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Johnson County Council, District 2

The Johnson County Council consists of seven members, four elected from districts and three elected at-large. Council members approve tax rates, salaries, and major expenditures for county departments and services. Each member serves a four-year term.

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    Ron Deer
    (Rep)

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    Norm Gabehart
    (Rep)

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    Brian L. Moore
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What training and experiences have prepared you to serve on the county council?

How would you handle the upcoming potential decreases in property tax revenue for county operations?

What are your top priorities for the county budget, and how would you balance providing essential services with responsible fiscal management?

What factors would you consider when deciding whether to support economic development incentives, such as tax increment districts or tax abatements?

How will you engage with the community to understand residents’ needs and ensure their voices are reflected in council decisions?

What factors should local governments consider when evaluating proposals for data center development in Johnson County, including land use, infrastructure, energy demand, constituent input, and economic impacts?

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My experience that qualifies began in 1985 at the city of Greenwood as a department head. Managing overseeing budgets administrating a department. This continued and evolved at the city of Greenwood as I progressed in my career to Director of operations, deputy Mayor from 1999 until January 1, 2012. In that position, I overseen the budgets and submitted them to the Mayor for final council approval. I also served as an elected official from 1991 thru 1999 as a town council member, town of Whiteland. In 2014 I became Town manager town of Whiteland until retirementJanuary 15, 2021. During that time I had the executive administrative authority of the overall budget. I presented for approval and administrated all budgets.
Collectively engage with council members and elected officials responsible for the administration of their budgets. Allow the elected officials to set their priorities within their elected responsibility. First, let them make the selection of where if necessary cuts should be made within their functioning departments. Come up with a focused transitional plan of dealing with lost revenues in projections.
My top priorities for the county budget to provide the best service possible in funding within the means of funding allocation set by the priorities of the responsible, elected officials. Let all the elected officials make the determination of what they can do more with less of. Pursue solutions through property tax reform in restructuring, working with state representatives, and the legislature to come up with common sense solutions for the long-term. Pursue cooperation with all local government entities in providing local service with redundancy reductions in spending allocations. In other words work together, collectively for the betterment of all taxpayers.
The but for test/ would economic development occur without these incentive opportunities. Is the economic development value relevant to the incentive package? Will the economic development enhance current incumbent, business and foster future economic development. Is there a ripple effect beyond in a positive manner? Will this economic development potential help, defer residential taxpayer future potential liability. Does the economic development potential provide good paying jobs for current and future needs. There are many factors to go into consideration and all our crucial in the decision-making process.
Be accessible and available to all constituents by phone or public meeting. Be willing to hear all concerns and thoughts of all the constituents and be prepared to respond to the constituents based on collective information for the betterment of everyone. Maintain thorough communication, with all county, elected and appointed officials.Attend public meetings beyond the county council meetings and county government offices,Such as city Council, town Council, and other local jurisdiction to hear and be aware of concerns and needs within the overall county. Maintain constant communication with all elected officials within jurisdiction.
Land use consideration, as any other type of zoning request should be considered based on the overall immediate and long-term effects. Does it fit within the comprehensive plan and contiguous use? Will it have a potential negative effect for the continuous property owners and beyond? Will it create an opportunity for other business, following in a positive manner? Energy resources, and resources absolutely have to be considered in the effects of any development. Self-sustaining energy production and incumbent offset should be considered with the intent of deferring future increased energy cost for incumbent residents and owners. Constituent input and economic development criteria have to come in to play with all development.
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