Local taxes fees and school referendum
State property tax reforms cut into Indianapolis revenue, sparking local fights over vehicle taxes, permitting fees, income/stormwater options, and an IPS operating referendum on the November 2026 ballot for a property tax increase to support teacher pay and services. The mayor supports the referendum; cuts are expected either way, and fee hikes have drawn builder criticism.
What should Indianapolis do about local taxes, fees, and the IPS school funding referendum?
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Sources
Mayor Joe Hogsett — https://www.wrtv.com/news/education/indianapolis-leaders-discuss-school-funding-stakes-of-november-referendum/
An IPS (Indianapolis Public Schools) operating referendum is on the November 2026 ballot for a property tax increase (~$9/month on a $150k home estimate) to support teacher pay and services; cuts expected either way... Hogsett supports it.
City-County Council — https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indys-19-billion-budget-promises-more-for-roads-as-drivers-prepare-to-pay-more-indianapolis-mayor-joe-hogsett-indiana/531-388289e7-56dc-4acc-b92e-51f2ba67ff8a
Offsets included higher building/permitting fees (hurting home builders) and some fee hikes... vehicle/excise surtax and wheel tax hikes
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Pass the IPS referendum and add progressive local taxes to fully fund schools and reverse fee burdens
- Support the school referendum and targeted vehicle/permitting fees for roads and services
- Evaluate the referendum and fees case-by-case while seeking state revenue fixes
- Oppose new property taxes for IPS and minimize fee hikes to protect homeowners and builders
- Reject the referendum, roll back recent local taxes/fees, and demand deep school and city cuts