The Town of Merrillville council voted 7–0 on second reading to approve Ordinance 25‑34, authorizing the appropriation of $5,000,000 in general‑obligation bond proceeds to fund a package of capital projects and equipment.

Town Manager Michael Griffin told the council the ordinance identifies the projects that will be financed and is the step required before the town can sell the bonds. "We are going to appropriate $5,000,000 for the following reasons: improvements to town hall and police officers, town hall roof improvements, gateway signs and park signs, cameras as well as other security equipment, vehicle for the parks and recreation department and planning director, park monitors and software," Griffin said. He asked council members to sign the paperwork so bond counsel can finalize documents and pursue the sale.

Griffin said the town is targeting a settlement date of Dec. 17 for the bond sale and explained how the debt will be repaid. "This will be paid back through, this is called Article 13 debt. You have powers as a municipal corporation to issue up to 2% of your AV minus existing debt, and you pay it back with a property levy that'll be spread across the entirety of the town," Griffin said. He added town staff are monitoring the levy rate to keep it from rising significantly.

Council members asked procedural questions and confirmed that the bond ordinance meets legal requirements; Griffin said he had worked with the clerk‑treasurer and bond counsel to prepare the ordinance for final signatures. The ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote with every member in favor.

The ordinance lists several capital priorities but does not itemize final contract awards or exact project timelines; Griffin said staff expects to proceed with procurement and execution after bond settlement. The council did not amend the ordinance at the meeting.

Next steps: bond counsel will finalize documents, staff will continue procurement and project planning, and the town expects to receive bond proceeds after settlement. The council will see subsequent agenda items for any required approvals related to specific contracts or projects funded by the bond.