Terre Haute council approves 2026 budget, renames stretch of First Street and funds cemetery shed

The Terre Haute City Council on Oct. 2 approved the city's 2026 budget and a package of appropriations and ordinances that include a $50,000 transfer to replace a deteriorating cemetery workers' shed and a resolution to rename portions of First Street and Pritchard Road to create a single riverfront gateway.

The measures were approved at the regular meeting Thursday evening at City Hall. Mayor (unnamed in the record) told the council the cemetery shed is in poor condition and the transfer will pay for a new structure: "we are transferring funds internally within cumulative capital development ... to pay for the new cemetery workers' shed." The council approved the transfer as Resolution 23 20 25.

The renaming resolution moved a step toward branding the riverfront. Laurie (presenting for Riverscape and redevelopment collaborators) said the proposal would rename sections of First Street North and South and parts of Pritchard Road from Maple Avenue to Margaret Avenue to create a consistent gateway to the riverfront, and said the change is intended to be permanent: "we would rename that, permanently as a way to create identity and eventually, as we build out the riverfront along that space, creating a gateway down what is now First Street toward our riverfront." The council approved Resolution 24 20 25.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 23 20 25: Transfer of $50,000 in the cumulative capital development fund to pay for a new cemetery workers' shed. Moved by Councilperson Lautermilk; second by Councilperson Chalos. Outcome: approved (voice vote: aye).

- Resolution 24 20 25: Renaming portion of First Street and Pritchard Road (maple to Margaret) to…