Vigo County councilor proposes ordinance requiring referendum before county funds used for school buildings

Councilor Steve Ellis submitted a first-reading motion asking the Vigo County Council to require a ballot referendum before the council may appropriate county money for acquisition or construction of school buildings or related renovations.

Ellis said the school project under discussion could cost “not in the tens of thousands or the hundreds of thousands or the millions or the tens of millions, but rather the hundreds of millions of dollars,” and that the county was being asked to fund acquisition of a new parcel while planning to close several existing schools. "My job as a county council person is to ask questions on behalf of the taxpayers," he said.

Ellis said he has repeatedly asked commissioners where the funds would come from and how much is needed; he said one commissioner replied that the amount requested was not known. He said that earlier presentations claimed the county could fund the project without raising taxes, and he called that claim inconsistent with the county’s lack of transparency.

In his motion, Ellis cited Indiana law and county rules and asked the council to adopt an ordinance that, unless “specifically mandated by Indiana law, promulgated rule, or judicial mandate,” would prevent the Vigo County Council from appropriating county funds for: acquisition of land for school buildings; construction or purchase of school buildings for the Vigo County School Corporation; funding renovations of school buildings; or funding boards or commissions charged with overseeing taxpayer funds directed for school construction or renovation—unless the specific funding measure is first approved by a countywide ballot referendum.

Ellis suggested repurposing existing facilities as an alternative to building a new “mega school,” and said his independent research and a posted video showing public comments (he referenced more than 44,000 views) show community opposition to the current plan. He asked the council to remember its fiscal role and not to shift money from other local accounts toward the school corporation.

The submission was treated as a first reading; no vote was taken and no formal action beyond filing the motion occurred during the meeting. Council leadership said a copy of the proposed ordinance would be kept on file and the item will return for consideration in the council process.

Ellis concluded the floor statement by noting he had received pushback for asking questions and said he would continue to press for taxpayer oversight.