(AUBURN) - Auburn Mayor Dave Clark used his State of the City address to highlight major construction plans, utility updates, downtown improvements, and a long-term push to preserve Auburn City Hall -- while pitching his theme for the year: "Serving Auburn today, preparing for tomorrow."
Major projects: S.R. 8 and a multi-year Cedar Street rebuild
Clark said Auburn is preparing to "piggyback" on an Indiana Department of Transportation project on State Road 8 that is expected to begin this summer. The state project includes a median that will eliminate many center-lane left turns. Auburn's portion -- estimated at about $1.7 million -- includes a new water main, plus new streetlights and sidewalks.
Clark also previewed a large, phased reconstruction centered on Cedar Street, scheduled to begin after the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair. Phase one runs to 15th Street and is expected to be finished by August 2027, with phase two continuing to Ensley Avenue after the 2027 fair. The work includes full street reconstruction and replacement of water and sewer infrastructure, plus sidewalks.
Utilities: electric "tracker" changes, and rate comparisons
Clark addressed questions about electric bills, saying the city shifted from adjusting electric rates twice a year to quarterly evaluations designed to reduce swings in customer bills. He also said Auburn Electric returned about $7 million to customers over 12 months after identifying an earlier over-collection.
Clark said Auburn Electric remains a nonprofit municipal utility and emphasized reliability, citing outage response times and system maintenance. He also compared Auburn's electric rates to investor-owned utilities, saying Auburn customers pay significantly less on average.
On water, Clark noted ongoing efforts to replace aging mains and said the city is investing in an expansion at the north water plant, which he said has not been expanded since 1981. He also highlighted grant-funded apprenticeship training for water staff.
Downtown and community: parking, flags, lights -- and the hotel project
Clark pointed to smaller downtown upgrades -- including adding American flags on light poles and new holiday garland -- as part of a broader push to improve the city center. He said the city plans to open a second downtown public parking lot off 8th Street with 42 spaces, plus an ADA sidewalk connection to the Veterans Memorial.
Clark also praised the ongoing Auburn Hotel project, calling it a major downtown investment and saying the exterior will be recreated to closely match the historic look.
Fire, police, parks: training upgrades and new amenities
Clark said Auburn Fire is expanding training capacity with a new hazmat training facility, including a simulated street setup and a rail component for hands-on scenarios. He also highlighted the department's cadet program.
In parks, Clark recapped Memorial Park upgrades -- including pickleball courts and other amenities -- and said the city is considering a future "sensory" park designed for residents with disabilities.
"I'm not moving City Hall"
Clark closed by focusing on the future of City Hall, built in 1913. He said the building has major issues, including aging HVAC systems, but he made clear he wants it preserved.
He said Auburn is pursuing the purchase of a downtown building to relocate the police department -- a move he framed as necessary to create enough space to renovate City Hall. Clark said he hopes to begin a major City Hall rehab around 2028, and he invited residents to take tours to see the building's needs firsthand.
Fireworks returning July 4
Clark also announced fireworks are returning on July 4 through a partnership with the Shifters car club, with a car show, food trucks, music and fireworks at dusk.