Portage City Council

The city of Portage is easing some regulations on contractors and businesses. An ordinance adopted by the city council last week removes the requirement for contractors to take a written test and for some smaller projects to be overseen by a general contractor.

"People ask, 'Why do these things happen?' Well, I mean, we've got a guy who's been arrested 20 times who's walking free," Portage Police Chief Michael Candiano told the city council Tuesday.

Plans for a 225-lot subdivision are moving ahead in Portage.

"I anticipate that between now and our February meeting, a good deal of discussion will be had with council members and relevant department heads and relevant department officials," Mayor Austin Bonta said during last week's council meeting.

Indiana's proposed property tax reform is leading to questions for Portage's vehicle replacement plans.

The 2025 salary ordinance adopted by the city council last week includes a 2.5-percent cost-of-living adjustment for non-union city employees.

"I'm disgusted by what we're seeing around us," said Portage Police Chief Michael Candiano.

Visitors to downtown Portage may soon be able to take their drinks from one bar to another.

The public hearing on Portage's 2025 budget quickly turned into a discussion about stray cats. The proposed budget includes a line item for a trap, neuter, release program.

Plans for a new Portage subdivision continue moving ahead. Providence Real Estate Development has been looking to build a combination of single-family homes, cottage homes and paired villas on 120 acres north of County Road 700 North between 450 and 500 West.