Director Merkley presents Public Health and Safety budget to committee

The Public Safety & Criminal Justice Committee of the City Council of Indianapolis convened on August 27, 2025, to discuss the budget presented by the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS). The meeting commenced with an introduction from the committee chair, who welcomed Director Andrew Merkley and CFO Carla Duffy, along with their team.

Director Merkley began the presentation by outlining the key components of the OPHS budget. He emphasized the importance of public health initiatives and safety programs in the community. The discussion included details on funding allocations, program priorities, and anticipated outcomes for the upcoming fiscal year.

As the meeting progressed, committee members engaged in a dialogue with Merkley and Duffy, seeking clarification on various budget items and their implications for public safety in Indianapolis. The committee expressed interest in understanding how the proposed budget would address current public health challenges and enhance community safety measures.

The session concluded with a summary of the key points discussed and an acknowledgment of the ongoing efforts by the OPHS team. The committee plans to review the budget further and will reconvene to make decisions regarding the funding proposals presented.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the critical role of public health and safety in the city, setting the stage for future discussions on resource allocation and community well-being initiatives.