play, social, environ- leadership and their staff to guide the mental, and self-improvement activities. affairs of the IMPD.
Resource Development Division. The Administration Division. This is a Resource Development Division guides support division responsible for human the direction of the department through resources, training, finance, procurement, strategic planning of parks, greenways, and policy. and golf development. The division also administers the Capital Improvement Pro- Investigations Division. This is a support gram and assesses park assets, infrastruc- division for crimes against persons ture needs, and project development while (murder, rape, and assault) investigations. overseeing construction activities. This Division, along with Park Maintenance, is Patrol Division. This division coordinates now incorporated within the Department the patrol units within the six geographic of Public Works. districts as well as the activities of com- munity engagement officers and property Indianapolis Marion County crime investigators. This division also guides the Bureau of Homeland Security. Police Department Until 2016, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Bureau of Homeland Security. This Police Department (IMPD) was a division bureau is responsible for the response of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). to and mitigation of critical incidents At that time, The City-County Council occurring in the city. It maintains a voted to eliminate the Department of mobile command center and coordinates Public Safety and to re-organize it by 2017 staffing for major emergencies and into the Office of Public Safety and Health. events. The Bureau of Homeland IMPD was elevated to its own indepen- Security operates in consultation with dent city department with the police chief the Office of Public Health and Safety reporting directly to the mayor. and contains three branches: Tactical, Comprised of approximately 1,640 sworn Traffic Enforcement, and Traffic officers and 200 civilian employees, the Investigations. The Tactical branch Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Depart- manages and deploys many of the ment provides police services to Marion IMPD’s specialty units such as the
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SWAT and bomb squads. The Traffic serves as an ex-officio member with no Enforcement and Traffic Investigations vote. The board administers the merit branches encompass traffic safety grant system of the Indianapolis Police Depart- management, the reserve unit, and ment and supervises all appointments to crash investigations among other the force. responsibilities. Emergency Management—which is responsible Indianapolis Fire for implementing the city emergency management and hazard mitigation Department plans as well as maintaining the county The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) warning siren system— is also managed had been a division of the Department of by Homeland Security. Public Safety (DPS) until 2016. Like IMPD, IFD was elevated to its own independent Community Engagement Unit (CEU). city department with the fire chief report- CEU is responsible for establishing and ing directly to the mayor in 2016. maintaining community partnerships to address crime and quality of life The Indianapolis Fire Department serves issues in Indianapolis’s neighborhoods. the entire city, either as the primary emer- The CEU focuses on youth and gency response agency, or by providing community issues not fully addressed automatic and mutual aid to the excluded through routine police patrol and cities of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Speed- criminal investigations. way and to Decatur, Pike, and Wayne townships. The fire district encompasses the Neighborhood Office Outreach approximately 278 square miles and is (NOO). This office is responsible for divided into seven geographic battalions proactively establishing and (districts) with 44 fire stations. (IFD “dual maintaining community partnerships staffs” a 45th worksite with the City of to address neighborhood quality of Lawrence Fire Department.) life issues. NOO is made up of Youth Services Unit, Community Outreach The Office of the Chief includes Media Unit, Behavioral Health Unit, and Relations, Chief Financial Officer, Indiana Reentry Management Unit (inPAcT). Task Force One, and Chaplain Services. NOO’s community work also addresses The department is divided into four (4) immigrant outreach and language functional bureaus: Operations, Adminis- services. tration, Logistics, and Technical Services. The Operations Bureau includes Shift Police Merit Board. The Police Merit Commanders, Battalion Chiefs, Safety Of- Board has seven members. No member ficers, Special Operations, and Emergency may hold another elective or appointive Medical Services. The Administration government office or be a member of the Bureau includes Personnel, Scheduling, Indianapolis Police Department. When Training, Pension, Planning, and the possible, the members include a pro- Performance and Compliance Section. fessional educator, a business or police The Logistical Bureau has responsibil- administrator or criminologist, a personnel ity for Support Services, Air Program administrator, a physician or psychia- Management, Fleet Services, Facilities, trist, and an attorney. The Chief of Police and Quartermaster. Technical Services
25 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government includes Fire Investigations, Recruitment, Department of Public Communications, Emergency Manage- ment, Fire Marshal, Code Enforcement, Works (DPW) Plan Review, and Public Education. The Division of Policy and Planning provides all the administrative functions The IFD offers more than fire protection. of the Department of Public Works. These The department provides first-response include Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Emergency Medical Service (basic and Accounting, Legislative Liaison, Amer- advanced), fire safety education programs, icans with Disabilities Act compliance, fire prevention programs, dive rescue, top Public Information, and Administration. water rescue, hazardous materials re- As an outgrowth of the Strategic Planning sponse, vehicle and machine extrication, Section, the Office of Sustainability was rope rescue, and several other technical established in 2008. rescue disciplines. The Office of Sustainability has strong Fire prevention programs, such as the ties to the City’s environmental agen- “in home” inspection/smoke alarm initia- da. The charge of SustainIndy includes tive, are also integral to IFD’s role in the public-private coordination of environ- community. On request, fire fighters will mentally responsible actions that influence inspect homes in their battalion, install community awareness, economic develop- 10-year smoke alarms, if needed, and ment, and quality of life in Indianapolis for advise occupants of hazards found. today and in the future. The mission of the Quarterly open houses at neighborhood City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainabil- fire stations, Safe Place/Safe House ity is to use best practices to create lasting programs, escape plans, prescription drug environmental, economic, and community take back locations, mobile food panties, vitality—enhancing our quality of life in and other community-based projects are the present and protecting the quality of additional ways IFD serves the life for future Indianapolis residents. To community. achieve this, the Office of Sustainability coordinates and collaborates on neighbor- Fire Merit Board. The Fire Merit Board hood goals and establishes public-private is composed of six members; four ap- partnership opportunities to build the pointed by the director and two by active vision of a more sustainable city. members of the IFD, for two-year terms. Members are residents of the Fire Special The Fleet Services Division is responsi- Service District and cannot be members of ble for procuring, managing, maintaining, the Indianapolis Fire Department or hold fueling, administering, and selling vehicles another elective or appointive government owned, leased, and operated by various office. The Fire Merit Board administers departments and agencies of the city. the merit system and supervises appoint- ments to the Fire Department. The Division of Engineering includes the office of Systems Planning, Project Development, and Construction Services. This division assesses infrastructure needs within the city, develops projects, and carries out the construction.
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The Division of Operations, and its neighborhood drainage, levees, various sections, maintains the and dams. infrastructure, including solid waste collection, snow removal, pothole the Park Maintenance Section, is patching, operation and maintenance responsible for providing stewardship of traffic signals, and other services. of natural resources areas, managing and executing maintenance plans for solid Waste Management Section parks assets, coordinating park collects and disposes of trash in five beautification and land improvement solid waste districts and outsources services, and installing and maintaining two additional districts to athletic fields. This section also includes companies—Waste Management Forestry. (1 district) and Republic (6 districts). The waste is taken to the mass burn Board of Public Works. The Board of facility for incineration and generation Public Works consists of seven members, of steam. The steam is sold to three appointed by the Mayor, three by the customers who need to heat and cool City-County Council, and the Director of buildings downtown. This section also the Department of Public Works serves as collects heavy trash, retrieve dead the board chairperson. The board meets animals from streets, investigates illegal twice monthly and reviews the department dumping, and provides fall leaf budget, approves contracts and bids, and collection services. It manages the holds any hearings required by law. Tox-Drop program, providing locations for residents to discard City Offices materials not accepted as solid waste, such as paint thinners, fertilizer, and (aka, Mayor’s Office) *Citizen-led oversight boards, commissions, aerosol cans. and committees are in italics.
maintenance Operations Section provides crews responsible for Office of Audit & day-to-day maintenance, snow removal, Performance pothole patching, operation and This office, which is a successor to the maintenance of traffic signals, and City-County Internal Audit Agency, must maintenance of levees, alleys, and audit the internal operations of city and bridges. Other services include county government and measure and im- graffiti removal, planning for special prove the performance of city and county events, demolition, and grass and weed government. The office uses Six Sigma and control within the right-of-way. A other process improvement techniques “rapid response” team deals with to streamline city-county operations and problems on streets, with traffic, create efficiencies. or in other areas.
the Stormwater Management Section Office of Corporation administers the contract and oversees Counsel (OCC) maintenance and operation of the city’s The Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC or stormwater system, which includes “city legal”) provides attorneys and support
27 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government staff for legal services to the Mayor, the directors and their direct reports, any city departments, the county agencies, the employee whose employment is subject to city and county boards and commissions, the approval of the City-County Council, the City-County Council, and the courts. any employee designated by the OCC as The OCC is comprised of three sections: having “final purchasing authority,” and all City Prosecutor, Counseling, and Litiga- employees of the purchasing division of tion. the Office of Finance and Management.
City Prosecutor. This division is re- Office of Education sponsible for the effective prosecution of violations of the civil code. (The County Innovation Prosecutor prosecutes violations of the The Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of criminal code.) Such violations include Education Innovation (OEI) works to animal care and control violations and hold mayor-sponsored charter schools zoning violations. accountable. (As of this 2016 publication date, there are 41 public charter schools Counseling. The Counseling division serving 14,000 students.) Not only does provides legal advice to city and county of- OEI monitor public charter schools, but ficials, agencies, departments, boards, and it collaborates with the private, public commissions. It assists with public record and philanthropic sectors to lead multiple requests, contract negotiation, and more. education initiatives seeking to ensure that every child in Indianapolis has access to a Public Access Counselor. The Public Ac- high quality education. cess Counselor is responsible for ensuring that the public access laws of Indiana—the Indianapolis Charter School Board. This Access to Public Records Act and Open board has the authority to grant or reject Door Law—are followed by city-county charter applications submitted to the May- government. The Public Access Counselor or of Indianapolis. The board consists of assists citizens when their access to public nine members, six of whom are appointed records or meetings is wrongfully denied by the Mayor and three by the President of and advises and educates city-county the City-County Council. Board members officials in their duties under public access serve four year renewable terms. laws. Office of Finance & Litigation. This division defends city and county officials, agencies, departments, Management (OFM) boards, and commissioners in court cases. (Controller’s Office) The Office of Finance & Management The OCC trains all new and existing provides internal services to the operating appointees and employees on the Ethics agencies of city and county government Code, Open Door Law, and Public Records and carries out the general administrative Act. It also maintains yearly-filed Econom- functions of the city. ic Statements of Interest on county-elected officials and their direct reports, appoin- Human Resources. The Human Resource tees to city-county boards and commis- Division is responsible for the recruiting, sions, city or county agency/department employee training and development, bene-
28 UNIGOV HANDBOOK fits, and workers compensation for the city opportunities for the minority-, women-, and county. It also develops safety policies veteran-, and disability-owned business and procedures, conducts Occupational enterprises it has certified. This office’s Safety and Health compliance inspections, primary goals are to promote meaningful monitors tort claims, and investigates business opportunities, build produc- claims of discrimination and harassment. tive partnerships, and create successful integration of certified minority-, women-, Purchasing Division. The Purchasing veteran-, and disability-owned business Division is a separate division of the Office enterprises within the business infrastruc- of Finance and Management. It is respon- ture of the City of Indianapolis. This office sible for procurement of goods, services, also monitors contract compliance and bid public works construction, and the dispos- evaluations to ensure good faith efforts are al of fixed assets. made to meet the utilization goals in place for all city, county, and municipal agen- Budget Division. The Budget Division cies. The Office of Equal Opportunity is prepares, manages, and monitors the city also housed in this office. and county’s annual operating and capital budget. In addition, it prepares monthly Office of Equal Opportunity. This office budget reports, works with agency and The and its board are empowered to carry department CFO’s on budget issues and out the public policy of the State, as stated reviews and prepares fiscal ordinances for in the Indiana Civil Rights Law and the the annual budget. Indiana Fair Housing Law, within the territorial boundaries of Marion County, Accounting Division. The Accounting and the public policy of the City of Indi- Division is responsible for compiling and anapolis as stated in the Human Rights issuing the city and county annual com- Ordinance. It receives, investigates, and prehensive annual financial report (CAFR), adjudicates community complaints with along with management of accounting respect to any discriminatory practice policies and practices throughout city and occurring within the territorial boundaries county government. of Marion County and which relates to (1) acquisition of real estate; (2) employment; Collections Division. The Collections (3) education; or (4) public accommoda- Division is responsible for managing the tions. city and county’s outstanding accounts receivable program. The Division works Office of Public Health with third party entities to engage those individuals that owe money to the city or and Safety (PHS) county to make payments and reduce out- Newly created in 2016 with full imple- standing amount of accounts receivable. mentation to occur in 2017, the Office of Public Health and Safety (PHS) is meant to provide a holistic approach to crime Office of Minority & Women prevention and mental health while also Business Development streamlining the bureaucracy in these This office strives to enhance the City’s areas. (Creation of this office followed the growth and economic stability through the elimination of the Department of Public promotion of contracting and procurement Safety and the elevation of Police and Fire
29 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government to their own city departments reporting Re-Entry Services is to develop collabo- directly to the Mayor.) The Office of Public rative partnerships among government, Health and Safety will oversee Public businesses, faith-based organizations, and Safety Communications, Indianapolis community members to leverage resources Emergency Medical Services, and to decrease recidivism among ex-offend- Re-Entry services. The office plans to ers. The Mayor’s Re-entry Program does open the Albert G. and Sara I. Reuben not conduct direct services; however, it Engagement Center for the city’s homeless utilizes all resources available to assist in adults by the end of 2016. the process and shape policy.
Division of Public Safety Albert G. and Sara I. Reuben Engagement Communications. This division is respon- Center. The Center will provide shelter, sible for operating the emergency commu- medical detox, case management, mental nication systems and computer facilities health evaluations and housing referrals to for all participating public safety agencies chronically homeless, substance-addicted, in Marion County. This division receives mentally ill individuals. The engagement and reviews with comment and recom- center will provide a safe place for home- mendation all reports, requests, and doc- less individuals who are experiencing drug uments on public safety communications or alcohol intoxication to be diverted from operations in Marion County and coordi- jail, or an emergency room, and who are nates with participating governments and unable to gain access to emergency shelter agencies all activities necessary to ensure options due to active substance abuse. The compatibility of the public safety commu- center will provide a safe place for medical nications systems and computer facilities. detoxification to occur and an opportunity to engage in community resources and Indianapolis Emergency Medical services aimed at recovery and permanent Services Division. This division is respon- housing. The Engagement Center will work sible for providing transport emergency closely to enhance successful transition medical services throughout the fire to permanent supportive housing and special service district, and in those areas placement into treatment and long-term in which the Indianapolis fire department rehabilitation when individuals are ready has contracted to provide transport emer- for this step. gency medical services. IEMS is adminis- tered by a chief who is nominated by the Indiana University School of Medicine, The County approved by the Health and Hospital Cor- *Citizen-led oversight boards, commissions, poration of Marion County, and formally and committees are in italics. appointed by the Director of Public Safety. The IEMS chief is a physician, board-cer- The state constitution establishes eight tified in emergency medicine and fel- elected county officers: Auditor, Clerk of lowship-trained in emergency medical the Circuit Court, Coroner, Prosecutor, services, and an employee and faculty Sheriff, Surveyor, Recorder, and Treasurer. member of Indiana University School of In addition to these, state law provides for Medicine. an elected County Assessor. Each county official is elected to a four year term. There Re-Entry Services. The mission of are no term limits for the Prosecutor,
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Assessor, or Surveyor. tributes funds to the local units of govern- ment for which the funds were collected. Assessor. Under the jurisdiction of the By August first of each year, the Auditor Department of Local Government Finance, provides estimates of the assessed valua- the County Assessor’s duties include the tion of each unit of government in order to assessment of real and personal property prepare the taxing budget for the new year, for taxation. Assessments fall under three as well as the county operating budget. categories: real estate, business personal property, and personal property. Personal The Auditor serves as a County Com- property includes vehicles not subject to missioner and as ex-officio secretary of excise tax, as well as trailers, campers, several county boards as well as approving snowmobiles, and boats not subject to ex- and issuing warrants for monies expended cise tax. The Assessor certifies the various by all city and county entities. Before they assessed property values for the prepa- are recorded, all property transfers are ration of tax bills. The Assessor answers entered for taxation in the Auditor’s office. questions regarding ownership, descrip- The Auditor coordinates with the Treasur- tion and value of property, deeds, and er in conducting the annual tax sale of real transfer of ownership. The Assessor also estate disposed for delinquent taxes. The serves as Secretary to the Property Tax Auditor also handles homestead, mort- Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA). gage, disability, and veteran exemptions, The PTABOA decides real estate and per- exemptions for property owners over sonal property tax appeals. The Assessor sixty-five years of age, and sales disclosure calculates inheritance taxes that are due forms, as well as the real estate property and processes applications for property tax abatement program. tax exemptions. Along with the Auditor and Treasurer, the Assessor is one of three Clerk of the Circuit Court (County Clerk). County Commissioners. This is a constitutional office that serves a dual role as state election law administra- Auditor. In Marion County, the Auditor is tor and administrator to the judiciary. By responsible for (i) accounting; (ii) payroll, statute, the General Assembly has assigned accounts payable, and accounts receivable; responsibility for many of the admin- (iii) revenue and tax distributions; and istrative functions of the County Clerk. (iv) maintenance of property records for The following is a brief description of the both the city and county. The powers and functions of the County Clerk. duties related to the fixing and reviewing of budgets, tax rates, and tax levies for the election Related Functions: Elections county are performed by the City Con- are fundamental to our democracy and troller, who is the chief financial officer of the responsibility of making sure both the city and county. elections run smoothly is given to the County Clerks. County Clerks The Auditor is responsible for keeping administer Indiana’s election laws in all ledgers and records affecting city and a nonpartisan manner by making sure county funds, as well as for ensuring that all polling sites meet state and federal such funds are received and disbursed guidelines and that election workers are according to the law. Upon receipt of taxes trained. The Clerk also receives collected by the Treasurer, the Auditor dis- candidacy fillings from persons seeking
31 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government certain elective public offices and issues the deceased. If the Sheriff is absent or certificates of election to successful disqualified from serving, the Coroner local candidates (except in the cases performs the Sheriff’s duties. of constitutional officers, who receive their commissions from the Governor). Prosecutor. The Prosecutor is an office The Clerk serves as an ex-officio mandated by the Indiana Constitution. The member and secretary of the County Prosecutor is the senior enforcement offi- Election Board and as a member and cer in the county and is elected for a four clerk of the County Board of Canvassers. year term. Representing the 19th Judicial Circuit, the Marion County Prosecutor Judicial Related Functions: Access to levies lawsuits against those who violate the courts often begins in the County state criminal and traffic laws within Clerks’ office. The Clerk maintains all county boundaries. The Prosecutor’s records of pleadings, motions, papers, Office has 11 divisions. evidence, and court rulings of the court. The Clerk also issues summonses and Child Support Division. Responsible subpoenas to witnesses ordering them to for the enforcement and collection of appear in court. The Clerk issues and re- court orders issued by Marion County cords marriage licenses, maintains oaths Superior and Circuit Courts for child of offices, assigns election duties, and support. Also, responsible for collection keeps a record of all judgments, orders, of child support orders issued by other and decrees of the court. The Clerk also states’ courts issued to Marion County must certify and attest to complete tran- residents. scripts of court proceedings involving title to property, the imposition of prison major Case Division. Handles major sentences and in all court cases where felony cases, including homicides, in the a complete court record is required. The six major felony courts of Marion Coun- Clerk collects court costs, fines, and ty. Felonies are the most serious criminal money judgments levied by the court. In violations and carry the most severe the case of a money judgment, the Clerk terms of incarceration. Each of these pays the money to the person or entity courts is assigned a Victim Advocate entitled to the judgment. In recent who has the responsibility of communi- years, the collection of child support cating information and support through- has become a major responsibility of the out the judicial process and of connect- Clerk’s office. ing victims with recovery resources.
Coroner. The Coroner investigates all sus- strategic Prosecution Unit. Formed in picious deaths, including homicides, sui- 2015, this unit is responsible for making cides, accidents, child, and infant deaths. criminal charging determinations on Assisted by the police and various labora- homicides, driving offenses resulting in tories, the Coroner attempts to determine deaths, child deaths, attempted murders the cause of death. After investigation, the and aggravated assaults. Crime data an- Coroner completes a verdict and makes it alysts assist in the strategic prosecution available upon request. The Coroner deals of offenders across all divisions. directly with families, giving information and taking care of the personal effects of special Victims Unit. This unit is
32 UNIGOV HANDBOOK comprised of Deputy Prosecutors who through the Criminal Charging Division, specialize in sex crimes, child abuse, evidence may be presented to a Grand and domestic violence. They also handle Jury composed of six Marion County the prosecution of human trafficking. citizens to determine whether criminal Additionally, deputy prosecutors are charges will be filed by way of an indict- located at the Julian Center to facilitate ment. onsite assistance for victims of domestic violence and investigation of potential Juvenile Division. Files and prosecutes criminal charges. The Prosecutor’s Office charges against children 17 years of manages the Marion County Child age and younger. Exceptions for more Advocacy Center where a child who may serious crimes are handled by the adult have been victimized or witnessed a vi- courts. This division processes all cases olent crime can be interviewed by highly from truancy to armed robbery. trained child interviewers in a private, child-friendly environment. Deputy Level 6 Felony Division. Handles the prosecutors, Indianapolis Metropolitan prosecution of all misdemeanor Level Police Department (IMPD) Child Abuse 6 felony criminal cases. Typical cases Detectives, Department of Child Ser- include driving while intoxicated, theft, vices (DCS) investigators and casework- shoplifting, battery, and prostitution, ers all collaborate under one roof at the vandalism, moving traffic violations and Child Advocacy Center to coordinate a trespassing. This division handles more unified response to child abuse reports. criminal cases than all other divisions combined. strike Team. This division is respon- sible for three areas of crime—drugs, Criminal Charging Division. Police guns and gangs. Most criminal activity agencies present cases to this division is rooted in one of these core areas of for review. Deputy prosecutors deter- crime and vigorous prosecution is essen- mine what charges are to be brought tial to the safety of the community. The and what additional investigation is Strike Team partners with various police necessary. The Prosecutor has complete teams to assist in investigations, arrests, discretion to file charges or not, as well charging decisions, and, ultimately, pre- as to determine which charges are to be sentation of the case to the court. filed.
Grand Jury Division. For most cases the Community Prosecution Division. Prosecutor depends upon the various Community prosecutors are assigned to police agencies to investigate criminal the various police districts and special activity. However, for cases involving areas like the Indianapolis Housing white collar crime, public corruption, Agency. These prosecutors work closely tax evasion and other longer-term with district commanders and detec- investigations, the Prosecutor has a staff tives to develop strategies to protect of investigators employed by various and defend the communities served by police agencies and deputy prosecutors the individual police districts. Commu- dedicated to the collection of evidence nity prosecutors engage in community and prosecution of these cases. As an outreach programs to bring the criminal alternative to sending an investigation justice system and crime prevention
33 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government programming to as many Marion of civil process and collection of taxes County residents as possible. under tax warrants; and (v) sex and violent offender registration. special Assignments Division. This division has various areas of interest A sheriff’s deputy is authorized to issue to the Prosecutor. Currently there is a tickets or to make an arrest anywhere in forfeiture unit that seizes property used the county. Their duties include keeping in criminal enterprises, a prosecutor the peace, apprehending law violators, training unit that offers in-service train- keeping order in the courts, enforcing elec- ing to deputy prosecutors, a post-con- tion laws, and maintaining the county jail viction unit that responds to requests for and its prisoners. The Sheriff also serves sentence modifications after a person all orders as directed by the courts, serves is convicted of a crime and requests all legal processes of the County Election for sealing and expungement of arrest Board, and collects delinquent taxes. An and conviction records, and a check arrested person is taken to the Arrestee deception unit that prosecutes cases of Processing Center for identification and insufficient funds checks. determination of bond. The family of an arrested person may obtain information Marion County Public Defender Agen- about court appearances and bail from cy. The U.S. and Indiana Constitutions the Sheriff’s Department. mandate that indigent persons charged with criminal offenses shall be provided Surveyor. The Surveyor has responsi- effective representation of trial and appel- bility for measuring and establishing the late counsel at public expense. The agency boundaries of county land and for keep- staffs all major felony courts, D felony ing county survey records. The Surveyor courts, misdemeanor courts, Title IV D determines all section corners and verifies court, juvenile courts, termination of pa- and maintains corner markers. This work rental rights/children in need of services is the basis of all land descriptions and cases, and all criminal appeals. locations in the county. The Surveyor is the most authoritative expert witness in Recorder. The chief function of the Coun- survey related matters. The Surveyor’s Of- ty Recorder is to preserve public records fice is able to supply plans, public domain such as deeds, mortgages, liens, articles of locations, and right-of-way and other tech- incorporation, military service discharges, nical information for the benefit of anyone and assumed business names. All records who has need of it, including individuals pertinent to ownership of real estate must and developers. be recorded in order to establish and guar- antee title. Treasurer. The Treasurer’s duties are to bill, collect, account for, and distribute all Sheriff. The Sheriff’s law enforcement collected property taxes, and to manage deputies were consolidated into IMPD in and invest the county’s funds. The Trea- 2007. In Marion County, therefore, the surer also provides financial analysis relat- Sheriff is responsible for (i) county jail ed to these functions, and is a member of operations and facilities; (ii) emergency the Board of County Commissioners. This communications; (iii) security for city and official works to solve tax-bill problems county buildings and property; (iv) service brought forward by citizens, and collabo-
34 UNIGOV HANDBOOK rates as needed with other offices, such contact the MCEB at (317) 327-5100 or visit as the Auditor. the Election Board website at indy.gov/ election.
County Boards, Offices, State of Indiana Division of Family and Agencies Resources. Marion County once had a Board of County Commissioners. The Department of Public Welfare which later Board of County Commissioners is com- changed to the County Office of Family posed of the Assessor, Auditor, and Trea- and Children. The county is now served by surer. It makes appointments to certain a local office of the State of Indiana Divi- municipal corporation boards. The board sion of Family Resources (DFR). The DFR meets once a month. is responsible for establishing eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assis- Board of Voter Registration. Consisting tance Program (SNAP—food assistance), of two members, one from each major and Temporary Assistance for Needy Fam- political party, this board supervises the ilies (TANF—cash assistance) benefits. It registration of Marion County voters. It manages the timely and accurate delivery keeps a permanent record of registered of SNAP and TANF benefits and provides voters, which is public information. Voters employment and training services to some may be registered at the Board of Voter SNAP and TANF recipients. Registration Office during open registra- tion periods. Citizens may also register Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic in-person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Services Agency. The Forensic Services (BMV), online at indianapolisvoters.com, Agency provides criminal forensic services or obtain a paper (mail-in) form at the from its scientific laboratory for agen- public library. cies, departments, and divisions of local government. The agency is governed by County Election Board. The Marion a five-member board, which includes the County Election Board (MCEB) has three Coroner, the Sheriff, the Chief of the In- members—the County Clerk and two dianapolis Police Department, one person members, one from each major political (who must have professional experience in party, appointed by the Clerk. Charged forensics or a related discipline) appointed with the responsibility for conducting all by the Mayor, and one by the City-County elections and administering election laws Council. The County Auditor serves as an in the county, the board takes care of the ex-officio member of the board. The board voting machines, prints and distributes the sets policy, fixes rates, and recommends ballots, and appoints and trains precinct to the Mayor a director for the agency. The election officials. The board receives and director oversees the daily operation of the maintains files of candidates’ campaign agency and supervises personnel. financial reports. It interprets and clari- fies election laws for the Board of Voter Information Services Agency. The In- Registration and handles any question formation Services Agency (ISA) provides of a candidate’s legal qualifications for a computer and technology services to city county or township office. Voters wishing and county government and is headed by to learn about in-person early voting and/ the Chief Information Officer (CIO). or absentee-by-mail voting options should
35 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Marion County Information Services), and Indianapolis Emergency Technology Board. The Board hires the Medical Services. Its executive division CIO, sets policies for the agency, and provides fiscal and legal administra- oversees technology expenditures. The tion support for the corporation. HHC’s Board is made of up of the following: annual budget must be approved by the two technology professionals, one ap- City-County Council and Mayor. pointed by the Mayor and one appoint- ed by the Council; the Assessor; three A seven-member Board of Trustees, each of the other four county constitutional appointed to a four-year term by the officeholders; a representative for the Mayor (3), City-County Council (2), and Marion Superior Court appointed by the the County Commissioners (2) has the presiding judges; and two City employ- power to enact legislation and enforce the ees appointed by the Mayor. provisions of the legislation it enacts, in addition to its executive agency powers. Municipal Corporations Legislation enacted is in the general areas of environmental regulation, communica- ble disease regulation, and corporate and administrative matters.
marion County Public Health Department (MCPH). MCPH deals with both traditional health problems (infectious diseases, reducing infant mortality, and improving immuni- zations) and environmental health regulations (illegal dumping, hazardous materials response and reporting, and Capital Improvement Board (CIB). The CIB’s responsibility has been the operation rodent control). It issues birth certificates of the Indiana Convention Center and and death certificates, which may be Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as the owner- obtained at 3838 N. Rural Street. ship of Victory Field, Conseco Fieldhouse, and complimentary downtown properties. eskenazi Health. Eskenazi Health Funding comes from hotel/motel taxes provides the public hospital service for collected by the state, state cigarette taxes the county. Eskenazi Health’s national- allocated to the county, a one percent food ly recognized programs include a level and beverage tax, and rentals and other I trauma center, regional burn center, receipts paid for the use of the facilities. comprehensive senior care program, Their nine member board meets once a women’s and children’s services, teen month. The CIB’s annual budget must be and adolescent care programs, Midtown approved by the City-County Council and Community Mental Health Center, and Mayor. a network of primary care sites locat- ed throughout the neighborhoods of Indianapolis. Eskenazi Health partners Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC). This municipal corporation operates the with the Indiana University School of Marion County Public Health Department, Medicine whose physicians provide a Eskenazi Health (formerly Wishard Health comprehensive range of primary and
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specialty care services. In 2009, all Building Authority properties, including Marion County voters approved (with the City-County Building and grounds. 85% support) construction of a new hospital. The organization, then known Indianapolis-Marion County Public as Wishard, received a $40 million gift Library, known as IndyPL. A large Central from Indianapolis’s Sidney and Lois Library downtown and its 23 branches Eskenazi, in honor of whom HHC serve the entire County except the City of named the new hospital and health Speedway. In addition, Frog and Toad, two system upon completion in December full-service mobile units provide a regular 2013. schedule of outreach. The libraries offer online digital services through its website Indianapolis Airport Authority. The (indypl.org). The collections offer more Indianapolis Airport Authority is a mu- than 1.7 million physical items as well as nicipal corporation that was created to 200,000 eBooks, audiobooks, and online develop, administer and operate an air publications. Services include traditional transportation system for Marion County reference as well as “Text a Librarian,” and and Central Indiana. The Airport Authority high speed internet access at all locations, Board, consisting of nine voting members, including the mobile units. A library card is each appointed to a four-year term by free to all residents and property owners of the Mayor (5), the majority leader of the Marion County (except Speedway) as well City-County Council (1), and the County as to students of Marion County schools. Commissioners of Hancock (1), Hamilton (1), and Hendricks (1), and one non-voting The seven-member Library Board is the advisory member from Morgan County, governing body of the agency. Members has executive and legislative powers to are appointed by the City-County Council make policy and oversees the operations (2), County Commissioners (3), and the In- of not only the Indianapolis International dianapolis Board of School Commissioners Airport, but also the Downtown Heliport (2) to terms of four years each. This board and four smaller airports in Central Indiana. may issue bonds and levy taxes with ap- proval from the City-County Council and Indianapolis-Marion County Building the Mayor. Its source of funds is primarily Authority. This municipal corporation property tax, with some excise and finan- acts as a “landlord” for the City-County cial institutions tax. Unlike most Indiana Building and 18 other city and coun- libraries, IndyPL does not have a statutory ty governmental properties, collecting allocation of County Income Tax. Its board rents and making necessary changes and meets monthly and annual budgets must improvements. Its budget is reviewed be approved by the City-County Council by the Administration Committee of the and Mayor. City-County Council. Its debt service is paid from rent collected from the City Indianapolis Public Improvement Bond of Indianapolis and Marion County. The Bank, known as the Indianapolis Bond Building Authority has a five-member Bank. In 1985, with the assistance of the Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor Indiana General Assembly, the City of (3) and the City-County Council (2). The Indianapolis established the Indianapolis Trustees, in turn, appoint a five-member Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, the Board of Directors that is responsible for first municipal bond bank in the country.
37 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government The Bond Bank is a municipal corporation The IndyGo Customer Service Center, that serves as the debt issuance and which provides schedule information, sells management arm of the City of Indianap- bus passes, issues half-fare ID cards, and olis and related “Qualified Entities.” These provides information in several languages, entities include special taxing districts, is located in the downtown Julia M. Carson political subdivisions, and building/ Transit Center. leasing authorities. Since its inception, the Indianapolis Local Public Improve- ment Bond Bank has issued nearly $13 billion in bonds and notes on behalf of various Qualified Entities of the City of Indianapolis and Marion County.
The Bond Bank is governed by a five-member Board of Directors appoint- ed by the Mayor. Directors serve three (3) year terms and may be reappoint- ed provided they continue to meet the statutory requirements. The Bond Bank is funded by fees it is paid for the services it performs on behalf of its qualified enti- ties. These services include advisory and management services in connection with the review and/or purchase and sale of securities. It has no taxing authority and its annual budget is approved by the Board of Directors.
Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo). This municipal corporation is responsible for the public transportation system for the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Services include Fixed and Paratransit (“Open Door”— services for persons with disabilities). The corpo- ration is governed by a seven-member board of directors, appointed by the Mayor (3) and City-County Council (4). Board members serve four year terms. The board has the authority to issue bonds and levy taxes with City Council approval. The corporation’s operating budget is funded from the fare box, federal, state, and local tax dollars, and advertising revenues. Annual budgets must be approved by the City-County Council and the Mayor.
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Legislative Branch
The Council Council and are assigned to the appropriate The City-County Council is the primary committee for consideration. The commit- legislative body of the Consolidated City tee holds a public hearing to receive citizen and County. It has the exclusive power input, then decides to table the ordinance to adopt budgets, levy taxes, and make or bring it before the entire Council, or to a appropriations for the operation of the City. Special Service District Council, if appro- It enacts, repeals, or amends local laws priate, with a recommendation to pass or called ordinances. It appoints some boards not to pass. When an ordinance is passed and commissions and confirms the Mayor’s by the Council, it is then sent to the Mayor high-ranking appointments. The officers of for signature or veto. A citizen may write the council are the President, Vice-Presi- or call to influence the Mayor’s decision. dent, the Majority Leader, and the Minority The Council may override a veto with a Leader. Staff includes a Clerk, Assistant two-thirds majority vote. Clerk, Research Director, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel, in addition to The City-County Council may also hear an an Assistant Attorney to advise the minori- appeal of a favorable zoning decision made ty party members. by the Metropolitan Development Commis- sion. The Councilor for the district in which All ordinances and resolutions must be the land in question is located must agree introduced by Council members. Citizens to request a hearing and the council must may participate in this process by ap- agree to hold a hearing. A vote of 18 mem- proaching a Council member with an idea bers of the Council is required to change a or proposal for an ordinance or resolution. decision of the Metropolitan Development These proposals are introduced into the Commission.
39 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government City-County Council. The City-County Affairs. The number of members on the Council is the legislative branch of Unigov. committees is determined by the Commit- The Council has twenty-five members who tee on Committees. Each committee has no are elected by the voters of their districts to fewer than three members and at least one four year terms. The county is divided into minority member. The Standing Commit- twenty-five council districts which must be tees consider all proposals referred to them as equal as practicable in population, com- by the Council and must hear a proposal pact in size and shape, and follow natural within forty-five days. All committee meet- boundary lines, such as roads or creeks. ings are open to the general public, except for those meetings or part of meetings that Committees. The City-County Council is are permitted by the Open Door law to be organized through a committee system closed. Each committee establishes at least of three permanent committees and nine one regular meeting per month. standing committees. It also has three Special Service District Councils and may Special Service District Councils. The establish investigative committees. Fire Special Service District Council, Police Special Service District Council, and Solid Permanent Committees. The Committee Waste Special Service District Council act on Committees includes the President of on matters pertaining to their districts. the Council, the Majority Leader, and the All Councilors serve on the three Special Minority Leader. Its function is to name the Service District Councils. members of the Standing Committees. The Committee on Rules and Public Policy has Budget ordinances pertaining to the Special eight members, including the President, the Service Districts originate in these Special Majority Leader, and the Minority Leader, Service District Councils. Police and fire who consider and recommend proposed ordinances are considered by the Public changes to the rules of the City-County Safety and Criminal Justice Committee of Council and function as a Standing Com- the City-County Council and solid waste mittee on any matter referred to them by ordinances by the Public Works Committee. the President or the Council. The Commit- tee of the Whole Council includes every Special Committees. Special committees member of the Council. By declaration of may be formed by the Council President or the President or by a motion, the Coun- by a majority vote of Council members for cil may form itself as a Committee of the any specific and proper purpose. They are Whole Council. This is done whenever the to have an odd number of members with at public is entitled to a public hearing. least one from a minority party.
Standing Committees. The Council has Investigative Committees. The City-Coun- Standing Committees for each of the City ty Council members may resolve to estab- Departments. These committees have pow- lish investigative committees for any lawful er to review and investigate policies and purpose. The resolution is to specify the expenditures of those departments. There membership of the committee, the nature are also Standing Committees on Finance, of its investigation, and the power to sub- Economic Development, Independent poena witnesses, if that power is granted. Municipal Corporations, and Community
40 UNIGOV HANDBOOK
Annual Budget Making Cycle July
August Budgets are prepared Prior to July 1 City-County Council Budgets introduced to the All departments and agencies and Management (i.e., Controller) consult with the Office of Finance Jan-June Aug-Sept review of township budgets.) services–the earlier, the better. services–the earlier, budgets. This is the time to request City departments and county offices, City-County Council Committees hold agencies, and courts prepare individual lic review and comments. (Non-binding public hearings. This is the time for pub - October Oct-Jan corporation budgets. corporation October Reviewed by Department of (Last scheduled meeting of the month) city-county budget, special service district budgets, and most municipal vetoes the budget. Mayor approves or City-County Council votes on combined Local Government Finance. Budgets, levies, and rates are certified by Jan. 15. levies, and rates
41 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Budget Process City Departments and the Council may In January, the various city and county reduce budgets and rates, but any reduc- budgets begin their journey through the tion may be appealed to the Department budget process. City departments, coun- of Local Government Finance. ty offices and agencies, and the courts prepare an individual budget which will The Mayor may veto single items in the emerge at the end of the process the fol- City-County and Special Service District lowing January (at the earliest) as a unified budgets with the exception of funds for a City-County budget. Prior to July 1, all city judicial office or officers, a constitution- and county officials, departments, and al office, or the independent municipal agencies work with the Office of Finance corporations. The council may override a and Management. Any citizen who wants veto by a two-thirds vote. The council has to have a new service put into the budget no control over the budgets of the remain- should contact the Mayor’s office early in ing units of government, which go directly the year. to the Department of Local Government Finance. At the first August Council meeting, the budget ordinances are introduced by the The final step for the budget is review and Mayor to the City-County Council. During approval by the Department of Local Gov- August and September, each Council ernment Finance. The DLGF is the entity Committee holds public hearings on the of last resort to set budgets for the coming budget of the department or agency for year and, based on the DLGF’s assessment which it is responsible. This is another of the budget, may amend a local unit’s step in the process where citizens can be appropriation amount, tax rate, tax levy, involved. A copy of the proposed budget, or miscellaneous revenues. Except for broken down into categories, can be seen debt service funds, it may not increase a at the City-County Council office or online budget or tax rate above the level originally at indy.gov. presented by the local unit of government. The Department has various resources The city and county budgets are combined available by state law to address budget into one ordinance which is approved by issues. The state DLGF normally certifies the council at its last meeting in October. annual local units of government budgets The budget is presented in the newspa- early in the new calendar year. per twice before this date. It is difficult to effect any change at this point, and the council may not pass a budget above the level advertised. In addition, there are separate budget ordinances for the three Special Service Districts and five of the six independent municipal corporations (Health and Hospital, Airport Authority, Indianapolis Public Transportation Cor- poration, Capital Improvement Board, and the Library Board). The Building Authority is included in the City-County budget. The
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Financing City-County *As of June 1, 2016, the Beech Grove Public Library merged with IndyPL. Beyond 2016, Government tax revenues from the Beech Grove Library When the Indiana General Assembly District will be assumed by the Indianapo- created a unified system of government lis Public Library District. in 1970, geographic boundaries and many administrative functions and services In addition, there are 17 more taxing units were consolidated and expanded coun- within the Consolidated City. All of these ty-wide. The tax base for some services units levy taxes and provide services to was also expanded county-wide. However, one or more geographic areas. The location many taxing units with unique geographic of an individual’s property governs what boundaries existed and were retained and set of governmental services it receives since then more have been created. This and what total tax rate it pays. There are proliferation of taxing units contributes to 61 taxing districts in the county, each one a complicated tax structure. receiving a unique combination of services and, therefore, potentially paying a unique There are 43 different governmental units total tax rate. in Marion County that provide services and impose taxes. They are as follows: In addition to property taxes paid by those • Marion County who live and own property in Marion • Consolidated City County, those individuals who live in • nine townships Marion County and earn income are • four Excluded Cities subject to the County Option Income Tax • eight Included Towns (COIT). The income tax rate in Marion • two separate library boards* County is 1.77% of gross income (with some • eleven school districts exceptions for non-taxable earned income) • two conservancy districts and all who live in Marion County pay • five independent municipal corporations
43 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government that rate, regardless of where in the county more borrowing power through bonding is they live. Of the 1.77%, 0.50% is dedicated allowed. Bond financing is used for major to public safety (police, fire, sheriff, courts, capital projects that have a long, useful life. etc.), 1.00% is used to fund public safe- Other local sources of revenue for local ty primarily, along with city and county government are the property tax, coun- operations, redevelopment, etc., and the ty option income tax, vehicle excise tax, other 0.27% is used to support a property county wheel tax and excise surtax, finan- tax levy freeze. Those individuals who cial institutions tax, and fees and charges. live outside of Marion County but work in Marion County, pay income taxes to State sources of revenue coming to the the county they reside in. No income from local government allow up to a 20% (varies those earnings comes to Marion County. depending on tax district) property tax refund, plus a portion of the revenue the In 2007, the Indiana General Assembly state receives from gasoline, alcohol, enacted legislation to allow for a proper- intangible, and inheritance taxes. The ty tax cap referendum. In 2010, Indiana state dictates how most of these funds voters approved a referendum to insert are to be spent. property tax caps into the state Consti- tution. In 2012, those went into effect, Federal funds come to the local govern- basically reducing the income local units ment through a variety of programs. Most of government could get from property tax federal funds are for specific purposes revenue and capping how much property and their use must comply with stringent owners would pay. The referendum capped guidelines. property taxes at 1%, 2% or 3% based on the type of property owned by the individual or entity. Today, property tax caps have reduced the City of Indianapolis’s and Marion County’s annual budget by $52 million, without any reduction in expenses.
Other units have been created to solve a problem created by the state Constitu- tion’s a two-percent debt limit on local government. One source of funds for local government is the sale of bonds. Each individual unit of government may borrow (sell bonds) up to two percent of its assessed valuation. There are a few excep- tions. For example, the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) has a debt limit of one percent and the Sanitary District has a twelve percent limit to allow for construction of large scale facilities. Thus, by creating new units of government,
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Judicial Branch
The Indiana Constitution provides for a *Citizen-led oversight boards, commissions, and Supreme Court, a Court of Appeals (both of committees are in italics. these courts have state-wide jurisdiction), Circuit Courts, and “such other courts” as Circuit and Superior Courts. The Circuit the General Assembly may establish as Court and Superior Court, Civil Division they become necessary. (11 rooms), have the same jurisdiction in all civil actions and actions for dissolutions Marion County, the nineteenth judicial of marriage. The Superior Court, Probate circuit for the state of Indiana, has a Cir- Division, has jurisdiction in probating cuit Court, a Superior Court, and a Small wills, appointing guardians and executors, Claims Court. The judge of the Circuit administering estates, and other similar Court is elected for six years. In addition matters. The Superior Court, Juvenile Di- to having judicial powers, the Circuit vision, has original and exclusive jurisdic- Court judge makes appointments to some tion in all cases of persons under eighteen Marion County boards. The Superior Court years of age. However, it may relinquish has four divisions (Civil, Criminal, Probate, jurisdiction to the Criminal Division of and Juvenile) and thirty-two judges who Superior Court if deemed appropriate. The are also elected to six-year terms. No more Juvenile Court judge has responsibility for than sixteen may be affiliated with the the release and control of records and may same political party. These judges elect a destroy records, which is not ordinarily the presiding judge and two associate presid- case in other courts. The Superior Court, ing judges every two years and assign each Criminal Division (19 rooms), has original judge to one of the courtrooms. jurisdiction in all misdemeanor and felony cases.
45 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Vacancies in judgeships in the Superior are immediately assigned to community Courts are filled through appointment service work in that neighborhood. by the Governor. Not only does a judge hear cases, he or she hires and supervises traffic Court. Hears all traffic-related a staff of court reporters, bailiffs, clerks, cases from speeding to driving while and assistants. Judges also assist central suspended. This court handles more administrative staff in compiling a single than 100,000 tickets per year. budget. The budget is sent to the Office of Finance & Management and becomes part Domestic Violence. Three domestic of the budget process of the City-County violence courtrooms are dedicated to Council. hearing cases involving violence among family members. The court also handles Other functions of the court include a jury a huge number of protective orders. pool*, which summons the hundreds of jurors the courts need each week and a Small Claims Court. There are nine Small Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau, Claims courtrooms, one in each township. which meets with families going through Judges are elected by the voters in each divorce or separation and recommends township. This is not a court of record to the court options that are in the best and only corporations are required to be interests of the children involved. (*In the represented by an attorney. These courts past, potential jurors were called using have jurisdiction in all civil cases in which voter registration lists. These lists did not claims are no more than $6,000. There include all segments of potential jurors are no jury trials in Small Claims courts. over 18 and, in some cases, caused a dis- Appeals from these courts are made to incentive to vote. Since 2005, the Indi- Superior Court, Civil Division. ana Supreme Court and the Indiana Jury Committee annually compile a Statewide Grand Jury. The Grand Jury inquires Jury Pool List based on data supplied by into all cases of persons imprisoned and the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) not indicted, persons out on bail but not and Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).) indicted, all cases of misconduct by public officials, cases concerning conditions and Specialized dockets with the Superior management of jails, and cases involving Court include the following: violation of state criminal laws.
environmental Court. This court Petit Jury. A Petit Jury hears cases brought hears cases ranging from poor property to trial. A prospective juror may be excused upkeep to large-scale contamination of for a valid reason and those over 75 are public land, air, or water. excused if they choose not to serve.
Community Court. Brings residents and Public Defender Board. This bipartisan business owners of specific neighbor- board is responsible for policy decisions hoods together to seek input on how law for the Public Defender Agency and for enforcement and the judicial system can selecting the director of the agency. The make the neighborhood better. Those Board was created by ordinance and convicted of misdemeanors by the court includes nine members, four appointed
46 UNIGOV HANDBOOK by the City-County Council, four by the Marion Superior Court, and one by the Mayor. The agency provides public de- fenders for criminal, juvenile, probation violation, direct appeals, extradition, child support, civil commitment, termination of parental rights, children in need of services, and any other legal proceeding where the right to counsel has been established by law.
47 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Units of Government Map
48 UNIGOV HANDBOOK
Other Units of Government and Public-Private Partnerships
Boards and Commissions Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA). *Citizen-led oversight boards, commissions, The Indianapolis Housing Agency is and committees are in italics. responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and management of housing Citizens’ Police Complaint Board. In its for low-income, elderly, and disabled per- current form, the Citizens’ Police Com- sons. It is financed by revenues received plaint Office and Board was established from tenant rents and an annual subsidy in 1999. The Board is authorized to accept from the Housing Assistance Administra- complaints from the public, review Indi- tion of the U.S. Department of Housing anapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Urban Development (HUD). A Board (IMPD) internal investigations, and adju- of Commissioners that assists in estab- dicate allegations of misconduct by IMPD lishing public housing policy is made officers. The board is composed of nine up of members appointed by the Mayor, civilian members and two IMPD ex-officio City-County Council, and of members members. The Mayor appoints four citizen elected by the residents. IHA is online at members and one IMPD member and the indyhousing.org. Council appoints five citizen members and one IMPD member. The civilians serve Marion County Alcoholic Beverage three-year terms and the IMPD officers Board. The four members of the Marion serve two-year terms. All are limited to County Alcoholic Beverage Board are ap- two consecutive terms. pointed by the Mayor (1), the City-County Council (1), the County Commissioners (1), Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commis- and the Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Com- sion, consisting of five members appoint- mission (1). The Marion County Alcoholic ed by the Mayor for three-year terms, Beverage Board holds hearings and makes administers a code of ethics which governs recommendations to approve or deny city and county officials, appointees, and applications for alcoholic beverage permits employees. The mayor and county offi- for all of Marion County except Lawrence, cials, employees in specified positions, and Beech Grove, and Speedway. The mayor members of boards and commissions of of each of those municipalities appoints the city and county must file a statement one person who sits with the other three to of economic interest by May 1st of each make recommendations for those mu- year. The board meets when necessary, nicipalities. Recommendations of a local and the meetings, as well as statements of board are subject to approval of the state economic interest, are open to the public. Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Remon-
49 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government strance may be sent to the board in care Whether a business is considering relo- of the Marion County Clerk. cating to or expanding within the city, Develop Indy can provide site selection Marion County Cooperative Extension services, access to government incen- Service. The Extension Service provides tive programs, market data and research, information, programs and activities for networking opportunities, and assistance Marion County residents. It reaches the with permitting, zoning and infrastructure community through extension agents issues. Learn more at developindy.com. in the program areas of Youth, Home Economics, Agriculture, and Community Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (IDI). Development. The Extension agents work Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., established with young people, 4-H, women’s groups, in 1993, is a nonprofit organization formed and various clubs and organizations in the to develop, manage and market downtown central city, as well as suburban areas of Indianapolis. The organization works to Marion County. make the downtown clean, safe, and con- venient. It takes on broader management Public-Private Partnerships and economic development responsibili- ties than its predecessor, the Commission Citizens Energy Group. Citizens Ener- gy Group, a non-profit charitable trust, for Downtown. A 27-member board and manages the City’s chilled water, gas, and 63-member advisory board direct IDI. The steam. In 2011, the transfer of the City’s staff is led by a president. Learn more at water and wastewater systems to Citi- indydt.com. zens was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Citizens Indy Partnership. The Indy Partnership, Energy Group’s Board of Trustees appoints which is a division of the Indy Chamber, its own members and appoints a Board of serves as the economic development Directors. Its Board of Trustees appoints agency for Central Indiana. Its mission its own members and appoints a Board of is to attract new companies to the region Directors, which oversees the operations for increased capital investment and of Citizens. By state law, Citizens operates job growth. Nine member counties form as the city’s Department of Public Utilities. the Indy Partnership and collaborate on The non-profit charitable trust was estab- marketing opportunities (Boone, Marion, lished in the late 1800s to ensure that the Johnson, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, city’s gas system kept rates consistent and Madison, Morgan, and Shelby). Learn low. (Citizens operated a coke utility in the more at indypartnership.com. 1900s, which has since ceased operations.) In the 1900s, Citizens began operating the Visit Indy. Visit Indy, formerly known as chilled water and steam systems. Learn the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors more at citizensenergygroup.com. Association, markets the area as a desti- nation for conventions, meetings, trade shows, special events, group tours, and Develop Indy. Develop Indy, a division of the Indy Chamber since 2012, serves as pleasure travel. It is a private, nonprofit the economic development organization corporation funded by the Capital Im- for Indianapolis/Marion County. It exists provement Board of Marion County and to help companies retain and create jobs. through membership of companies and
50 UNIGOV HANDBOOK firms. (Visit Indy receives no direct taxes, departments, as they have not elected to rather it receives its funding from the consolidate their fire departments into the CIB and the CIB funds Visit Indy from a Indianapolis Fire Department. variety of sources.) Visit Indy is governed by a board of directors. Its employees work Township Constable. Elected for a four- in convention sales, convention services, year term, the Constable serves summons- tourism, membership and development, es, warrants, and subpoenas enforcing publications, and finance and administra- orders of the Small Claims Courts. tion. It works with the Capital Improve- ment Board, member businesses, and other Township Advisory Board. This Board organizations to market and promote the is elected by the township voters for a city. Learn more at visitindy.com. four-year term. Until January 1, 2017, township boards will have seven members, The Township but after that time state law provides that Marion County has nine townships: those boards will have five members. It is Center, Decatur, Franklin, Lawrence, required by law to meet on or before the Perry, Pike, Warren, Washington, and third Tuesday after the first Monday in Wayne. Townships are an additional layer February. There is also an annual meeting of government separate from city and for the adoption of the annual budget. county government. Other meetings may be called as necessary. Township Trustee. The Office of the Township Trustee provides direct gener- al assistance to those in need. While the Division of Family Resources administers on-going programs, the Township Trust- ee gives immediate, emergency aid. The Township Trustee is obligated to provide food, clothing, heating fuel, medical help, utilities, and transportation for employ- ment to those who meet the township’s standards for assistance. The Township Trustee’s office must help families in need to acquire basic furniture and utensils and try to find employment. The Township Trustee and the Township Advisory Board, elected for four-year terms, hold four yearly meetings, two on budget and two on year-end reports, and may call special meetings for which public notice must be given. Each Township Trustee has an office in the township.
The trustees in Decatur, Pike, and Wayne townships also manage separate fire
51 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government PART 2 Be an Active Citizen UNIGOV HANDBOOK
The Citizen Voter Registration Marion County Voter Information Portal at indy.gov/ VIP. In some circumstances, and Elections you may vote absentee; contact the County A citizen must be registered in order to Election Board for information or visit vote. You may register to vote in both the indy.gov/election. primary and the general elections if you are a citizen of the United States, eighteen Indiana does not have initiative or recall years of age by the general or municipal but has passed state laws to permit refer- election, a resident of your precinct for endums. For example, in 2008 the Indiana thirty days before the next election, and General Assembly changed the way capital not currently in prison after being convict- projects funded by tax dollars are financed. ed of a crime. You do not need to declare Capital projects, such as school expan- a party affiliation when you register. You sions, must be approved by the voters. In must be eighteen years old on the day of addition, restrictions apply on the ability election in order to vote in any nonparti- of governmental entities to campaign on san election, held at the same time as the behalf of their referendum. primary. Ballots in the general election may include Voter registration forms are available at amendments to the state constitution. To be public libraries, license branches, and adopted, each amendment must pass in two county clerks’ offices, among other places. consecutive sessions of the General Assem- Online voter registration took effect in bly. The same measure receive a majority of Indiana on July 1, 2010. Online voter the popular vote at the next election. registration can be accomplished through the Indiana Statewide Voter Registration System at indianavoters.com. In order to Be an Informed Voter register online, you must have an Indiana Study the candidates, the issues, and your Driver’s License or State ID number. own priorities. Obtain factual informa- tion on the candidates. Attend candidate Registration closes twenty-nine days meetings and watch televised forums before Election Day. If you have moved too and debates. Many organizations provide late to transfer to your new address, you incumbents’ voting records, at least on may still vote under some circumstances; selected issues of interest. contact the County Election Board (317- 327-5100) with your specific situation. Try to see beyond the emotional appeals and distortion tactics, such as guilt by as- You vote at your precinct polling place, sociation, twisted arguments, and labeling which is open from six a.m. to six p.m. Lo- the opponent. Try to spot phony issues and cations are published in the newspaper or evasion of the real issues. Pick candidates you may call the County Election Board at whose positions are most like yours on the or political party headquarters. Polling site issues you think are important. No candi- information can also be obtained via the date will agree with you on all issues.
53 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Communicate Your Opinions the public. For more information on Indi- As a voter, your opinions help determine ana’s Open Door Laws, contact the Public how your elected officials may vote on a Access Counselor at (317) 234-0906 or visit given issue or what kind of policy decision their website at in.gov/pac. may be made. Let your representative in government know your views by card, When testifying at a public hearing, it is a letter, telephone, fax, or e-mail. Be brief good idea to write your statement out and and discuss only one issue at a time. Use to give a copy to each member of the body your own words and identify specific you are addressing. Keep your statement legislation, if possible. Sign your name and brief. Tell why you support or oppose the address legibly. Begin early, before a bill legislation or action and give facts to sup- has been introduced, if you want to see port your position. Your statement might your ideas incorporated into legislation. tell how the measure affects the public interest, who will benefit, how similar laws The United States Senators and Represen- in other communities have worked, what tatives maintain local offices listed online other groups favor your position, and how and in the telephone book. Local and state much it will cost. names, phone numbers, and addresses are available from the City-County Building, Be prepared to answer questions regard- the State Capitol, or on their websites. ing your position. If you can, have other supporters attend the hearing even though they will not testify. Listen carefully to the Observe Meetings statements of your opposition. If facts are Observing public meetings keeps you misstated and you are given an opportuni- informed of the conduct of public business ty to reply, do so in a calm manner. and the personalities of those involved. With some exceptions, the Indiana Open Door Law states that all meetings of the Other Skills of a Citizen governing bodies of public agencies must A Letter to the Editor can be an effective be open at all times for the purpose of per- way to publicly discuss an issue and influ- mitting members of the public to observe ence decisions of a legislative body. Your and record them. The law dictates that: a letter is more likely to be printed if you secret ballot may not be taken; the agenda state your points directly and clearly. It is is to be posted at the entrance; records not necessary to type the letter as long as it must be kept and available later; public no- is written legibly. However, many newspa- tice, in most cases, must be given. Execu- pers also provide online submission forms tive sessions (closed to the public) may be you can complete on their websites. You held only for the purpose of discussion of must include your name and contact infor- collective bargaining, litigation, purchase mation, but you may request that those not or lease of property, job performance of be printed. individuals, and interviews with pro- spective employees or with industrial or Become a member of a group or a coali- commercial prospects. All final actions and tion to increase your influence. Groups voting must be taken at an open meeting. may form around single issues or may Political party caucuses are not included be broad-based coalitions. If you find a in the Open Door Law and are not open to group that is consistent in its policies and
54 UNIGOV HANDBOOK practices with your beliefs, you often may be filled out, notarized, and filed with the be more successful working with it, rather County Clerk at least 74 days, but not more than alone. than 104 days before the May primary. The form may be filed in person or by mail, and In order to lobby to pass an ordinance or no fee is necessary. law, get to know your councilor or legis- lator and party leaders in person. Attend A citizen who wants to be a candidate for their neighborhood appearances or other Mayor, City-County Councilor, or a county public sessions within the district. Go to or township office must file a declaration them early; supply them with succinct, of candidacy with the County Clerk. The easy-to-read information and news clips; candidate must be a registered voter in the listen to their views. geographic area he or she would represent.
One way to seek change is to work for A candidate for a state legislative office administrative policy adjustment, rather must file a declaration of candidacy with than a change in law. Formal or informal the Secretary of State’s office. In addition, complaints may call attention to a prob- candidates usually work with the coun- lem. If working through the administrative ty party organization, pay a filing fee set agency does not bring implementation of by the party, and appear before a party existing law and policies, it may be nec- screening committee which slates essary to go to court in the public interest candidates. to get results. However, litigation is not necessarily a last resort. It may be the Candidates for statewide offices nomi- preferred technique from the beginning. nated at the party conventions must file It may be necessary to plan a campaign to a declaration of candidacy with the state build public opinion in order to improve political organization and pay substantial the climate for supporting (or opposing) fees, set by the party. At the convention, some action. a candidate must receive a majority vote to become the convention’s nominee for This might include developing a theme, office. distributing information, getting spokes- persons on TV, radio, and in the press, The procedure to file to become a candidate operating a speaker’s bureau, developing for Governor, United States Senator, or a website, staging demonstrations, United States Representative is the same developing a newsletter and lining up for each office. The prospective candidate endorsements. must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State within 77 days of the Become a Candidate primary. In addition, seventy days before the primary, a nominating petition signed for Elective Office by 5,000 certified voters, 500 from each To run for the position of precinct commit- congressional district, must be presented teeperson or delegate to state convention to the Secretary of State by candidates for is a simple process. One must file a dec- Governor and United States Senator. laration of candidacy on the proper form For most offices, filing a declaration of obtained from the County Clerk’s office candidacy is the simple legal step that or County Election Board. The form must
55 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government must be taken to run for office. In addi- Central Committee. A district committee tion, a candidate needs an organization, selects the candidate for United States funding, advertising, and volunteers. Representative to run in the November Candidates for certain offices are required election if, for any reason, the party has no to submit periodic financial reports. candidate after the May primary.
Opportunities for Work The State Central Committee is the party authority. The Governor or gubernatorial within the Political Parties candidate customarily indicates his or her The League of Women Voters urges you choice for state chairperson of the party. to work actively in the political party of The parties maintain permanent, year- your choice. Indiana is considered a strong round headquarters with full-time staff as political party state, and informed citizens well as other people hired during election need to understand the political party periods. The State Committee is responsi- structure in order to effectively use it. ble for the state party conventions held in late spring or summer. The Precinct is the basic political unit. Voters elect a precinct committeeperson State Conventions provide the high point every four years at primary elections. of a political party’s activity in Indiana, as His or her first official duty is to appoint do the national party conventions for the a vice-committeeperson of the opposite nation. The conventions adopt platforms sex. If no precinct committeeperson is and nominate candidates for Lieutenant elected, the county party chairperson may Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, appoint one. The position carries no salary, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Clerk yet contributes to the very important and of the Courts, and State Superintendent of powerful county committee of each party. Public Instruction. In addition to electing Other ways for a voter to participate at the delegates to the national party conven- precinct level are working at the polls on tions, the state convention delegates also Election Day, being a block captain, help- elect presidential electors for the Indiana ing to poll the neighborhood, and distrib- representation to the Electoral College. uting literature. A vote for the presidential nominee in the The next level, the County Committee, presidential primary expresses a prefer- is composed of all elected and appointed ence for the nominee, not a direct vote for precinct committeepersons. This commit- him or her. Rather, the party nominee is tee elects from its membership the county chosen at the national party convention chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, by delegates selected at the state party and treasurer for four-year terms. All the convention. In the May primary, the voters county chairpersons and vice-chairper- elect delegates to the state party conven- sons within a congressional district form tion who, in turn, elect the delegates to the the next level of political organization in national convention. These delegates to the party, the District Committee. the national convention are obligated to vote for the voters’ preference on the first Each of the congressional District ballot only. Because of the lack of available Committees elects a chairperson and information about them, it is difficult for vice-chairperson who form the State
56 UNIGOV HANDBOOK the individual voter to make an informed choice of state convention delegates.
The State Central Committee of the party appoints national committee members, usually people who are able to pay their own way, since serving on a national com- mittee is expensive. A national committee conducts the presidential and vice-presi- dential campaign and manages the party’s affairs between national conventions.
57 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government
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INDEX
Abbreviations Key: DCE = Dept. of Code Enforcement, DMD = Dept. of Metropolitan Development, DPW = Dept. of Public Works, HHC = Health & Hospital Corporation, ISA = Information Services Agency, OCC = Office of Corporation Counsel, OFM = Office of Finance Management, PHS = Dept. of Public Health and Safety
A Community Court, 46 Absentee-by-mail, 53 Community Development Section (DMD), 22 Accounting Division (OFM), 29 Community Prosecution Div., 33 Administration Div. (Parks & Recreation), 23 Community & Economic Development, Administration & Finance Services, Div. (DMD), 21 Bureau (DCE), 20 Community Engagement Unit (IMPD), 25 Administration, Logistics, Licenses, Community Prosecution Division, 33 and Permits, Div. (DCE), 21 Community Recreation Alcoholic Beverage Board, Marion Co., 49 (Parks & Recreation), 24 Animal Care & Control Div. (DCE), 20 Contractor and Skilled Trade Boards, 20 Assessor, County, 18, 31 Controller (City), 28 Audit & Performance, Ofc. (City), 27 Cooperative Extension Service, Marion Auditor, County, 18, 31 County, 50 Coroner, County, 18, 32 B Corporation Counsel, Ofc. (City), 27 Beech Grove, 13, 14, 18, 43 Council, The, 39 Budget Division (OFM), 29 Counseling, (OCC), 28 Budget Process, 41, 42 County Commissioners, Board of (Marion), 35 C County Committee, 56 Candidate for elective office, 55 County Election Board, 53 Capital Improvement Board, 36 Criminal Charging Division, 33 Charter Schools Board (City), 28 Current Planning Section (DMD), 22 Chief of Staff (Mayor), 19 Chief, Ofc. Of (IMPD), 24 D Child Advocacy Center, 33 death certificates, 36 Child Support Division, 32 Department of Local Government Circuit Court, 45 Finance (formerly State Board Citizens Energy Group, 50 of Tax Commissioners), 41, 42 Citizens’ Police Complaint Board, 49 Develop Indy, 50 City-County Council, 13, 17, 19, 39, 40 District Committee, 56 City Prosecutor, 28 Div. of Family Resources, State of Indiana, 35 Civil Division, 45 Domestic Violence (Superior Court), 46 Clerk of the Circuit Court (aka, County Clerk), 18, 31 E Code Enforcement, Board, 20 Economic Incentive Section (DMD), 22 Code Enforcement, Department of, 19 Education Innovation, Ofc. (City), 28 Collections Division (OFM), 29 Election Board, County, 35
61 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government Engagement Center, Albert & Sara Reuben Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (PHS), 30 [IndyPL], 37 Engineering, Div. (DPW), 26 Indy Partnership, 50 Environmental Services Bureau (DCE), 20 Information Services Agency, 35 Environmental Court, 46 Information Technology Board, Marion Co. Equal Opportunity Ofc., 29 (ISA), 36 Eskenazi Health (HHC), 36 Inspections, Div. (DCE), 21 Ethics Commission, 49 Investigations Div., (IMPD), 24 Excluded Cities, 18, 43 Investigative Committee (Council), 40 Executive branch, 17 J F Judicial branch, 17 Finance & Management, Ofc. Jury Pool, 46 (City), 28, 41, 42, 46 Juvenile Div., 33 Financing City-County Government, 43 Fire Merit Board, 26 L Fire Special Service District, 40 Lawrence, 13, 14, 18 Fleet Services, 26 Legislative branch, 17 Letter to the editor, 54 G Level 6 Felony Div., 33 Grand Jury, 46 License & Permit Services, Bureau (DCE), 20 Grand Jury Div., 33 License Review Board of Indianapolis & Marion County, 21 H Litigation, 28 Health & Hospital Corp., 36 Logistical Services, Bureau (DCE), 20 Health Department, Marion Co. (HHC), 36 Home rule, 16 M Homeland Security, Bureau, 24 Maintenance Operations Section (DPW), 27 Human Resources (OFM), 28 Major Case Div., 32 Marriage records, 32 I Mayor, 19, 27 Included Towns, 18, 43 Mayor’s Action Center, 19 Indianapolis Airport Authority, 37 Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals, 23 Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (IDI), 50 Metropolitan Development Commission, 21 Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, 30 Metropolitan Development, Dept, 21 Indianapolis Fire Department, 25 Metropolitan Planning Organization, Div. Indianapolis Historic Preservation (DMD), 22 Commission, 23 Metropolitan Plat Committee, 23 Indianapolis Housing Agency, 49 Minority & Women Business Development, 29 Indianapolis International Airport, 37 Municipal Corporations, 18, 36, 43 Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank (Bond Bank), 37 N Indianapolis Marion County Police Dept., 24 Neighborhood Office Outreach (IMPD), 25 Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation [IndyGo], 38 O Indianapolis-Marion County Building Open Door Law, 28 Authority, 37 Operations, Div. (DPW), 27 Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, 35
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P Strike Team (Prosecutor, County), 33 Park Maintenance Section (DPW), 27 Superior Court, 45 Parks and Recreation, Board, 24 Supreme Court of Indiana, 45 Parks & Recreation, Dept., 23 Surveyor, County, 18, 34 Patrol Division, 24 Sustainability, office (DPW), 26 Permanent Committees, 40 Precinct,56 T Petit Jury, 46 Township, 18, 51 Planning, Div. (DMD), 22 Township Advisory Board, 51 Police Merit Board, 25 Township Constable, 51 Police Special Service District, 40 Township Trustee, 51 Policy & Planning, Div. of (DPW), 26 Traffic Court, 46 Political parties, 56 Treasurer, County, 18, 34 Property Safety and Maintenance (DCE), 20 Prosecutor, County, 18, 32 U Prosecutor (OCC), 28 Unigov (unified Government), 13 Public Access Counselor, 28 Public Defender Agency, 34 V Public Defender Board, 46 Visit Indy, 50 Public Health and Safety, Ofc., 14, 15, 29 Voter registration, 53 Public Safety Communications (PHS), 30 Voter Registration, Board, 35 Public Works, Board, 27 Public Works, Dept., 27 Z Purchasing, Div. (OFM), 29 Zoning Appeals, Metropolitan Board, 23 R Redevelopment Section (DMD), 22 Re-Entry Services (PHS), 30 Recorder, County, 34 Resource Development Div. (Parks & Recreation), 24
S School district, 14 Sheriff, County, 18, 34 Small Claims Court, 46 Solid Waste Management Sec. (DPW), 27 Solid Waste Special Service District, 40 Southport, 13, 14, 18 Special Assignments Div., 34 Special Committees (Council), 40 Special Service Districts (Council), 39, 40 Special Victims Unit, 32 Speedway, 13, 14, 18 Standing Committee (Council), 40 State Central Committee, 56 State Convention, 56 Stormwater Management Sec. (DPW), 27 Strategic Prosecution Unit, 32
63 A Citizen’s Guide to Local Government 3808 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 (317) 767-4187 | www.lwvindy.org