Voting Centers Rejected for 2026
Hamilton County voters will not see election day voting centers in 2026 following a decision by the county’s Election Board. A unanimous vote was required, but the three-member panel split 2–1. Republican County Clerk Kathy Williams and Democratic appointee Greg Purvis supported the proposal, while Republican representative Raymond Adler opposed it. County commissioners and council members have generally favored the concept, which would have allowed voters to cast ballots at any polling place rather than their assigned precinct. Early voting already offers that flexibility.
Fishers Budget Outlook Strong
While many Indiana communities are struggling to balance 2026 budgets under new legislative restrictions, Mayor Scott Fadness presented a far more optimistic plan for Fishers. His proposed $203.6M budget, unveiled at the September City Council meeting, includes operating, capital, and debt service funds, with nearly $67M projected in cash reserves. By comparison, the 2025 budget totaled $182.5M. Fadness emphasized that year-to-year swings in spending are normal, reflecting projects such as road construction.
Community Center Previewed
The new Fishers Community Center makes an immediate impression with its sheer size and open interior spaces. Mayor Scott Fadness, City Councilor Todd Zimmerman, and Recreation and Wellness Director Jake Reardon-McSoley welcomed media on September 30 for a preview. The facility officially opens November 1. Fadness called the center “extraordinary, a vibrant place,” crediting Zimmerman and Reardon-McSoley with helping guide the project.
HSE Superintendent’s Contract Extended
The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Board of Trustees voted 5–2 to extend Superintendent Patrick Mapes’ contract for three years, with an “evergreen” clause allowing automatic renewals. Trustees Latrica Schooley and Sarah Parks-Reese opposed the extension, citing concerns about the renewal provision.
Preliminary 2026 Budget Filed
HSE Schools submitted its proposed 2026 budget of $340.9M to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. Officials stressed the numbers are preliminary and set on the high side, since the state can only reduce requests, not increase them. The figure is up from $326.3M in 2025.
Referendum Planned for 2026
Superintendent Mapes also recommended placing another operating referendum on the ballot in the November 2026 general election, citing state law changes that now restrict referendums to even-year general elections. “The loss that we have, we cannot continue having enough money to actually operate the school district,” Mapes told the board.
New Library Board Appointment
HSE Board President Juanita Albright appointed Michael Zahm to the Hamilton East Public Library Board of Trustees. Zahm succeeds Andre Miksha, whose term ends in 2025. The seven-member board oversees the Noblesville and Fishers branches. The district thanked Miksha for his service.
Labor Dispute Settled
HSE Schools and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association announced a settlement in a dispute stemming from an Unfair Labor Practice complaint. The teachers union had accused district officials of fostering a hostile environment for union leaders.
Intersection Plans Shift at 116th and Allisonville
Fishers officials announced they will move forward with a traditional intersection at 116th Street and Allisonville Road instead of a roundabout. The change is expected to reduce disruptions, as construction will allow traffic to continue with lane restrictions rather than a full closure. Extended left-turn lanes will be added to ease congestion. The Board of Works has accepted $2.6M in federal funds for the project, which is set to begin in 2026.
