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Council approves $1.21M for police‑headquarters property purchases; public questions use of LIT funds ahead of referendum
Summary
Council approved a $1,213,410 appropriation to buy four Meridian Street properties for a potential police headquarters and to fund a perimeter path; public commenters asked what happens to purchases if a pending police‑station referendum fails.
The Lebanon City Council approved resolution 2026‑32 on July 13, authorizing $1,213,410 in appropriations drawn from local income tax (LIT) funds for police‑headquarters planning and acquisition and for the Abner Longley perimeter path.
Ben (planning staff) and Kevin (Public Works) told council the request covers a planning invoice for the perimeter path (roughly $420,000) and approximately $750,000 for acquisition costs for four properties on South Meridian — specifically identified in the motion for title company requirements as 224, 232, 304 and 310 South Meridian Street — with closings tentatively scheduled for the end of July.
Public comment focused on the timing and source of funds. Jody Stewart (a Boone County resident) asked what would happen to the purchased property and the LIT money if a simultaneous referendum on raising property taxes to fund a new police station does not pass. The mayor and staff clarified that the funds are local LIT distributions already in the city's accounts and that purchased parcels would become city property; there is no repayment mechanism if the referendum fails because the city would own the assets outright.
The resolution passed on voice vote after a motion that included the title‑company language naming the parcels to be purchased; councilors noted the mayor had received a special distribution and that the city also maintains other LIT reserves for public safety uses.
Why it matters: The move secures property the city says is needed for future police facility planning and starts the process of site control before final financing and any referendum outcome; some residents expressed concern about committing local funds ahead of a public vote.
What’s next: Staff anticipates closings at month‑end and will proceed with the announced acquisitions and site planning as authorized by council.
