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 $15,000,000), $6,000,000 for the town's worst roads, and $12,000,000 for the Wickham Street extension and related work. Councilor Pettit and other members said the debt service for the bonds is intended to be paid from tax increment financing (TIF) allocation areas tied to new commercial development rather than from a general property tax increase on residents.

Council discussion and public comments addressed staffing and service priorities tied to the budget. Several residents urged that new revenue from development be used to improve fire and police staffing and to invest in parks and community amenities. In response to concerns about borrowing to build a new fire station, councilors and staff said the planned $15 million station will replace an existing facility and that officials believe it can be staffed with the current mix of full-time and on-call personnel.

The council also took related actions on ordinances and appropriations. Ordinance 25-29, changing an R-2 residential zoning district to a planned unit development at the former Broadmoor Country Club, passed on first reading by roll call. Ordinance 25-31 (the 2026 budget) passed on first reading by roll call. Ordinance 25-26 (an RDC additional appropriation of $70,000) passed on second reading. A housekeeping resolution adjusting HR appropriation balances (Resolution 25-35) also passed.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 25-29 (rezoning R-2 to planned unit development for the Broadmoor property): Motion by Councilor Pettit; second by Councilwoman Uslak. Roll call: Vice President Neal — Yes; Councilwoman Haines Edwards — Aye; Councilwoman Chandler Felton — Aye; Councilwoman Uslak — Yes; Councilman Bennett — Yes; Councilwoman Hardaway — Yes; Council President Ballard — Aye. Outcome: approved (7–0).

- Ordinance 25-31 (2026 advertised budget): Motion by Councilwoman Uslak; second by Vice President Neal. Roll call: Vice President Neal — Yes; Councilwoman Haines Edwards — Aye; Councilwoman Chandler Felton — Aye; Councilwoman Uslak — Yes; Councilman Bennett — Yes; Councilwoman Hardaway — Yes; Council President Ballard — Aye. Outcome: approved (7–0).

- Ordinance 25-26 (RDC additional appropriation, $70,000): Motion by Councilor Pettit; second by Councilwoman Uslak. Roll call: Vice President Neal — Yes; Councilwoman Haines Edwards — Aye; Councilwoman Chandler Felton — Aye; Councilwoman Uslak — Yes; Councilman Bennett — Yes; Councilwoman Hardaway — Yes; Council President Ballard — Aye. Outcome: approved (7–0).

- Resolution 25-35 (treasurer transfer of appropriation balances in HR): Motion by Councilor Pettit; second by Councilor Schieve. Voice vote: unanimous. Outcome: approved.

Why it matters: The budget and bond approvals set funding priorities and commit TIF-backed revenues to a mix of public works and public safety projects, including a replacement fire station and key road improvements. The council's actions also vest control of certain development-generated growth revenues in the town's allocated projects, affecting where and how quickly infrastructure will be improved.

What’s next: Councilors noted the town will present a plan for spending food-and-beverage tax revenues; staff will advance bond-funded projects through design and procurement. The rezoning will move the Broadmoor site into the permitting and plat-recording phase under its new planned-unit-development rules.