>>2014 Budget Approved By City Council
IMPD is getting enough money to hire 80 new police officers next year. On Monday, city leaders reached an agreement on a one-billion-dollar budget that will take 15-million-dollars from the city’s rainy-day fund and two other accounts to pay for the additional officers. The deal also includes raises for police officers and keeps the local version of the homestead credit on property tax bills. The city-council approved the budget with a 26-to-2 vote.
>>South Split Construction Almost Done
The construction project that has the South Split closed is nearing its end. Contractors have removed and replaced two steel beams on the Virginia Avenue bridges over I-65 and I-70. Painting is expected to begin later this week.
>>Jury Selection Continues For Bisard Trial
Jury selection for the trial of suspended IMPD Officer David Bisard will resume today. On Monday, five men and five women were selected. If the remainder of the jurors are picked today, opening statements will likely begin Wednesday. Bisard is accused of driving drunk when he crashed his patrol car into a group of motorcyclists, killing one of them and injuring two others.
>>Experts: Alligator Wasn’t A Pet
Experts say the three-foot-long alligator found wandering along I-69 in Hamilton County wasn’t a pet. The head of Indiana Reptile Expo says the gator is about three-years-old and isn’t domesticated. The alligator is being sent to Alabama to live at a reptile reserve.
>>Colts Lose Monday Night Football Game
The Colts are not happy with their Monday Night Football performance. They lost to the San Diego Chargers 19-9. The game was Indianapolis’ first appearance on Monday Night Football since October 2011.