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Commissioners press fast timeline on letter to state over SEA 1 effects on Justice Center financing
Summary
Monroe County commissioners agreed to shorten and circulate a one-page letter to state lawmakers about unintended consequences of Senate Enrolled Act 1 on financing the county's Justice Center, and asked for quick coordination with county council and stakeholders to meet an early-August deadline.
Monroe County commissioners on Thursday discussed an abbreviated letter to state legislators seeking relief from provisions of Senate Enrolled Act 1 that affect how the county can finance a planned Justice Center and jail replacement.
Commissioners said the letter’s text will be reduced to a single page and circulated to the county council, local stakeholders and the county’s lobbyists so amendments can be drafted for the legislature. "We need to get this done, hopefully, counsel, dear counsel, by your meeting in your first meeting in August," one commissioner said, stressing the timetable provided by the county’s lobbyists.
Speakers said the purpose of the letter is to open a dialogue with state lawmakers about SEA 1’s requirements for local bonding and annual reauthorization of certain local income tax (LIT) deductions, which county advisers say complicate issuing bonds for the project. Commissioners discussed removing a request for special-purpose legislation from the draft letter after council members raised concerns that a special-purpose tax could be perceived as an additional tax.
"One of my concerns about going the special legislation route is that it doesn't change the requirement right now for reauthorization of LIT," county bond counsel told the meeting, arguing that the letter should focus on removing the onerous annual reauthorization requirement that makes bonds harder to market.
Commissioners reported that the county’s lobbyists (the TAM Group) and bond advisers recommended an expedited approach. Several outside groups have signaled possible support, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters (IAFF Local 586), which has said it will review a final draft and may sign on because of safety impacts tied to emergency response to the current Justice Building, a commissioner said.
No formal action was taken; the item was a discussion. County staff said they will produce a one-page draft and continue to coordinate with the council, lobbyists and stakeholders. Commissioners urged the council to provide fiscal questions and any alternative options quickly so lawmakers’ counsel can draft amendments in time for the fall legislative process.
