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Hammond council approves $7.73 million in claims, creates wheel-tax project fund and reappoints redevelopment commissioner
Summary
At its Nov. 24 meeting, the Hammond City Council approved $7,733,308.86 in claims, passed Ordinance 25-32 creating a new wheel-tax project fund (recorded on the minutes as '46 84') and confirmed a reappointment to the redevelopment commission; the mayor warned of a roughly $15 million budget shortfall.
The Hammond City Council on Nov. 24 approved $7,733,308.86 in claims and passed a new ordinance to establish a wheel-tax project fund, actions council leaders said will help the city manage upcoming project spending.
Councilwoman Velez moved approval of claims dated Nov. 5 through Nov. 19 (claim numbers 10130 through 10573) totaling $7,733,308.86; a roll-call vote recorded nine yes votes and no opposition. Councilman Salinas earlier moved to approve the Nov. 10 minutes, which passed on voice vote.
On third and final reading, Ordinance 25-32 (sponsored by Councilwoman Venez) creating a new fund for accounting and administering wheel-tax/surtax project funds was moved by Councilwoman Venez and seconded by Councilman Spitali. The clerk recorded a 9-0 roll-call vote in favor, and the ordinance passed. The fund number was read on the record as "46 84." The council also passed Resolution 25 R-23 to reappoint Susan M. Kubacki to the Hammond Redevelopment Commission; that motion carried 9-0 after council members praised her prior service.
Mayor (name not specified on the record) used his report to warn the council of a projected budget shortfall tied to recent state action, saying the city is likely to lose roughly $15,000,000 and that council and staff will need to identify new and sustainable funding for community events. The mayor framed the potential cuts as a prioritization problem—"we may have to get rid of a couple of these" events—rather than a specific plan to eliminate particular programs.
Other items noted in the mayor's report included promotions in the Hammond Fire and Police Departments and a $10,000,000, 20,000-square-foot expansion of the Hammond Sportsplex that city officials said brings the facility to about 155,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
No votes were recorded on policy items during public comment. The council closed its meeting after a motion to adjourn passed.
Votes at a glance • Approval of minutes (Nov. 10): passed on voice vote • Claims approval (Nov. 5–Nov. 19; claims 10130–10573): $7,733,308.86; roll call 9-0, approved • Ordinance 25-32 (create wheel-tax project fund, read on record as '46 84'): final passage; roll call 9-0, approved • Resolution 25 R-23 (reappoint Susan M. Kubacki to Hammond Redevelopment Commission): roll call 9-0, approved
Next steps: The mayor said staff and council will work to identify funding options and priorities in response to the projected revenue loss; the council has one appointment to make to the redevelopment commission before Dec. 31.
