Merrillville council adopts 2026 budget, OKs $33 million in bonds and rezoning for Broadmoor site

The Town of Merrillville Council voted unanimously to adopt the town's advertised 2026 budget, approved a $33 million bond package to pay for infrastructure projects, and granted a zoning change that clears the way for a residential planned-unit development on the former Broadmoor Country Club property.

Trista, the town's financial adviser, told the council the town's assessed value increased by about $100,000,000 from last year, producing growth of roughly 4.07% for the town and 4.05% for the fire territory. "The maximum levy ... That growth will be 336,370 this year," she said, summarizing the revenue the town expects to capture under state levy limits.

The budget sets the general fund at about $13,254,000 and includes allocations across funds for police pension, parks, road maintenance and stormwater. Council members stressed the town will continue to aim for a balanced budget and retain some cash balance for emergencies.

Clerk-Treasurer Mr. January reported the town sold bonds in three series totaling about $33,000,000. The proceeds were described as earmarked for a new fire station (about…