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Votes at a glance: Auburn council approves utilities and code changes, rejects one rezoning
Summary
On July 7, 2026 the Auburn Common Council approved several ordinances (including withdrawing the municipal electric utility from state regulation and adding a utility rate advisory board), approved vouchers totaling $3,242,128.66, and rejected Ordinance 2026-20 (rezoning 12 lots) on first reading.
At the July 7, 2026 meeting of the Auburn Common Council the body took the following formal actions:
- Vouchers: The clerk-treasurer reported vouchers totaling $3,242,128.66. A motion to approve the vouchers was seconded and passed by voice vote.
- Ordinance 2026-12: Council passed on second and final reading an ordinance withdrawing the Auburn Municipal Electric Utility from the jurisdiction of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, citing Ind. Code 8-1.5-3-9.1; the motion carried after the required public-meeting reconvening from April 21.
- Ordinance 2026-17: Council passed an amendment and restatement of Chapter 95.35 (Excavations) on second and final reading by voice vote.
- Ordinance 2026-18: Council passed an ordinance repealing Chapter 54 (General utility provisions) on second and final reading by voice vote.
- Ordinance 2026-19: Council moved Ordinance 2026-19 (rezoning ~40-acre parcel north of Morning Star Road to medium-density single-family residential) on first reading and the motion carried by voice vote.
- Ordinance 2026-20: Council considered rezoning Lots 1–12 of Block 9 (Aubrey L Coleman addition) and the east half of vacated Hazel Street to I-1 (light industrial). After extended public comment and staff Q&A the council took a roll-call vote resulting in three yes votes (Williams, DeWitt, Finchem) and four no votes (Prosser, Bundy, Webb, Braun); the ordinance failed on 1st reading.
- Ordinance 2026-21: Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 34 to add Subchapter 34.2 creating a Utility Rate Advisory Board; councilmembers expressed support for a citizen advisory role on rates and regulation.
Next steps: items that passed on first reading will return as required by ordinance schedule or administrative procedures; the failed rezoning may be revised and resubmitted and would require planning commission review and public hearings before any site approvals or permits could be issued.
