MAYOR GAHAN: NEW ALBANY TO CAUTIOUSLY CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN MUST DISCUSSIONS

MAYOR GAHAN: NEW ALBANY TO CAUTIOUSLY CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN MUST DISCUSSIONS

The MUST process was created following the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1) as an attempt to help local governments address the negative impacts of the new law. However, the taskforce's recommendations are not binding and cannot be enforced.

"MUST is a response to the problems created by SEA 1," Mayor Gahan said. "It is clear it should have occurred before the legislation became law, not afterward."

Mayor Gahan said once again the City will attend tonight's meeting alongside its financial advisor to better understand the options being discussed and to ensure New Albany's interests are represented.

"New Albany has consistently demonstrated responsible financial management," stated Mayor Gahan. "For 15 consecutive years, we’ve received excellent financial audits, and never raised taxes on our residents. It is important to maintain that record."

Mayor Gahan also emphasized that the City's participation in the MUST process should not be viewed as support for merging city and county governments or services.

"We have not committed to any option,” Mayor Gahan said. "History has shown that government consolidations often result in higher costs and fewer services for residents. Our priorities include protecting the quality of life of our residents, keeping decision making local, and providing the dependable public services that residents have come to expect."