Hamilton County pauses domestic violence shelter plans after property tax law passage

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The implementation of Senate Enrolled Act One is causing Hamilton County officials to pause their plans for a domestic violence shelter.

According to a news release from the county, officials purchased an eight-acre site for the shelter in 2022. Since then, designs for the site were created and Hamilton County had recruited Prevail of Central Indiana, an organization that provides crisis intervention and restorative support, to operate the shelter.

However, officials said the passage of SEA One, a property tax-related bill signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Bruan during the most recent legislative session, impacted the plans to fund the shelter.

According to previous reports, the law provides property tax relief for Hoosiers. However, that revenue has impacted other entities that rely on that funding, including cities like Indianapolis as well as public schools in the state of Indiana.

“This is a very difficult and disappointing decision,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said in the release. “The new law has created enormous financial constraints. While this project is paused indefinitely, we remain committed to keeping it at the forefront of our strategic priorities and are hopeful that, once the full impact of SB 1 is clear, we can move forward.”

The release said that the project is currently paused, but is not an official end. They emphasized that it is a “necessary step in ensuring long-term fiscal responsibility amid the new state-level budget realities.”

“The need for safe and affordable housing for survivors in Hamilton County is urgent and deeply felt,” Tami R. Wanninger, the executive director of Prevail of Central Indiana, said in the release. “This project represents years of thoughtful collaboration. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing innovative and sustainable solutions that honor survivors’ needs and their healing journey.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.