The Indianapolis City-County Council introduced a major road-funding plan Monday night built on higher vehicle fees, even as the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old in a downtown parking garage pushed public safety back to the forefront. No votes were taken.
Brett Scrogham, 23, was shot inside the parking garage at 101 S. Capitol Ave., on his way to meet family at an Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field. He died Saturday. A top-100 student at IU’s Kelley School of Business, he worked as a commercial real-estate analyst. IMPD reports meaningful progress but no arrests.
The killing surfaced repeatedly. Councilor Jared Evans called public safety and infrastructure the city’s top two responsibilities. “It’s a horrible, horrible tragedy,” he said. “I’m heartbroken for the family.” He said IMPD told councilors officers were “just right around the block” when it happened. Assistant Majority Leader Andy Nielsen called it “a senseless tragedy,” adding that the city has invested heavily in downtown safety “but it just emphasizes the work continues.”
The night’s marquee item was Proposal 192, the road plan led by Council President Maggie A. Lewis. Nielsen described it as a five-year-plus effort “focused on leveraging the $50 million match the state has made available.” A 2025 state law offers Indianapolis up to $50 million a year for roads — but only if the city provides a local match and notifies the state by Dec. 31. The match must be new revenue, and missing it forfeits the money permanently.
To raise it, the plan overhauls Marion County’s vehicle fees. The excise surtax on cars, motorcycles and light trucks becomes a flat $100 at registration — up from about $20 — while wheel-tax vehicles owe a flat $240, up from $10–$40. Drivers pay one fee; non-owners are exempt. The Council estimates $70.95 million in 2027 and $355.75 million over five years, supporting roughly $855.75 million in road work through 2031.
Both councilors made the case in pothole terms. Evans said he recently paid $250 for a flat tire and $230 for an alignment. “We can’t miss out on $50 million that’s our taxpayer money anyway,” he said. He reported “only frustrated positive feedback” from his moderately conservative district, and noted his own bill would rise about $85: “That’s one less old-fashioned a month for me.”
The plan has split the Democratic Council from Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett. Hogsett opposes the hike, saying the match can be achieved without raising taxes. Nielsen said the mayor’s approach lacks “budget permanency.” Evans was blunter: “I’ve heard there’s a plan. I haven’t seen it.” Asked about a veto, he said, “We’re going to override it.”
The math: 13 co-sponsors — enough to pass, four short of the 17 needed to override. Committees take it up June 9, June 11 and June 16 before a full-Council vote.
