The City of New Castle, Indiana

New Castle is an evolving community known for its compassion, generosity and collaboration. New Castle is dedicated to providing a healthy lifestyle, improving our identity and preserving our history in order to enhance the quality of life and attract diverse people and thriving business.

Chief Executive Officer for New Castle

Administrative Staff

Purpose

The City Council is the legislative body, responsible for creating/adopting ordinances (the laws, penalties and fee schedules), tax abatements, preparing ordinances fixing the rate of taxation for the city budget, and hearing issues raised by the city administration and their constituents.  Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 227 North Main Street (3rd floor).  The Mayor presides over the meetings and in the event of a tie would cast the tie-breaking vote.  Meetings that fall on a city holiday are held on the following Tuesday.

As Ambassadors for the City of New Castle, Council members often serve as representatives on intergovernmental boards, commissions, and committees.  They also make appointments to various advisory boards, commissions, and committees.

Council Committees

Additional Resources

• Rules and Procedures for Conducting Council Meetings
• Budget & Tax Rates
• Budget Department Appropriations
• City Council Minutes Log
• City Council Legislation Log (ordinances & resolutions)    
• Board of Works Meeting Minutes Log
• City Codes On-line (codified Ordinances)
• Access to Public Information - Electronic Request
• New Castle Ward Map

The Court hears cases regarding traffic violations and city code/ordinance violations.  When a person admits to guilt the fines and court costs are assessed. In some cases an order to remedy the violation within a certain time frame is required.

City Court convenes at 1:00 pm each Friday in the City Building, 227 North Main Street (3rd floor)

A person will appear in the City Court when he/she has received a citation and has not satisfied the fines or required actions of the citation in the allotted time allowed. When the time limit is expired, the City Court is notified and an order to appear on the appropriate Wednesday is issued. When the person appears before court, he/she has the opportunity to plead "guilty", "not guilty" or "no contest".

"Guilty" means that the person is admitting to the violation. When a person admits to guilt the fines and court costs are assessed. In some cases an order to remedy the violation within a certain time frame is also required.

"Not guilty" means that the person does not admit to the violation. When a person pleads not guilty a trial is scheduled, usually in one month. At that time the person may make a case for him/herself or bring representation to assist him/her. Witnesses are also allowed. When all the evidence is presented  the judge makes a judgment on the case.

"No contest" means that the person does not admit to guilt, but is willing to pay the fine. When a person admits to no contest the fines and court costs are assessed. In some cases an order to remedy the violation within a certain time frame is also required. The difference between a plea of guilty and no contest is that the person does not admit the guilt, but still accepts the consequences.

Governing & Finance

As an elected official, the City Court Judge establishes the budget for and has sole responsibility for operation of the office.  Funding for the operation of this office comes from the general fund and appropriations are subject to City Council approval. 

Paying Your Utility Bill

Who's Responsible for City Utilities?

• The Mayor is responsible for the policies, maintenance and operation of the water and water pollution control departments and all non-billing/collection services of the Utilities Office.
• The Clerk-Treasurer is responsible for the policies and administration of the billing/collection services of the Utility Office.
• Mark Stacy is Office Manager, responsible for the daily operation of the Utility Office.
• Greg Phipps is Water Superintendent, in charge of daily operations and compliance.
• Fred Duvall is WPC Superintendent, in charge of sewer collection system maintenance and repair.
• Steve Dickerson is WPC Superintendent, in charge of wastewater treatment plant operations and compliance.
• Zed Leath is WPC Pretreatment Coordinator, in charge of industrial pretreatment activity.

FAQs

(information provided in this section includes excerpts from a legal memorandum and fact sheet provided by David L. Copenhaver, City Attorney in 2005)

Please use the information contained on this page and through the links provided as your main contact for information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and its provisions.

Notice Under the Americans With Disabilities Act

Employment: City of New Castle does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title I of the ADA.

Effective Communication: City of New Castle will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in City of New Castle's programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.

Modifications to Policies and Procedures: City of New Castle will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities.  For example, individuals with service animals are welcomed in City of New Castle offices, even where pets are generally prohibited.

Public Accommodation Procedures: City of New Castle will make reasonable accommodations as follows: Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity of the City of New Castle, should submit the Reasonable Accomodations Request Form and/or contact the office of ADA/Title VI Coordinator; 227 North Main Street, New Castle, IN; Phone-765-529-7605; or email newcastlecoordinator@gmail.com as soon as possible but not later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

The ADA does not require the City of New Castle to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. 

Complaints that a program, service, or activity of City of New Castle is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to:

ADA/Title VI Coordinator
227 N Main Street, New Castle, IN
Phone: 765-529-7605
Email: newcastlecoordinator@gmail.com

Additional Resources:

• Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Grievance Procedures and Forms
• Transition Plan for Right-of-Way
• Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

The New Castle Building Commission

     Working With Others To Build A Strong - Sustaining Community 

Commissioner: Kenny Melton

Code Enforcement: Jeff Marcum

Permits & Inspections: Kelly Allen

Planning & Zoning, Variance Applications, Permits & Inspections: Janet Davis

1. Issue building permits and perform required inspections;
2. Licensing and testing of all contractors performing work within the city per Ordinance #2864;
3. Serving as Secretary to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission
4. Enforcement of ordinances on substandard housing as specified under the Uniform Housing Code;
5. Enforcement of nuisance violations as specified in ordinances;
6. Bringing ordinance violations to the New Castle City Court for resolution;
7. Maintenance of the City Building, Senior Center and Community Center;
8. Local floodplain administrator for Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

More Information

• City Code
• Code Enforcement
• City Court
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Register A Complaint
• Forms & Permits
• Indiana State Building Codes
• Application for Contractors License

Mission Statement

Dial 911 for Emergencies

765-529-4890 for Non-Emergencies

Proudly Serving Since 1944

It is our mission to provide compassionate, quality care to the citizens of New Castle - Henry County. We will be known for professionalism and excellence in emergency care. We will serve our fellow citizens with integrity and virtuous character. We will maintain a positive, safe work environment where our brotherhood/sisterhood will all share fair and equal treatment regardless of race, ethnicity and gender without prejudice.          

"The First Aid Unit" known today as New Castle - Henry County Emergency Medical Service has been proudly serving New Castle and Henry County residents since 1944, thanks in part to a vision that the late "Chuck" Wood had.  This EMS service has a long standing heritage and an unmatched quality in both patient care and equipment used to provide patient care.

The City of New Castle boasts a career department with 32 full time firefighters.  The department operates with three firehouses 24/7/365. Station One is the department headquarters and home to Tower 1 and Engine 1. Station Two is located on the city's east side and home to Engine 2, Rescue 5, and a technical rescue trailer. Station Three is located on the south side across from Baker Park and home to Engines 3 and 4. New Castle Fire Department is an all hazards department with technicians in numerous disciplines and responds to 3000 calls to service annually.

Geographical Information System (GIS)

United States Geological Survey Website

Human Resources Department for the City of New Castle includes management of employee records including employee, worker's comp, FMLA; maintaining applicant records; administering various programs such as drug/alcohol testing ; insuring compliance with federal, state and local codes and ordinances governing human resources; and handling Union affairs including contract negotiations.

We are committed to:

• Ensuring equitable, professional, and consistent applications of the principles of human resource management, promoting competence, accountability and public trust.
• Serving with a confidential/caring attitude and performing our duties with integrity.
• Developing and retaining a well-qualified workforce that reflects the high standards of the community we serve.
• Creating effective resources in order to administer and explain benefits, policies and procedures.
• Encouraging individual success with training, recognition, and effective communication.
• Representing and protecting employees' rights to a safe, healthy and drug-free workplace.
• Providing equal opportunity for a rewarding career without discrimination based on age, religion, sex, race, national origin, or disability as defined by applicable law.

• The City of New Castle provides Health Insurance for Employees through Unified Group Services. More information regarding services and the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) can be found by clicking on this link unifiedgrp.com/resources

MVH - Streets

Commitment

• Serving Our Customers- We continually excel with our standards of workmanship and quality of service through improved attitudes in order to keep New Castle a great place to live.
• Accountability- With the rate of inflation increasing, our Street Commissioner and the Assistant Street Commissioner constantly monitor one of the city's largest department budgets in an effort to combat the cost of maintaining a fleet of vehicles, the cost of road repairs and paving, and trash removal.  Along with the accountability to the Mayor for our budget, we are held most accountable by the citizens of New Castle to keep our city clean, and well groomed.  We always give 110% effort to ensure this happens.
• Leadership- At the Street Department we are committed to preserving the natural, clean and sanitary environment of New Castle.  While providing for our citizens today, we look forward to serving our citizens of tomorrow and welcome the comments and suggestions of everyone.

Responsibilities 

• Sanitation pick up
• Street maintenance
• Seasonal removal of  leaves and snow
• Brush and limb chipping
• Traffic signs.

Regular sanitation routes are serviced weekly to non-business and non-industrial sites, at no charge.

Sanitation

Service is provided for all residents with an active water bill. To establish water service, please contact the Utility Office at 765-521-6820. You will then be issued a trash tote and receive weekly trash service. The trash totes are to stay with your home. If you move, please do not take our totes with you. They are city property and belong to the address associated with the water bill.

•  Trash Collection Routes

LARGE TRASH PICK-UP GUIDELINES

• Only (3) Large Trash items or less will be collected on your normal trash day. Please call the Street Department at 765-521-6831 to let them know you will have (3) large items or less to pick up along with your trash tote.
• ALL items must be at the edge or the road and/or edge of the grass
• NO TRASH OR BRUSH IS TO BE SET OUT OVER THE WEEKEND

BRUSH PICK-UP GUIDELINES

• Limbs cut must not be longer than 5FT, the pile should not be taller than 4FT, and no longer than 10FT. Only (1) pile will be collected  
• Cut edges must face towards the street
• Any trees cut professionally must be removed and cleaned up by the professional

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL NOT BE COLLECTED

• Construction materials, shingles, dirt on tree roots, computers, televisions, stoves, refrigerators, appliances, paint, tires, and any type of batteries.

WE WILL NOT PICK-UP RENTAL OR PROPERTY CLEAN OUTS!

•    Please contact Henry County SWMD for all Recycling concerns. They can be reached at 765-529-1691 or at henrycountyswmd.com 

• Land Area: 32 Acres
• Publicly Owned
• Open to Public
• Elevation: 1088 Feet
• Status: Operational
• Activated: 9/17/1971
• State: Indiana
• County: Henry
• City: New Castle
• Site Number: 05526.1*A
• Location ID: UWL
• Region: Great Lakes
• District Office: CHI
• Unicom Frequency: 123.050 Hz
• Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF): 123.050 Hz
• Aeronautical sectional chart: St Louis, Tie-In FSS: No
• Tie-In FSS ID: HUF
• Tie-In FSS Name: Terre Haute
• Tie-In FSS Toll-Free Number: 1-800-WX-BRIEF
• Elevation determination method: Surveyed
• Air traffic control tower: No
• Boundary ARTCC (FAA) computer ID: ZCI
• Boundary ARTCC ID: ZID
• Boundary ARTCC Name: Indianapolis
• Airspace Determination: No Objection
• Federal Agreements: No
• NOTAM Service: Yes
• NOTAM Facility ID: HUF
• Last Inspection Date: 05/03/2007
• Inspection Group: State aeronautical personnel
• Inspection Method: State
• GPS (Degrees): Lat: 39° 52' 33.066'', Lng: -85° 19' 35.285''
• GPS (Seconds): Lat: 39.875852, Lng: -85.326468
• GPS determination method: Estimated, Position Source
• NGS, Distance from central business district: 4 mi (SE)
• Owner New Castle-Henry County, 2912 E. Co. Rd. 400 S., New Castle, In 47362, 765-529-7903
  Manager John Marlatt, 2912 E. Co. Rd. 400 S., New Castle, In 47362, 765-529-7903 Schedule Operations Period: 12/31/2005 - 12/31/2006
• Air Taxi Operations: 426
• Itinerant Operations: 1,744
• Local Operations: 8,726
• Aircraft Single Engine Aircraft: 24
• Multi Engine Aircraft: 4
• Ultralight Aircraft: 1
• Additional Fuel Types: 100LLA
• Magnetic Variation: 2W (Year 1980)
• Beacon Color: Clear-green (lighted land airport)
• Lighting Schedule: Dusk-Dawn
• Airframe repair service availability/type: Minor
• Power Plant repair service availability/type: Minor
• Customs Airport Of Entry: No
• Customs Landing Rights: No
• Military/civil joint use agreement: No
• Military Landing Rights: No
• Non-Commercial Landing Fee: No
• Transient storage: HGR,TIE
• Wind direction indicator: Y-L
• Segmented circle airport marker system: No
• Other services: AFRT,CARGO,CHTR,INSTR,RNT
• Remarks Airspace Determination: ESTAB PRIOR TO 1959.

Additional Reading

Dial 911 for Emergencies

Dispatch and to file a Police Report call 765-529-4890

We are dedicated to upholding the highest professional standards, with the protection and preservation of life being our fundamental objective.  We shall perform our duties with an unwavering commitment to integrity and professionalism.  We are committed to the enforcement of laws to protect life and property, while also respecting individual rights and human dignity.  As Police Officers for the City of New Castle, we will be accountable to those we serve for our decisions and actions and we are committed to developing a partnership with the community.  We will accomplish our mission with empathy, compassion, and sensitivity at all times, with the highest regard for individual and constitutional rights.

We recognize that each member of the Department is valuable, and we accept our obligation to each other and to the community to provide the maximum opportunity for each person to achieve his or her professional potential.

We Serve and Protect

Celebrating 41 Years of Service

New Castle Community Transit is a public system, which operates primarily within the city limits of New Castle.  All vehicles are wheelchair accessible and all of our drivers are trained in safety and passenger assistance. 

Need a Ride?

Phone: 765-529-8113
Indiana Relay: 1-800-743-3333
Espanol: 1-800-435-8590

Please click on the link below to learn more about the City of New Castle's ADA & Title VI Coordination and Compliance

City of New Castle ADA & Title VI Coordination and Compliance

Additional Resources

• Passenger Ride Guide
• Bus Schedules
• Reasonable Modification Complaint Form
• Reasonable Modification Policy

Service is provided for all residents with an active water bill. For additional information please contact the Sanitation Department.