Redevelopment commission approves $100,000 for police equipment

The Muncie Redevelopment Commission voted July 23 to provide $100,000 to the Muncie Police Department to purchase equipment the city described as supporting public safety, including items that will support drones and vehicle operations.

Jeff (city staff) told the commission the funds are not tied to a single line item but will cover “various equipment” to directly support public safety. The chair noted a recent state statute change now allows redevelopment commissions specifically to fund public‑safety projects; as Jeff put it in the meeting, “there was a recent state statute change that allows redevelopment commission specifically to fund public safety projects.”

Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to approve the expenditure; the motion was seconded and carried in the vote called at the meeting. No commissioner recorded a formal dissent on the motion. The staff record presented at the meeting did not list a line‑by‑line spending plan; staff said the purchase specifics will be developed after the commission’s approval.