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Valparaiso council moves funds to pay outside attorney, carries tax‑notice ordinance and vacates alley
Summary
The council approved Resolution 5 to transfer funds to pay a contracted attorney, carried Ordinance 4 to comply with new Indiana Gateway notice rules, passed an alley vacation (Ordinance 7) and carried a small $2,000 appropriation (Ordinance 8) to the next meeting.
The Valparaiso City Council handled several administrative and financial items at its meeting.
Resolution 5 20 26, described by staff as a transfer to move funds within the attorney budget so invoices for a contracted attorney can be paid, was read and approved on a 6–0 vote. Council discussion clarified the change reflects that the city “no longer have an in‑house attorney” and is contracting with an outside lawyer; funds will be moved from attorney salaries and wages into the professional services line to cover invoices. Council members confirmed the movement discussed in questions was about roughly $75,000.
Council also discussed Ordinance 4 20 26 and a change in state rules on how tax‑supported funds must be publicly advertised. Staff explained that the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance now requires additional publications to be posted on IndianaGateway 14 days prior to meetings instead of in a print newspaper. Because of the change and the requirements for a public hearing, council moved to carry Ordinance 4 to the next meeting so notices and the ordinance text can be reprinted to reflect the correct posting method.
On land‑use business the council adopted Ordinance 7 20 26, vacating a platted alley in Block 2 of the Fiskey Subdivision; that measure passed on a roll‑call vote, 6–0. The council read Ordinance 8 20 26 (a $2,000 appropriation to restore part‑time funding for minutes preparation) for first reading and carried it to the next meeting.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution 5 20 26 — transfer of funds in the general fund to move attorney salaries/wages to professional services to pay contracted attorney invoices: Passed 6–0.
- Ordinance 4 20 26 — first/second reading carried to next meeting for re-notice because state rule now requires publication on IndianaGateway for tax‑supported funds: Carried to next meeting.
- Ordinance 7 20 26 — vacating platted alley in Fiskey Subdivision: Passed 6–0.
- Ordinance 8 20 26 — $2,000 appropriation for minutes preparation (first reading): Carried to next meeting.
The council also received several liaison reports and identical discussions of other ongoing city business, and closed the meeting after public comment.
