Indy Budget Deal By Week’s End?

It looks like the two sides in the city budget talks will be able to work out their differences and could have the matter resolved by the end of week.

The City-County Council passed a $1.1 billion budget, which included taking $20 million in Rebuild Indy funds and $15 million from the Capitol Improvement Board.

Mayor Greg Ballard had called that irresponsible, but did not say whether he would veto the plan.  Council President Maggie Lewis has said the budget pays for public safety and avoids a tax increase, as the Council did not approve the elimination of the homestead tax credit.

Ballard spokesman Mark Lotter told Indy Politics they are negotiating with the City-County Council and hope to have something resolved this week and said they are exchanging ideas.

Lewis says she is very comfortable with how the talks are going and thinks at the end of the day, both sides will be pleased with the outcome.

Neither side would go into specifics.  A decision must be made by the end of the week.