I wanted to continue to keep you updated on the ICE facility rumors about a processing center coming to our town. I write rumor because as of today, it's just that. A rumor. I have written a letter to ICE/DHS and will post what their response is if I hear back. The FBI and even... Continue Reading →

When I first served on the Town Council from 1991 to 2003, things felt far simpler than they do today. Our biggest debates were whether to buy Chevy or Ford police cars, what color the Street Department trucks should be, and how to stretch a modest budget to keep town services running. One major milestone... Continue Reading →

The Town of Merrillville is aware of a Washington Post article, as well as a subsequent front-page story in today’s (December 31) NWI Times, reporting that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is evaluating locations nationwide for potential processing centers.Merrillville was referenced in the Washington Post article as a possible processing site on a map accompanying... Continue Reading →

A common question we hear is: "With all this new development happening in Merrillville, shouldn't the town be collecting a lot more property tax money?"  The answer is a surprisingly no, and it's due to the way Indiana's tax system works.  1. Indiana Caps What Merrillville Is Allowed to Collect Indiana does not let towns simply collect more... Continue Reading →

The Town Council reaffirmed its commitment to public safety on Tuesday by approving one of Indiana’s most pro-police collective bargaining agreements from this year.Following the unanimous action, town leaders and Merrillville FOP Lodge 168 representatives gathered to sign copies of the document.“Public safety is at the heart of everything we do in Merrillville,” Town Council... Continue Reading →

If you’ve noticed cars flying down our neighborhood streets lately, you’re not alone. Speeding is one of the top complaints we hear from Merrillville residents — and truthfully, it’s not just our town. Communities everywhere are struggling with drivers who ignore speed limits and put others at risk.Here in Merrillville, we’ve already taken several steps... Continue Reading →

At our September 23 Town Council meeting, I was glad to hear Merrillville Clerk-Treasurer Eric January give credit where credit is due. In his department report, he praised the role of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds in making big-ticket projects possible that simply wouldn’t fit into our general fund.This is a notable shift for Mr.... Continue Reading →

It only takes a minute to download. Be in 'the know'! We are very pleased with the participation so far with residents embracing the new MyMerrillville smart phone app. It's simple to download for either Android or Apple devices. You simple go to your app area and search MyMerrillville. You can also scan the QR... Continue Reading →

The Hobart/Merrillville Joint Municipal Task Force had its inaugural meeting Wednesday, with officials from the two communities and the Indiana Department of Transportation focused on collaboration, regional growth, and improved public services.Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun and Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella in February announced the establishment of the task force as an effort to... Continue Reading →