Brownsburg Leaders Break Silence on City-Status Push

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What: Brownsburg Leaders Break Silence on City-Status Push
Summary: Brownsburg town leaders say no official action has been taken on becoming a city and any decision would ultimately be up to voters.

Brownsburg Leaders Break Silence on City-Status Push

BROWNSBURG, Ind. —
Brownsburg Town Council leadership has issued a public statement clarifying that no official action has been taken regarding a proposal to transition Brownsburg from a town to a city, following growing public attention around the issue.

The statement comes as some residents have begun discussing the idea of restructuring Brownsburg’s form of government, a move that would require voter approval under Indiana law. Town officials said the matter has not been brought before the council and has not been discussed in any formal meeting.

“The decision to transition from a town to a city government structure is ultimately determined by the voters in our community,” the statement said. “At this time, no official action related to this matter is before the Town Council.”

The statement explained that under Indiana law, a municipality must have at least 2,000 residents to become a city. With a population of approximately 35,000, Brownsburg would qualify as a second-class city if voters approved such a change. That structure would include an elected mayor, a nine-member city council, and an appointed controller, replacing the town’s current town-manager form of government.

Town officials also outlined key differences between the two forms of government, noting that a mayor-led system provides a directly elected executive, while a town-manager system emphasizes professional administration overseen by the council.

The statement cautioned that becoming a city could increase costs, citing the likelihood of higher elected-official salaries, additional staffing, and transition expenses. It also noted that city status would not automatically make Brownsburg eligible for additional state or federal grant funding.

Council leadership emphasized that the discussion is not a reflection on current town operations or management. Town Manager Deb Cook and town staff were praised for carrying out council direction and providing professional service to the community.

“This potential transition is not a negative reflection of our current Town Manager, Deb Cook,” the statement said. “Staff are supportive of this conversation when it is conducted thoughtfully, legally, and with clear voter support.”

Officials said any proposal to change Brownsburg’s status would have to go through the formal legal process and include opportunities for public input before being considered by the council.

The Press Release from the Brownsburg Town Council Follows:

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