reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-32. Schedule of Amounts Paid on Bonds

Sec. 32. (a) If payment is made of principal or interest on bonds issued in anticipation of the collection of special assessments, the municipal fiscal officer shall prepare a schedule showing the following:
(1) All bonds on which payment of principal or interest is made, with the amount paid on each. If payment is not made in full, the fiscal officer shall specify the balance of principal and interest unpaid on each bond.
(2) The total of all principal of and interest on bonds on which no payment is made.
(3) Interest paid on delinquency.
(4) The total amount of principal of and interest on bonds for which a receipt was issued.
(5) The total amount of principal and interest paid on bonds.
(6) The total amount of interest on delinquency paid.
(7) The total balance of principal of and interest on bonds unpaid.
(b) The fiscal officer shall give a copy of the schedule to the bondholder on the surrender of the bondholder's receipt.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-33. Matured Bonds; Notice to Holder of Money Available for Payment

Sec. 33. Upon request of the holder of any bond on which principal or interest has become due, the municipal fiscal officer shall do the following:
(1) Make a record of the following:
(A) The maturity of the principal of the bond or interest on the bond.
(B) The name and address of the holder.
(2) Notify the holder by mail immediately when money is available to pay the principal or interest.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-36. Bonds; Certificates of Indebtedness; Payment

Sec. 36. (a) Upon the delivery of certificates of indebtedness in payment of part of the principal of or interest on any bonds because of a deficiency, the municipality shall, by proper endorsement of the bonds:
(1) reduce the face value of the bonds or the interest payable on the bonds by a corresponding amount; or
(2) cancel the bonds if the principal of and interest on the bonds are paid in full.
(b) The certificates of indebtedness shall be authorized, issued, and paid in the same manner as certificates of indebtedness issued under IC 36-9-36-62 and IC 36-9-36-64. However, the certificates draw interest only from the date of issue and the rate of interest shall be fixed by the resolution authorizing the issuance of the certificates.
(c) A municipality is not required to provide for or pay upon the certificates of indebtedness issued under section 35 of this chapter (or under IC 36-9-19 before its repeal in 1993) a total amount in any one (1) year in excess of the following:
(1) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for a municipality having a population of at least thirty-five thousand (35,000).
(2) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for a municipality having a population of at least ten thousand (10,000) and less than thirty-five thousand (35,000).
(3) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for a municipality having a population of less than ten thousand (10,000).
(d) A municipality shall make payments on the certificates of indebtedness issued under section 35 of this chapter (or under IC 36-9-19 before its repeal in 1993) in the order of the tender and demand for payment of outstanding certificates in each year. The municipality is not required to prorate the payments among all the outstanding certificates. The municipal fiscal officer is the sole judge of the order of tender and priorities of the certificates of indebtedness.
(e) Before issuing payment on a certificate, the fiscal officer shall, by audit and other investigation of the facts, determine the right to payment and the proper amount of the payment. The fiscal officer's determination is final and conclusive upon all the parties involved.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.11-2023, SEC.132.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-37. Refunding Bonds

Sec. 37. (a) Instead of issuing certificates of indebtedness under section 35 of this chapter, the municipal legislative body may by ordinance issue refunding bonds to meet a deficiency arising in the municipal improvement fund if the following conditions are met:
(1) At least one (1) of the conditions listed in section 35(b) of this chapter is met.
(2) The amount of the deficiency is clearly established.
(3) The liability of the municipality for the deficiency is established. However, this subdivision does not require the liability of the municipality to be established by a judgment against the municipality.
(b) Refunding bonds issued under this section shall be issued in the manner prescribed by IC 5-1-9. The proceeds of the bonds may be used only to discharge the liability of the municipality for the deficiency.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-38. Overpayment of Special Assessments; Refunds

Sec. 38. (a) If excess payments have been made and collected on special assessments for public improvements, the municipal fiscal officer shall, not later than thirty (30) days after the discovery of the overpayment, give notice of the amount of the overpayment by mail to the owner of record of the property on which the payment was made.
(b) When the municipal fiscal officer determines the amount of the overpayment and the person or persons to whom the reimbursement should be made, the fiscal officer shall issue a refund of the overpayment to the proper person or persons.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-39. Overpayments; Annual Statement; Notice; Disposition

Sec. 39. (a) During January of each year, the municipal fiscal officer shall determine all amounts of overpayments on the special assessment rolls for public improvements that have been unclaimed for at least five (5) years. The fiscal officer shall prepare a detailed statement showing the following information for each overpayment:
(1) The date.
(2) The number of the receipt.
(3) The amount overpaid.
(4) The book and page where the overpayment is recorded.
(5) The owner of record of the property on which the overpayment was made.
(b) After preparing the statement described in subsection (a), the municipal fiscal officer shall give notice by publication in accordance with IC 5-3-1. The notice must do all of the following:
(1) Contain the names of the owners of record of the property affected by the assessment.
(2) State the amounts of the respective overpayments.
(3) State that the overpayments will be transferred to the general fund of the municipality unless the owners or the owners' legal successors or assigns appear and provide proof of their claims to the overpayments not later than thirty (30) days after the date of the first publication of the notice.
(c) At the expiration of the thirty (30) day redemption period under subsection (b), the municipal fiscal officer shall transfer and pay the unclaimed overpayments into the general fund of the municipality. The amounts transferred shall be used and expended in the same manner as other money in the general fund.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-40. Money Collected as Special Assessments; Disposition After Five Years

Sec. 40. (a) If:
(1) all or part of any money collected as nonwaivered special assessments for public improvements has been in the possession of the municipal fiscal officer for at least five (5) years; and
(2) a demand for the money has not been made by a party entitled to the money within one (1) year preceding the end of the five (5) year period;
the municipal fiscal officer shall prepare a detailed list of the unclaimed money.
(b) The fiscal officer shall then give notice of the list by publication in the manner prescribed by section 39 of this chapter.
(c) At the expiration of the thirty (30) day redemption period provided by section 39 of this chapter, the municipal fiscal officer shall transfer and pay all of the unclaimed money into the general fund of the municipality. Money transferred under this subsection may be used and expended in the same manner as other money in the general fund is used and expended.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-41. Money Deposited in General Fund; Claims

Sec. 41. (a) A person who is legally entitled to any money paid into the municipal general fund under sections 39 and 40 of this chapter may file a claim for the money with the municipal fiscal officer.
(b) A claim under subsection (a) must be filed as follows:
(1) In the same manner as other claims are filed against the municipality.
(2) Not later than five (5) years after the money is paid into the general fund.
(c) The fiscal officer shall pay the claim out of the general fund of the municipality if, upon investigation and proper proof of the claim, the municipal officials charged with the duty of making payments from Barrett Law funds do the following:
(1) Determine that the claimant is legally entitled to the money.
(2) Approve the refund of the money.
(d) The payment of the claim by the fiscal officer under subsection (c) shall be made without an appropriation.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-42. Transfer of Unclaimed Money to Surplus Barrett Law Account

Sec. 42. Balances of money may be transferred to the surplus Barrett Law account established under section 21 of this chapter (or under IC 36-9-19 before its repeal in 1993) if the following conditions are met:
(1) The balances have been on hand for at least ten (10) years.
(2) The balances were collected as waivered assessments for the payment of bonds.
(3) At least one (1) of the following conditions is met:
(A) Bonds have not been presented for payment.
(B) Bonds have:
(i) been presented for payment;
(ii) been withdrawn; and
(iii) have not been not presented for payment again for at least ten (10) years.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-43. Unpaid Warrants or Checks; Cancellation

Sec. 43. (a) A warrant or check shall be canceled on December 31 of a year if the warrant or check:
(1) is for:
(A) the payment of principal or interest on bonds;
(B) the payment of nonwaivered funds to contractors for public improvements; or
(C) damages sustained by a property owner on account of the operation of the public improvement assessment laws; and
(2) has been written and not cashed for a period of at least two (2) years.
(b) The proceeds of the canceled warrants or checks shall be credited to the funds on which the warrants or checks were originally drawn. If the funds on which the checks or warrants were originally drawn cannot be determined, the proceeds shall be credited to the following:
(1) The surplus Barrett Law account if the warrants or checks were drawn on waivered accounts.
(2) The nonwaivered account if the proceeds were drawn on the nonwaivered account.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-44. Prepaid Interest; Reimbursement

Sec. 44. (a) If:
(1) a municipality purchased under threat of condemnation real property upon which there were any unpaid Barrett Law assessments; and
(2) because of the purchase the vendor paid, under protest, the interest on the Barrett Law assessment for a period of ten (10) years in advance;
the vendor is entitled to a reimbursement for the interest paid in advance, less the interest for one (1) year.
(b) The vendor must present and prove a claim for the interest to the municipal fiscal officer. The reimbursement under this section shall be paid out of the surplus Barrett Law account of the municipality.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-45. Municipalities No Longer Using Barrett Law; Transfer of Surplus Money

Sec. 45. Notwithstanding any other statute, a municipality may by ordinance transfer the surplus Barrett Law account money to the general fund or general improvement fund of the municipality if the following conditions are met:
(1) The municipality:
(A) has money in the surplus Barrett Law account;
(B) has established a general improvement fund under IC 36-9-17 or a similar statute; and
(C) no longer uses the Barrett Law for public improvements.
(2) There are no obligations or potential obligations arising out of the operation of the Barrett Law for which the surplus Barrett Law account money was accumulated or may be used.
(3) Notice of intention to transfer the surplus Barrett Law account money to the general fund or general improvement fund has been published in accordance with IC 5-3-1.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 37. Barrett Law Funding for Municipalities › 36-9-37-46. Barrett Law Revolving Improvement Fund

Sec. 46. (a) A Barrett Law revolving improvement fund may be established under the municipal fiscal officer. This fund shall be initially funded by transferring to the fund from the surplus Barrett Law account any amount approved by the municipal legislative body.
(b) If the legislative body decides that payment from the Barrett Law revolving improvement fund will increase the probability that competent contractors will bid on the project, the fiscal officer may pay all or part of the cost of the project from the Barrett Law revolving improvement fund to the contractor who is to do the work or has done the work.
(c) The municipality shall levy a special assessment against property that benefits from the improvement project. The provisions of this chapter concerning special assessments to repay bonds also apply to special assessments for projects paid for from the Barrett Law revolving improvement fund.
(d) When the cost of an improvement is paid from the Barrett Law revolving improvement fund, collections from the special assessment for the improvement shall be deposited in the surplus Barrett Law account.
(e) If the municipal works board determines that to do so will facilitate the initiation, progress, or completion of a public improvement project, the works board may ask the municipal legislative body to do the following:
(1) Approve the amount of money the works board will advance from the Barrett Law revolving improvement fund for the project.
(2) Decide upon what terms the works board will make the advancement.
(f) The municipal fiscal officer may invest the money in the Barrett Law revolving improvement fund in the same manner that money in the surplus Barrett Law account is invested.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-2. Permissible Improvements

Sec. 2. The following improvements may be made under this chapter:
(1) Sidewalks.
(2) Streets.
(3) Pedestrian ways or malls that are set aside entirely or partly, or during restricted hours, for pedestrian rather than vehicular traffic.
(4) Parking facilities.
(5) Lighting.
(6) Electric signals.
(7) Landscaping, including trees, shrubbery, flowers, grass, fountains, benches, statues, floodlighting, gaslighting, and structures of a decorative, an educational, or a historical nature.
(8) Emergency warning systems.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.42-2006, SEC.3.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-3. Improvement to Be Owned, Maintained, and Operated by Municipality

Sec. 3. An improvement constructed under this chapter shall be owned, maintained, and operated by the municipality under the direction of the municipal works board.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-4. Application of Statutes Relating to Planning and Zoning, Building Codes, and Restrictions on Use of Property

Sec. 4. The statutes relating to planning and zoning, building codes, and restrictions on the use of property apply to an improvement under this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-5. Application of Ic 36-9-36 and Ic 36-9-37

Sec. 5. To the extent they are not in conflict with this chapter, all the provisions of IC 36-9-36 and IC 36-9-37 apply to proceedings under this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-6. Persons Having the Same Rights and Powers as the Owner of Fee Simple Title

Sec. 6. For purposes of this chapter, the following persons have the same rights and powers as the owner of the fee simple title to a parcel of real property:
(1) The legal or authorized representative of the owner.
(2) A person obligated under a written instrument to pay an assessment against the property under this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-7. Petition to Establish District

Sec. 7. (a) A petition for the establishment of an improvement district under this chapter may be filed with the works board of a municipality by any of the following:
(1) An association established under section 8 of this chapter.
(2) The owners of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the parcels of real property in the proposed improvement district if an association has not been formed under section 8 of this chapter.
(b) A petition filed under this section by an association must be signed by a majority of the association's directors.
(c) A petition filed under this section must set forth all of the following:
(1) The boundaries of the proposed improvement district, including all of the real property that the petitioners believe will be specially benefited or damaged by the proposed improvement.
(2) The location and a general description of the proposed improvement.
(3) The estimated cost of the proposed improvement.
(4) As part of the petition or as an accompanying exhibit, the names and addresses of all the owners of real property within the boundaries of the proposed improvement district as the names and addresses are listed on the tax duplicates in the records of the county auditor.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-8. Association of Owners of Property Affected by Proposed Improvement; Requirements for Establishment

Sec. 8. At least fifteen (15) persons may establish an association for purposes of this chapter if the persons are the owners of the following:
(1) At least fifteen (15) separate parcels of real property.
(2) At least twenty percent (20%) of the surface area of the real property affected by a proposed improvement under this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-9. Association Established Under Ic 36-9-38-8; Articles of Association; Filing and Recording; Powers

Sec. 9. (a) The persons establishing an association under section 8 of this chapter must sign and acknowledge written articles of association specifying the following:
(1) The name of the association.
(2) The purposes of the association, which must be limited to the purposes of this chapter.
(3) The names and addresses of the initial members.
(4) The principal office of the association.
(5) The name of the agent for purposes of communications and service of process.
(6) The term of existence of the association, which may be perpetual.
(7) The number of directors, which may not be less than three (3) or more than eleven (11).
(8) The amount of any membership fee and any annual dues.
(9) The area affected by any proposed improvements included within the purposes of the association.
(10) The square footage of the area affected by the proposed improvement.
(11) The square footage of the area affected by the proposed improvement included within the association.
(12) Any other provisions that the initial members consider desirable and that are not inconsistent with this chapter.
(b) The association shall file a copy of the articles of association, signed and acknowledged by all of the initial members, with the works board of the municipality in which the affected area is located. A copy of the articles of association shall be recorded in the office of the recorder of the county within which the area is located.
(c) An association formed under this chapter (or under IC 36-9-20 before its repeal in 1993) is a nonprofit corporate body and may do the following:
(1) Enter into contracts.
(2) Hold, convey, and transfer property.
(3) Sue and be sued.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-10. Association Established Under Ic 36-9-38-8; Notice; Meeting

Sec. 10. (a) Not later than ninety (90) days after the filing and recording of the articles of association, the association shall hold a meeting of all owners of real property in the area described in the articles for the purpose of electing directors of the association.
(b) At least twenty (20) days before the meeting, notice of the meeting shall be mailed, first class postage prepaid, to all owners of real property in the area described in the articles of association. The notice must set forth the following:
(1) The time and place of the meeting.
(2) The purpose of the meeting.
(3) A general description of the nature and object of the association.
(4) The amount of any membership fee and any annual dues.
(5) Notice that an owner of real property may become a member of the association and be eligible to vote in the meeting, either in person or by authorized agent or attorney, by doing the following:
(A) Signing a copy of the articles of association at any time before the commencement of the meeting.
(B) Paying the membership fee, if any, and the dues for the first year, if any.
(c) The notice under subsection (b) may be mailed to the owners of real property at the owners' addresses appearing upon the tax duplicates in the records of the county auditor.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-11. Association Established Under Ic 36-9-38-8; Directors; Bylaws

Sec. 11. (a) The directors of the association must be:
(1) members of the association; and
(2) owners of real property in the affected area.
(b) The directors elected under section 10 of this chapter serve until the next annual meeting and until the directors' successors are elected and qualified.
(c) The directors shall approve bylaws of the association. The following apply to the bylaws of the association:
(1) The bylaws may be amended.
(2) The bylaws may provide for officers of the association to be elected annually by the directors.
(3) The bylaws may contain any other provisions that are desirable for the conduct of the affairs of the association.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-12. Association Established Under Ic 36-9-38-8; Articles; Amendment; Property Owners Subsequently Becoming Members

Sec. 12. (a) The articles of association may be amended upon the recommendation of the directors and the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of all members of the association at a meeting called for that purpose. Amended articles must be signed and acknowledged by a majority of the directors. A copy of all amendments shall be filed with the municipal works board and recorded in the office of the county recorder.
(b) A copy of the articles of association, with any amendments, shall be kept available at the office of the agent of the association during regular business hours for signature by an owner of real property who desires to become a member of the association by signing the copy and by paying any membership fee and any annual dues.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-13. Notice of Hearing on Establishment of District

Sec. 13. (a) Upon the filing of a petition under section 7 of this chapter, the municipal works board shall fix a date for a hearing on the establishment of the proposed improvement district. At least twenty-one (21) days before the date fixed for the hearing, the petitioners shall have a notice mailed to all owners of real property within the proposed improvement district. The notice may be mailed to the owners of real property at the owners' addresses appearing upon the tax duplicates in the records of the county auditor.
(b) The petitioners shall publish a notice of the hearing and the date, place, and time of the hearing in accordance with IC 5-3-1.
(c) The notice to be published and mailed must do the following:
(1) Contain a general description of the contents of the petition.
(2) Specifically set forth the boundaries of the proposed district.
(3) State that all of the property in the proposed district will be assessed benefits or damages under this chapter for the proposed improvement.
(4) State that at the hearing all owners of real property within the proposed improvement district or the owners' representatives may be heard upon the question of the establishment of the district.
(d) Proof of service shall be made by affidavit of the person or persons causing service to be made.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-14. Petition in Opposition to District; Termination of Proceedings

Sec. 14. (a) The owners of real property located in a proposed improvement district may remonstrate against the establishment of that district by filing a petition with the municipal works board. The county auditor shall verify the signatures on the petition.
(b) If the number of valid signatures equals or exceeds fifty-one percent (51%) of the owners of real property in the proposed improvement district, the works board shall cease the works board's proceedings to establish the improvement district.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-15. Conduct of Hearing; Resolution

Sec. 15. (a) At the hearing fixed under section 13 of this chapter, the municipal works board shall hear all owners of real property in the proposed improvement district who appear and request to be heard upon the following questions:
(1) The sufficiency of the petition and notice.
(2) Whether the proposed improvement is of public utility and benefit.
(3) Whether all of the probable benefits of the proposed improvement, including the benefits to the municipality generally, will equal or exceed the estimated cost of the improvement.
(4) Whether the improvement district contains all, more than all, or less than all of the property specially benefited or damaged by the proposed improvement.
(b) The hearing under subsection (a) may be adjourned periodically without further notice. After the completion of the hearing, the works board shall adopt a resolution determining whether the following conditions have been met:
(1) The petition is sufficient.
(2) The required notice was given.
(3) The proposed improvements are of public utility and benefit.
(4) All of the probable benefits of the proposed improvement will equal or exceed the estimated cost of the proposed improvement.
(5) The proposed improvement district contains all, more than all, or less than all of the property specially benefited or damaged by the proposed improvement.
(c) The works board shall establish the improvement district with the boundaries described in the petition if the works board does the following:
(1) Answers the questions in subsection (b)(1) through (b)(4) affirmatively.
(2) Determines that the proposed improvement district contains all of the property specially benefited or damaged.
(d) If the works board answers any of the first four (4) questions negatively, the works board may:
(1) allow amendments and the issuance of additional notice and may hold further proceedings; or
(2) dismiss the petition without prejudice to the right to file a new petition.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-16. Hearing; Determination That Petition Includes Property Not Specially Benefited; Further Proceedings

Sec. 16. (a) If the works board determines that property not specially benefited or damaged has been included within boundaries described in the petition, the works board shall do the following:
(1) Redefine the boundaries of the district and include in the works board's resolution only the property that is specially benefited or damaged.
(2) Establish the district with the boundaries as redefined.
(b) The works board shall fix a date for a further hearing if the works board determines that:
(1) less than all of the property specially benefited or damaged has been included within the boundaries described in the petition; or
(2) less than all of the property specially benefited or damaged has been included within the boundaries described in the petition and some property that is not specially benefited or damaged has been included.
(c) Notice of the further hearing, describing the proposed revised boundaries, shall be given in the manner prescribed by section 13 of this chapter. However, notice by mail shall be given only to the owners of real property in an area that is proposed to be added to the district and that was not included in the initial petition.
(d) At the further hearing, all owners of real property within the proposed district boundaries or the owners' representatives are entitled to be heard. The works board shall then adopt a resolution on the establishment of the district.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-17. Resolution Establishing Improvement District; Recitations; Notice to Property Owners; Finality; Recording; Appeal

Sec. 17. (a) A resolution establishing an improvement district must also recite the following:
(1) That all real property within the district is subject to assessment of special benefits and damages by appraisers to be appointed by the municipal works board.
(2) That the assessments are subject to review in a hearing before the works board.
(b) The works board's resolution is considered notice to all property owners who have appeared or who have been notified of the proceedings that the owners' property is subject to an assessment of special benefits and damages under this chapter. Further notice or hearing is not required, except as provided by section 26 of this chapter.
(c) The resolution of the works board:
(1) is final and conclusive; and
(2) may not be challenged unless an appeal is made under subsection (e).
(d) A copy of the resolution establishing an improvement district, certified by the municipal clerk, shall be recorded in the miscellaneous records in the office of the recorder of the county in which the municipality is located.
(e) A person aggrieved by the adoption of a resolution establishing an improvement district may appeal in the manner prescribed by IC 34-13-6.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.1-1998, SEC.217.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-18. Plans, Specifications, and Cost Estimates

Sec. 18. (a) Upon adoption of a resolution establishing an improvement district, the petitioners for the district shall submit any plans, specifications, and estimates of the cost of the proposed improvement that the petitioners have prepared to the municipal works board for review and approval.
(b) If the petitioners have not prepared plans and specifications, the works board shall have plans, specifications, and estimates of the cost of the proposed improvement prepared. For the purpose of preparing plans, specifications, and estimates of cost, the works board may employ architects, engineers, and other necessary consultants without an appropriation. The petitioners may advance money for this employment, subject to reimbursement, or the municipality may advance money on the approval of the municipal legislative body from unappropriated funds without an appropriation, also subject to reimbursement.
(c) Estimates of costs prepared under this section must include the following:
(1) Architectural, appraisal, consultant, engineering, legal, supervision, and other professional fees.
(2) The cost of plans and specifications, including amounts to be reimbursed under subsection (b).
(3) Construction costs, including the cost of land, material, and labor.
(4) All other related and incidental expenses.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-19. Eminent Domain; Vacation of Streets and Alleys; Property Owned by Government Entities

Sec. 19. (a) If:
(1) an improvement under this chapter requires the acquisition of property or property rights; and
(2) the acquisition cannot be made through the assessment proceedings established by this chapter;
the municipality may proceed by eminent domain.
(b) The eminent domain proceeding shall be conducted in the manner provided by the statutes applicable to acquisition of property by the municipality for public purposes. Any property or property rights acquired belong to the municipality.
(c) If it is necessary to vacate streets or alleys, the vacation shall be made in the manner provided by statute.
(d) Any property owned by the municipality or another governmental entity may be made available for any public improvement under this chapter, without charge.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-20. Letting of Construction Contracts; Actions to Enjoin Performance; Limitations

Sec. 20. (a) All contracts for construction of an improvement under this chapter shall be let by the municipal works board after advertisement as required for other contracts.
(b) All statutes applicable to the letting and performance of other contracts apply to contracts under this chapter.
(c) The validity of a contract entered into under this chapter may not be questioned, except in an action to enjoin performance. The action must be brought not later than fifteen (15) days from the execution of the contract. If the action is not brought within the fifteen (15) day period, the contract is valid, conclusive, and binding upon all persons.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-21. Appointment of Appraisers to Assess Benefits and Costs

Sec. 21. (a) After the municipal works board approves plans and specifications for an improvement under this chapter, the works board shall appoint three (3) disinterested persons as appraisers to examine the following:
(1) The plans, specifications, and estimates of the cost of the proposed improvement.
(2) The real property within the improvement district.
(b) Upon request from the appraisers or the petitioners, the works board may do the following:
(1) Retain or employ qualified personnel to provide necessary technical or consulting assistance.
(2) Supply the appraisers with information that will assist the appraisers in making the assessment under section 22 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-22. Appointment of Appraisers; Assessment of Benefits and Costs; Filing of Roll

Sec. 22. (a) The appraisers shall make an assessment of the following:
(1) The special benefits and damages, if any, that will accrue to each parcel of real property from the construction of the proposed improvement.
(2) The benefits, if any, that will accrue to the municipality generally from the construction of the proposed improvement.
(b) The appraisers shall file with the municipal works board a copy of the roll of all owners of real property and of the municipality generally. The copy must:
(1) be signed by all three (3) appraisers;
(2) show the assessment of benefits and damages; and
(3) be filed by the appraisers with the works board not later than thirty (30) days after appointment of the appraisers, unless the board extends the time.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-23. Costs Exceeding Benefits; Postponement of Improvement; Reappraisement; Deficiency Supplied; Bond

Sec. 23. (a) If the total of the assessed benefits, after deducting assessed damages, does not equal or exceed the total estimated cost of the improvement, further action may not be taken on the proposed improvement until:
(1) a second assessment of benefits and damages has been completed; or
(2) the petitioners, the municipality, or another source, separately or jointly, undertakes to provide the deficiency.
(b) The municipal works board may request the original appraisers to make the second assessment or may appoint three (3) other qualified, disinterested appraisers to make the second assessment. The second assessment shall be completed in the same manner as the first assessment.
(c) If a second assessment of benefits, after deducting the damages, does not equal or exceed the estimated cost of the improvement, further action may not be taken on the proposed improvement, unless the petitioners, the municipality, or another source, separately or jointly, undertakes to provide the deficiency. If the petitioners elect to provide the deficiency, further action may not be taken upon the improvement until the petitioners file with the works board a bond with adequate surety. The bond must be conditioned on payment of the net balance of the actual cost of the improvement over the total of the assessments after deducting damages.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-23.5. Assessments; Installment Payments

Sec. 23.5. (a) With respect to assessments imposed after June 30, 2001, the works board shall establish a procedure to permit owners of real property in the improvement district to elect whether to pay assessments in:
(1) one (1), five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), or twenty (20) annual installments; or
(2) a number of monthly installments that corresponds to one (1), five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), or twenty (20) installments.
(b) The works board shall establish the timing of the election under subsection (a) to permit the works board to structure the maturities of the principal of the bonds in a number of annual series that is consistent with the installment periods elected by owners of real property under subsection (a).
As added by P.L.62-2001, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-24. Final Determination of Costs; Revised Assessment

Sec. 24. (a) The municipal works board may, with the approval of the municipal legislative body, determine all of the following:
(1) Whether the benefits assessed against the municipality are proper and should be paid.
(2) Whether the municipality should pay a part of the cost of the improvement regardless of benefits assessed.
(b) An amount of benefits or costs to be paid by the municipality may be paid:
(1) out of the money of the municipality appropriated to the use of the works board for such an improvement; or
(2) through the issuance of bonds of the municipality.
(c) The notice of hearing required by section 26 of this chapter shall be given after the cost of the improvement has been finally determined by the works board through firm bids or contracts and firm estimates for other costs.
(d) If the finally determined cost of the improvement exceeds the total of:
(1) the benefits assessed, less damages assessed; and
(2) the contributions of the petitioners, the municipality, and other sources;
the works board shall direct the appraisers to review the assessments and submit a revised assessment list.
(e) The notice of hearing shall be given only after the works board determines that the money available from all sources is adequate to cover the total cost of the improvement, including all costs that are to be reimbursed under section 18(c) of this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-25. Appraisers; Qualification for Appointment

Sec. 25. A person appointed as an appraiser under this chapter must be:
(1) a disinterested licensed real estate broker; or
(2) a disinterested licensed appraiser under IC 25-34.1.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.113-2006, SEC.22.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-26. Notice of Proposed Assessments to Property Owners; Contents

Sec. 26. (a) Promptly after completion of all of the following, the municipal works board shall mail a notice, first class postage prepaid, to each owner of real property to be assessed:
(1) The filing of an adequate assessment.
(2) The determination of the cost of the improvement.
(3) The determination that adequate money will be available.
(b) The notices shall be mailed not later than twenty-one (21) days before the hearing date and must do all of the following:
(1) Set forth the amount of the proposed assessment.
(2) State that the proposed assessment on each parcel of real property in the district is on file and can be seen in the office of the works board.
(3) Set forth the date and time the works board will, at the works board's office, do the following:
(A) Receive written remonstrances against the assessments.
(B) Hear all owners of assessed real property who have filed written remonstrances before the date fixed for the hearing.
(c) The notices to the owners may be mailed to the owners' names and addresses appearing on the tax duplicates in the records of the county auditor.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-27. Proposed Assessments; Written Remonstrances; Hearings; Assessment Roll; Deficiency of Funds

Sec. 27. (a) At the hearing fixed under section 26 of this chapter, the municipal works board shall hear all owners of assessed real property who have filed written remonstrances before the date of the hearing. The hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, as necessary to hear the owners.
(b) The works board shall make a determination increasing, decreasing, or confirming each assessment by setting opposite each name, parcel, and appraisers' assessment on the assessment roll the amount of the assessment as determined by the works board. If the total of the assessments exceeds the amount needed, the works board shall make a pro rata reduction in each assessment.
(c) The signing of the assessment roll by a majority of the members of the works board and the delivery of the roll to the municipal fiscal officer constitute a final and conclusive determination of the benefits or damages assessed. However, a person may appeal the determination if:
(1) the person had previously filed a written remonstrance under this section; or
(2) the person's assessment was increased above the amount fixed by the appraisers.
(d) An appeal must be made in the manner prescribed by IC 34-13-6.
(e) If the final determination of the works board causes the total of the money available to be inadequate to cover the cost of the improvement, the deficiency may be supplied in the manner provided by section 24 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.1-1998, SEC.218.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-28. Lien of Assessment

Sec. 28. Each assessment levied under this chapter (or under IC 36-9-20 before its repeal in 1993) is a lien on the real property assessed. This lien is second in priority only to taxes levied on the property.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 9. Transportation and Public Works › Chapter 38. Barrett Law Funding for Municipal Improvement Districts › 36-9-38-29. Municipal Assessment; Manner of Payment; Other Assessments; Payment in Installments; Interest

Sec. 29. (a) At the time the municipal works board determines the amount of the assessments, the municipal works board shall also determine the following:
(1) The manner in which the municipality shall pay the municipality's assessment, if any.
(2) The number of monthly or annual installments over which the other assessments will be paid.
(3) The maximum rate of interest on the installments, which may be equal to or greater than the interest rate on bonds issued under section 30 of this chapter.
(b) The works board shall certify the determination under subsection (a) to the municipal fiscal officer. This certification must accompany the assessment roll.
As added by P.L.98-1993, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.62-2001, SEC.9.