The Frankfort Common Council approved two spending measures and advanced a proposal to shift local vehicle tax revenues to the city during its July 13th meeting, while also agreeing to pursue a 50% reduction in traffic fatalities over the next decade. The council unanimously passed additional appropriations for the street and parks departments and moved forward on first reading of an ordinance establishing a city wheel tax and motor vehicle excise surtax. Members also endorsed a long-term safety goal tied to a federal grant program and approved a property agreement tied to the sale of the Creek Side Music building.
Budget approvals and tax proposal
Council members voted 6-0 to approve Ordinance 26-13, an additional appropriation for the street department to fund a backhoe purchase, and Ordinance 26-16, which allocates $10,000 to cover an insurance deductible for storm damage to a parks department building. Both measures passed on second reading without opposition.
The council also unanimously approved Ordinance 26-18 on first reading, which would establish a municipal wheel tax and vehicle excise surtax. Officials said the change would not increase taxes for residents but would redirect revenue currently collected by Clinton County to the city. “Right now the county is collecting it,” an official explained during the meeting. “This will redistribute those taxes that are already collected by the county and put them into the city’s budget as opposed to the county budget.” The ordinance is expected to return for a second reading in August, ahead of a state deadline in September.
Vision Zero goal discussed
In new business, the council reached consensus on a proposed traffic safety target as part of its Vision Zero planning effort, which is required for a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant application. City officials reported five fatal crashes in Frankfort over the past five years and recommended setting a goal of reducing fatalities by 50% over the next 10 years.
“It’s my recommendation to the council to put in verbiage of a 50% over the next 10 years,” a city representative said, citing analysis from consulting firm American Structurepoint and recent annexation and interstate jurisdiction changes. Council members agreed to incorporate that target into a resolution expected to return at the August meeting.
Creek Side Music property agreement
The council also approved a set of agreements related to the pending sale of the Creek Side Music building. The action releases the city’s existing right of first refusal while securing a new one with the prospective buyer. Under the agreement, the city would retain the right of first refusal for 10 years after the sale, with a seven-day response window if the property is offered for sale again. The buyer indicated willingness to accept those terms, according to the city attorney, who recommended approval. The council unanimously authorized the mayor to execute the documents.
Public comments highlight concerns
During public comment, resident David Riggs raised concerns about trains blocking crossings and dividing the city, potentially delaying emergency response. “When that train’s there, you couldn’t get an ambulance to my house,” Riggs said. “The closest ambulance is now in Lafayette and stroke or heart attack seconds count.”
City officials said they have repeatedly contacted the railroad and federal representatives about the issue but noted legal limitations on enforcement. “Indiana Supreme Court has ruled that we cannot issue citations,” one official said, referencing past attempts to penalize blocked crossings.
Riggs also urged the council to consider a moratorium on data centers, citing concerns about their impact on nearby neighborhoods. City staff said they would research whether such a moratorium could be enacted at the city level.
Other business
The council advanced Ordinance 26-17, another appropriation measure, on first reading. A public hearing on that ordinance is scheduled for Aug. 10. The meeting adjourned following unanimous votes on all action items.