Goshen Puts Major Projects on Hold Amid 38 percent Expected Revenue Loss by 2028

GOSHEN, Ind. -- The City of Goshen is pressing pause on several major projects as it braces for a projected 38% revenue loss by 2028, largely due to Indiana's Senate Bill 1, which cuts into local property tax revenues.

Among the halted plans, a long-awaited fourth fire station on the city’s growing south side and the full rebuild of Shanklin Pool, a longtime community favorite is now closed indefinitely.

Adding in a statement:

"We understand the safety concerns this decision may raise, especially in areas experiencing rapid growth. We remain committed to improving fire protection on the south side of Goshen, particularly as that area expands with the Cherry Creek mixed-use development. While the future of the station remains uncertain, we fully support the essential work our emergency services provide, and will do everything within our power and capacity to ensure that residents’ public safety needs are met.

Any decision to move forward with the Southside Fire Station must reflect the City’s responsibility to maintain essential services across the entire community. SB1 has made that task more challenging. Without corrective action from the Indiana General Assembly, it will remain a barrier to meeting the needs of our growing city."

"I think we’re still waiting to know fully what that will feel like,” said Becky Hutsell, Goshen’s Director of Redevelopment. “It’s just a lot of unknowns right now, so we’re trying to be very conservative and fiscally responsible.”

The city had already completed design work and secured funding for the fire station, but staffing and long-term operational costs became a concern following the legislation’s passage.

Shanklin Pool, which closed this season, now faces an uncertain future. The city is finishing design work in hopes of reviving it someday, possibly through a capital campaign or community fundraising.

“While everyone loves the pool,” Hutsell said, “if it’s a matter of having police and fire respond or having a pool to swim in, we have to prioritize.”

Other planned improvements, including renovations to the second floor of the city annex and the purchase of downtown buildings for additional police evidence storage, are also on hold

The city is also preparing for a drop in local option income tax revenue, compounding the financial strain. Officials are working with financial advisors to develop a long-term plan, and say they are focused on staff positions and core services like road work and infrastructure.

Goshen must finalize its 2026 budget this fall.