Mark F Hall for Hamilton County Council - To Serve Neighbors

06/10/2026

May 2026 Timesheet report.

Mark Hall – Hamilton County Council
The Timesheet
(PIC)
Welcome to the Timesheet. This column is a report of work done on behalf of the people of Hamilton County. It is to be informative too, a place to learn about projects and how our county government works.
As your employee, it is important that you know what is being worked on as transparently as is possible in county government. You hired me as your County Councilman, and my hope is that you will choose to be informed by regularly reading this column, getting involved, consider volunteering, and by asking questions. Council meetings are at 7:00 PM the first Wednesday of every month at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in downtown Noblesville. Meetings are also available to watch online for those unable to attend in person. Here is where my time this past month has been spent.
In addition to the County Council public meetings, May work included: watching Board of Commissioners,’ Cicero Town Council and Noblesville City Council public meetings. A Council Executive Session, a personnel committee meeting, a finance committee meeting, a Council and Commissioners work session regarding a potential new wheel tax, meeting with Cicero Town Council member Jacob Everett, meeting with Cicero resident Jordan Ballinger, attending the ribbon cutting for State Road 37 and the 141st street intersection, and a Health insurance renewal meeting.
The May Personnel Committee meeting included requests from Judicial Administration, the Surveyor, and the Sheriff’s office. Topics included specialty pay via a grant from the State Supreme Court to administer the Hamilton County Courts JDAI (Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative) services, the reclassification of a Project Engineering position that has been open for over a year to reflect a competitive market salary, and lastly a detailed presentation by Lt. Goff and Sgt. Foote from the Sherriff’s department advocating for hourly pay for instruction & training officers in addition to their certification pay. After analysis, discussion, and revision the requests were sent to the entire council with favorable recommendations for approval.
The Finance Committee met with four agenda items. The 2027 budget and its expected increases. Bakers Corner HCRUD Phase 3 at 7.8MM, Sheriff’s Pension Update and the impact of the State Legislature changing the distribution of the Innkeepers Tax. Takeaways include an expected five to six percent budget increase, better financial control over one department, the breakeven analysis of the utility district, and understanding that the pension is well funded and the tax policy change will not impact the county’s general fund.
The insurance committee met with our consulting firm, NFP, to discuss the county’s renewal for 2027. Here are the primary takeaway points. Healthcare costs are increasing on average 9.3% nationally this year. The general price increase for private plans is the middle teens headed into 2027. Healthcare costs are not lowering anytime soon. The county is looking at a 4.8% increase provided council increases individual employee contribution by $5 and family contribution by $10. The total 2027 expense is projected at $32.4MM with costs to the County expected to be $1,181.33 for an individual and $3130.22 for a family. We are evaluating TPA companies for additional cost savings opportunities.
During May I received ten constituent service requests and communications. One neighbor contacted several elected representatives regarding the Creek Road Camping and Burn Out Events. That information was passed along to the county legal department who have pursued legal action. I was contacted by the Westfield Clerk Treasurer regarding the status of a MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce) group for officials to negotiate and recommend how local income tax revenue should be used within the county. We have not yet formed a MUST group and don’t plan to at this point. I had two neighbors ask about Cherry Tree Road, one regarding road repair and one regarding hanging wires from Comcast. Both were referred to the Highway department for action. I had a constituent ask about a county condemnation of a property along 136th street. Upon review the property in question was a total loss due to a fire leaving the property unsafe and susceptible to animals and the elements. I had a citizen reach out asking to meet to discuss Cicero and Hamilton County government interaction and projects. He wanted to understand how he could get involved. We met for coffee, had a good conversation and I encouraged him to check out the volunteer portal on the County Website. I received a call from a citizen in Atlanta concerned about the state of disrepair of 296th street. After much research, the resolution for this issue is in process. The road tax revenue for that stretch of road is still being sent to Tipton County. As I write this, the Atlanta town board is working on a solution to share the responsibility for the road repair or take it over. Also, the same constituent expressed concerns over the rail intersection on Main Street in Atlanta. We contacted the Hoosier Port Authority, who has authority over the railroad at that intersection, as well as Mike Neal from GoRail to discuss grants for the repair. I have no further feedback from either potential solution. Lastly, I was contacted by three Sheridan property owners asking that the county intervene and delay the opening of the new Skylake Water park. They cited incomplete storm water and drain issues. Many officials received these requests which were immediately sent to the surveyor’s office and the Drainage Board. The concerns were addressed by the Plan Review and surveyor’s departments.
Of special note this month, was attending the Drug Court Graduation and the groundbreaking of the judicial center expansion. I’ve written about Drug Court before, but I just can’t emphasize enough how this program turns around families and saves the taxpayers money in the long run. Those that make it through the program are shining moments in time as your elected official. Not everyone makes it back and becomes a productive citizen. Clean, sober, and employed translates to thousands of dollars in taxpayer savings each year. Yes, these are feel good moments, but they also prove to me that these programs can work. I see dozens of dots on the programs “in-process people” board representing those struggling to get their lives back and am so encouraged with each graduate’s story. The groundbreaking was noteworthy because it is the culmination of years’ worth of hard work. The population-driven addition of seven court rooms is only a part of this expansion, designed to accommodate the residents of Hamilton County for decades in the future.
It was an honor to represent you at the Crossings alternative High School graduation ceremony, at the Hamilton County Drug treatment Court Graduation, at the State Road 37 Ribbon cutting for 141st street opening, and at the Crossroads Church Comedy event popcorn and punchlines.
This is my time sheet. This is where my time went during May 2026. While my job is primarily the financial oversight of the county budget, it is important that I understand the Board of Commissioners’ priorities and balance them with the stewardship of taxpayer dollars. That is the job, and I am excited to do the people’s business.
As a taxpayer myself, and listening to so many of you, our employers, it is important for the taxpayers to have access to all the information you want. I work for you and although you may not choose to do a deep dive into what your County Council does, it is important that you can always do so. Feel free to contact me at 317-832-1104 or [email protected] with questions, feedback or if you would like to talk about county business.

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

Thankful for all those who served and Sacrificed.

05/20/2026

Hamilton County with three top places to live!

https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR58KVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR6y8niYSydtT633-qsDRQ4AESto8w6AoMIEMnHcKCOVnjiK_1IIFhFhfTl6kg_aem_hF9r23siLkP0QSn1-YLIjQ

U.S. News & World Report ranks 250 places to live in the U.S.

05/15/2026

April 2026 Time sheet to my employers, the citizens of Hamilton County. Thank you for hiring me.

Mark Hall – Hamilton County Council The Timesheet

Welcome to the Timesheet. This column is a report of work done on behalf of the people of Hamilton County. It is to be informative too, a place to learn about projects and how our county government works.
As your employee, it is important that you know what is being worked on as transparently as is possible in county government. You hired me as your County Councilman, and my hope is that you will choose to be informed by regularly reading this column, getting involved, consider volunteering, and by asking questions. Council meetings are at 7:00 PM the first Wednesday of every month at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in downtown Noblesville. Meetings are also available to watch online for those unable to attend in person. Here is where my time this past month has been spent.
In addition to the County Council public meetings, April work included: watching Board of Commissioners’, Cicero Town Council and Noblesville City Council public meetings. A Council Executive Session, meeting with the Hamilton County Health Department Administrator, Jason LeMaster reviewing his department’s annual roadmap plan, meeting with the Commissioners Director of Administration and attending the quarterly Cicero Hamilton County update session.
The in-person April Personnel Committee meeting was canceled and replaced with a poll of committee members. Human Resources requested approval to hire a Benefits Manager at a level above the recommended formula compensation. After analyzing the request, discussing it, and reviewing the candidate’s experience as it related to the role, a majority of members voted not to recommend the higher level. That recommendation went to the full council, which approved the lower pay rate, saving several thousand dollars.
The Finance Committee and Insurance Committee did not meet in April. April work included preparing and approving budget instructions for department heads. With the county’s revenue outlook shifting over the next few years—from property tax to local income tax—I am advocating a conservative approach to cost containment. Given the uncertainty, I am inclined to slow the creation of new positions. However, because the state is adding two new courts, we must fund the required staffing. If judicial services designate both as major felony courts, the added staff costs are estimated at $2.4 million per year. I also expect the legislature to further revise SEA 1 before we develop the 2028 budget so long-term planning is like trying to nail Jello to the wall.
During April I received four constituent service requests and communications. Again, this month families living near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Cherry Tree Road contacted me regarding the speed limit along Cherry Tree Road and its intersection with the new Pleasant Street Parkway. This month the speed limit was lowered to 35 MPH along Cherry Tree Road from 171st street to Pleasant Street. This is a direct result of multiple families reporting concerns, working with local elected officials, a highway department that conducted testing and then recommending to the Board of Commissioners that the speed be reduced and they took action to do so. Two of the families wrote thank you notes for the change with one family reminding me that road repair remains an outstanding issue. I spoke with the Highway Department Director, Brad Davis, and was encouraged to learn that this stretch of road is on the list of future repairs. Stay tuned.
Another request was concerning down utility lines in Jackson Township. After some research, the constituent was connected to the local authorities with zoning and planning jurisdiction over the area to resolve the issue with the responsibly utility company. A third request arrived from the daughter of an elderly Cicero couple whose yard was left in disarray from a county construction project. After research and speaking with the County Engineer, Joel Thurman, I came to understand that the contractor responsible has had a few similar complaints. These will be addressed specifically in the punchlist of work, prior to the final project release.
The final message I received questioned the need for the Judicial Center expansion. With Hamilton County’s low crime rate, why spend $70 million to expand and renovate the building? It’s a fair question. The facility was completed in 1992, when the county’s population was about 121,000. Today we exceed 390,000 residents, and demand for county services has grown accordingly. Current caseloads have each judge handling the workload of more than two judges under typical conditions. Space needs have also increased across our twenty-seven departments, and the 25-year-old building faces the wear and limitations you would expect. The project will add seven courtrooms to help address the thousands of pending cases. While crime rates per 100,000 residents have declined, civil filings have increased—business disputes, family law matters, property and employment cases, and contract litigation. And even with a lower rate, the total number of cases rises as the population grows. In short, it’s time. We have people sharing cubicles and working in challenging situations. The county has even had to lease space to accommodate our workforce.
Of special note this month was a review of the Auditors monthly report. Each month I receive a detailed report on the county’s general fund financial shape. The information includes all the County General Fund budgeted amounts by account along with year-to-date spending and pro-forma against budget. It’s a great tool to review how we are performing against expected revenue and expenses by department and fund. Happy to report that the fiscal health of the county remains strong and even though as a citizen we can generally feel that things are ok, it’s reassuring to have the data, review it and know in your knower that things are ok.
This is my time sheet. This is where my time went during April 2026. While my job is primarily the financial oversight of the county budget, it is important that I understand the Board of Commissioners’ priorities and balance them with the stewardship of taxpayer dollars. That is the job, and I am excited to do the people’s business.
As a taxpayer myself, and listening to so many of you, our employers, it is important for the taxpayers to have access to all the information you want. I work for you and although you may not choose to do a deep dive into what your County Council does, it is important that you can always do so. Feel free to contact me at 317-832-1104 or [email protected] with questions, feedback or if you would like to talk about county business.

05/06/2026

Thank you Hamilton County, Indiana I am humbled by your support in yesterday's primary election. All praise and Glory to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

Lisa D Hall and I can't tell you how much your notes, emails, texts, prayers and post of encouragement mean to us. We appreciate your kindness and support.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is my pleasure to serve our neighbors. Now on the fall and the general election where we have an opponent.

As always please reach out if I may be of service.

05/04/2026

Grateful for the business community’s endorsement.

Proud to support leaders who are committed to strong communities, smart growth, and a thriving business environment.

The OneZone Chamber Business Action Committee (BAC) is excited to endorse this group of candidates who understand what it takes to move our communities forward. From local town councils to the Statehouse, these individuals bring leadership, experience, and a commitment to making a difference.

Todd Huston for Indiana State Representative
Amy Massillamany for Hamilton County Council
Christine Altman for Hamilton County Commissioner
Ken Alexander for Hamilton County
Mark F Hall for Hamilton County Council
Chris Jeter for Indiana
Danny Lopez for Indiana
Tim Griffin for Hamilton County
State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
Kristina Moorhead for Indiana State Senate
Elect Mike Gaskill
John Ruckelshaus
Alaina Shonkwiler
Hunter for Indiana
Jim Buck for State Senate
Committee to Elect Garrett Gossard

We believe in supporting leaders who listen, lead, and deliver results for the communities and businesses they serve.

04/24/2026

Bill was on my first campaign inner circle. He took Lisa and I under his wings and coached us through our first loss. He was an incredible man of integrity who made people around him better and set a standard the likes of which will never be matched.

He was one of my first calls after being elected. He will be missed by many.

View William "Bill" George Schneider, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

Welcome to the Timesheet. This column is a report of work done on behalf of the people of Hamilton County. It is to be informative too, a place to learn about projects and how our county government works.
As your employee, it is important that you know what is being worked on as transparently as is possible in county government. You hired me as your County Councilman, and my hope is that you will choose to be informed by regularly reading this column, getting involved, consider volunteering, and by asking questions. Council meetings are at 7:00 PM the first Wednesday of every month at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in downtown Noblesville. Meetings are also available to watch online for those unable to attend in person. Here is where my time this past month has been spent.
In addition to the County Council public meetings, March work included: watching Board of Commissioners’ and Noblesville City Council public meetings, attending a Cicero Town Council meeting, meeting with Jason LeMaster, Hamilton County Health Department Administrator to discuss his departments annual report, a meeting with Chris Mertens, Hamilton County Information Technology Director, to discuss upcoming software price increases and the departments project dashboard, a Redevelopment Commission meeting, a personnel committee meeting, an insurance stewardship review meeting and a finance committee meeting. Yes, it was a very busy month.
The March personnel committee meeting included a Judicial Services position reclassification request, Prosecutors office band increases for three of the deputy prosecuting attorneys, three reclassification review requests for the Parks and Recreation department, the Sheriff’s Department submitted a classification review request seeking to convert an existing Corrections Officer position into a newly established Support Services Manager position and the Human Resources Department submitted a request for team lead differential pay increase to bring a team lead in their department in line with the compensation of other team leads.
Not all the requests were approved after committee members reviewed the supporting documentation which included studies from our outside vendor. The requests were moved to the full council with the committee’s recommendations for a final vote.
The finance committee meeting included a presentation by the HEPL (Hamilton East Public Library) Director Melissa Loiselle regarding their planned third library location. We also received a legislative briefing update from the county financial consultant. This included expected changes to revenue sources over the next several years as well as the expected supplemental LIT distribution that is in process. We discussed the interlocal agreement with the city of Fishers regarding work on State Road 37 and the counties commitment from years ago for an additional 4.5 million dollars. We then turned to Parks and their request for an additional 2.5-million-dollar appropriation and the cash balance requirements of the finance committee for the Parks Fund, noting that Parks’ levy has gone up considerably over the past several years. Lastly, we moved on to a review of how we could finance road projects at the intersections of 146th and Hazel Dell and 146th and Gray. The amount of planning that goes into financing these road improvements is massive. We must be years ahead of the process to plan properly. In one case the county has been awarded nine million dollars towards a project I expect to cost over thirty-five million dollars. That means that we must have the means and mechanisms to finance the remaining costs in a timely manner to not lose the nine-million-dollar time sensitive grant. It is kind of like juggling porcupines while riding a unicycle, tricky on its best day.
The insurance committee met and reviewed our present state on expenses, claims, and reserves. I appreciate that our outside consultants keep officials well informed on the health of the plan and how it is being managed.
During March I received five constituent service requests and communications. Again, this month families living near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Cherry Tree Road contacted me regarding the speed limit along Cherry Tree Road and its intersection with the new Pleasant Street Parkway. The planned speed test is to take place in April as is some road maintenance to address wear and tear on Cherry Tree. Again, I drove to the area twice and continue to work with the county highway department to address the families’ concerns.
Another request was regarding the “Burn Out” events and campgrounds set up in the area of 211th and Creek Road. Many local officials have received several disturbing reports of noise, safety, and sanitary concerns over the conditions regarding these events. In speaking with the health department, sheriff and county attorney, these events are operating within the present regulations.
The last set of communications questioned Riverview Health and their purchase of the naming rights for the Arena at Innovation Mile. The taxpayers were unhappy that taxpayer money was used to bail out Riverview and shortly thereafter they spent upwards of five million dollars to purchase naming rights to the arena. I must admit that the optics of such a move do not make me happy either. I investigated the transaction a bit and spoke with the county attorney who also is a member of the Riverview Hospital Board. He reported to me that part of the agreement with Parkview includes funding for marketing and promotion from Parkview. Further that the funds used for the naming rights originated from Parkview not Riverview.
Of special note this month was the tour of the new Public Safety building under construction east of State Road 37, North of State Road 32. The time was spent walking around the entire site, asking questions that as a taxpayer, I would want the answers to. This facility will house all our 911 and Emergency Management teams. The care taken to build this facility to withstand a category five tornado ensures that even during a horrible disaster, emergency personnel can communicate and serve the citizens of Hamilton County. At seventy plus million dollars it deserves much attention. I am happy to report that the project is on time and budget.
Lastly, it was an honor to represent you this month at the Sheridan Schools State of Finances presentation where Dr. Mundy outlined the finance needs of the district considering the SEA1 property tax credits. In short, the district will need to pass a referendum to ensure financial continuity in the years ahead.
This is my time sheet. This is where my time went during March 2026. While my job is primarily the financial oversight of the county budget, it is important that I understand the Board of Commissioners’ priorities and balance them with the stewardship of taxpayer dollars. That is the job, and I am excited to do the people’s business.
As a taxpayer myself, and listening to so many of you, our employers, it is important for the taxpayers to have access to all the information you want. I work for you and although you may not choose to do a deep dive into what your County Council does, it is important that you can always do so. Feel free to contact me at 317-832-1104 or [email protected] with questions, feedback or if you would like to talk about county business.

04/15/2026

We have an opponent in the fall. I wish elections didn't cost money. I also wish cookies made me lose weight too ;-)

I'd be pleased if you and yours would join us for this event. Please drop me an email and let us know you are planning to be here. Thanks to the Hamilton County FOP 103 Indiana for the use of their lodge. Hamilton County, Indiana