Despite tax dollars tightening due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Bargersville plans to make progress next year toward goals that are outlined in its Vision 2040 comprehensive plan.
The pandemic has impacted every municipal budget next year, and more shortfalls are expected in the coming years. The Town of Bargersville will have less cash available at the end of this year than what was expected, and revenue is expected to fall in 2021 and 2022, based on projections by the town’s financial consultant.
Still, among the most notable items in its $5.8 million budget, the rapidly growing town plans to increase its walkability and start work at Kephart Park after the property sat idle for five years, town manager Julie Young said.Â
This first phase of the $9.06 million park will cost $418,000 and include two entrances to the park from County Road 144, a temporary gravel parking lot and the first walking trail, an asphalt trail around the perimeter of the park, which will connect to an existing trail in the Lennar at Morningside subdivision.
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Despite shortfalls, town officials hope to find enough room in the budget to spend about $2.6 million on four initial phases spanning the next four years, Young said.
Additionally, another trail project will be completed, but officials are still considering which of the planned trail extensions to prioritize, Young said. Potential trail projects include connecting downtown and Kephart Park or downtown to an existing trail on Whiteland Road, she said.
Despite the town’s emphasis on parks and trails, no new employees are being hired yet to oversee those projects. There were plans for a new employee in the comprehensive plan for 2021, but that was based on Kephart Park being built already, Young said. Because the park won’t be completed for a few more years, the need for that employee is also a few years away, she said.
The town is also prioritizing public safety. Though there will be an overall decrease in the Bargersville Police Department’s budget compared to this year, the town plans to hire two new officers in 2021 to keep pace with the population, said Laura Kennedy, town spokesperson.
Town officials are also working on the design of a new police station to be located at Morgantown Road and Whiteland Road. The multi-million project will need outside financing, but the town will absorb some expenses for the planning stages next year, Young said.Â
All town employees will get a 1.4% cost-of-living raise next year, marking the second year for this type of increase, said Nancy Kehl, Bargersville’s clerk-treasurer.
