City Engineers Expand Roundabout Plan at 131st & Brooks School Road
A planned roundabout at 131st Street and Brooks School Road will now feature two lanes instead of one. The Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety initially approved a single-lane design in April, but engineers later determined a partial two-lane configuration would better serve long-term traffic needs. Engineering Director Hatem Mekky said future expansion of Brooks School Road could also be considered. Construction remains slated for 2026.
HSE Approves $340M Budget, Slight Tax Rate Increase
The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board has approved a 2026 budget exceeding $340M. The district’s property-tax rate will edge up to 1.1476 from 1.1433 in 2025 due to changes in assessed valuations, according to Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown. HSE reported a decline of 409 students this school year — down to 20,289 — which affects state funding that is tied to enrollment. The district will replace 15 buses in its 320-vehicle fleet at a cost of $3M, financed through general obligation bonds.
Fishers City Council Adopts 2026 Budget
The Fishers City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2026 budget on October 6, totaling $203.6M across operating, capital, and debt service funds. Mayor Scott Fadness presented the proposal in September, and Finance Committee Chair John Weingardt called this year’s budget process especially extensive, noting it took months to complete. Councilors Pete Peterson and Cecilia Coble were absent from the vote.
HSE Student Earns National FFA Award
Hamilton Southeastern High School student Ellie Julia Taylor received national recognition at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Taylor was named the national winner in the Agricultural Communications – Entrepreneurship/Placement category of the 2025 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards. The honor was announced October 30 during the convention’s second general session.
Mayor Fadness Meets With Faith Leaders
Mayor Scott Fadness met with local faith leaders at the new Fishers Community Center on October 29, continuing his annual dialogue with the religious community. Fadness contrasted this year’s tone with last year’s, saying the national political climate had weighed heavily on the prior discussion. “My personal opinion right now is that Fishers is in a pretty good place,” he said, noting that national divisions aren’t dominating local conversations as they once did.
Hallett Sports President Steps Down
Hallett Sports & Entertainment announced that President Larry McQueary stepped down effective October 31 after 11 years with the organization. CEO Sean Hallett praised McQueary’s leadership in expanding the business, which manages the Indy Fuel hockey team and the Fishers Freight indoor football team. McQueary said he is pursuing new opportunities and expressed gratitude for his time with the company.
Bur Oak Bridge Opens Over White River
Local officials have named the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting Fishers and Carmel the Bur Oak Bridge, a nod to the native trees along the White River. Tribal representatives recommended choosing a natural feature after determining there was no single historical tribal name for the river. The project — more than 30 years in the making — represents a multi-agency partnership among Carmel, Fishers, Clay Township, Delaware Township, and Hamilton County. The bridge links several regional trail systems and expands recreational access on both sides of the river.
