All links go directly to official Moores Hill, Indiana government websites.
About Moores Hill City Government
Annual Budget$1.2 million
Regular MeetingsPublic Sessions
The governing body of Moores Hill, Indiana, is the Moores Hill Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving four-year terms. The current council members include President David E. Moore, Vice President Michael A. Smith, and members John A. Smith, Jennifer L. McCormick, and William R. Jones.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Town of Moores Hill is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Moores Hill Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Moores Hill Town Hall, located at 206 S. Main Street, Moores Hill, IN 47032. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and community issues.
About Moores Hill, Indiana
Moores Hill, Indiana, is a quaint small town situated in Dearborn County, known for its close-knit community and picturesque surroundings. With a population hovering around 1,059 residents, this charming town boasts several neighborhoods, each with its unique character and friendly atmosphere. Moores Hill is particularly recognized for its commitment to preserving a small-town lifestyle while promoting community engagement and local events. Its rural setting provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a delightful place for families and individuals who favor a slower pace of life.
The law enforcement landscape in Moores Hill is primarily managed by the Moores Hill Police Department, which works diligently to maintain public safety and uphold the law within the town. For broader law enforcement support, the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department also plays a significant role, ensuring the community is protected around the clock. In terms of criminal justice, local arrest records and criminal records can be accessed through designated channels, with an inmate search option available for those interested in locating individuals currently held within the local detention facilities. These resources are crucial for keeping residents informed about safety issues and ensuring transparency in law enforcement practices.
Accessing public records in Moores Hill is streamlined by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, which helps promote transparency and accountability in government. Local vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the Dearborn County Clerk, ensuring that residents can easily obtain necessary documentation. Additionally, property records can be accessed through the county Assessor's office, providing insight into local real estate. For those seeking legal information, court records are maintained by the Dearborn County Superior Court, offering access to a variety of case files and legal proceedings. This combination of resources enhances community awareness and engagement, fostering a well-informed and active citizenry.
About Moores Hill
Moores Hill is a small unincorporated community located in southeastern Indiana's Dearborn County, situated approximately 10 miles northwest of the county seat of Lawrenceburg along State Road 350. With an estimated population of fewer than 500 residents, Moores Hill holds historical significance as the home of Moores Hill College, which operated from 1856 to 1917 as one of Indiana's early Methodist institutions of higher learning before relocating to Evansville to become the University of Evansville.
The community is characterized by its rural, agricultural landscape, historic homes dating to the 19th century, and the picturesque Moores Hill Cemetery, which contains graves of Civil War veterans and early settlers. The area is primarily residential and farming-based, with many residents commuting to larger employment centers in Lawrenceburg, Aurora, or the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area across the Ohio River. Today, Moores Hill retains its quiet, small-town character while serving as a bedroom community for southeastern Indiana. As an unincorporated community, Moores Hill does not maintain its own municipal government or city hall, meaning public records requests are handled primarily through Dearborn County offices located in Lawrenceburg. Residents access public records through the Dearborn County Courthouse at 215 West High Street in Lawrenceburg, which houses the County Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, and other administrative offices. Law enforcement services and related police records are provided by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Department rather than a local police force. Court records for residents are maintained by the Dearborn Circuit and Superior Courts in Lawrenceburg. Property records, land deeds, vital records, and business filings all flow through county-level offices in accordance with Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), which establishes broad public access to government records. State-level records, including corporation filings and statewide court data, are accessible through Indiana's online portals managed by the Secretary of State and Indiana Courts system.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Law enforcement in Moores Hill, Dearborn County is provided by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Lawrenceburg Police Department, Aurora Police Department, and Greendale Police Department are among the key agencies serving the county's cities. These departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, addressing local crimes and community policing.
Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal departments is common, particularly in handling major crimes or emergencies that require a unified response across different areas of the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center, located in Lawrenceburg, serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording the personal details of the arrested individuals. Inmate information can be accessed through the county's online inmate lookup system, which provides details such as charges and bond amounts. Visitation rules at the facility require prior scheduling, and visitors must adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and dress code.
Court Records
Moores Hill residents are served by the Dearborn Circuit Court and Dearborn Superior Court, both located in the Dearborn County Courthouse at 215 West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025. The Circuit Court can be reached at (812) 537-8867, while the Superior Court is at (812) 537-8873. The Dearborn Circuit Court handles a broad range of cases including felonies, misdemeanors, civil actions, family law matters (divorce, custody, paternity), probate and estate administration, guardianships, and juvenile matters.
The Dearborn Superior Court has concurrent jurisdiction over many of these case types and also handles small claims cases up to $8,000. Traffic infractions and ordinance violations are typically processed through the appropriate court based on where the citation was issued. Indiana provides online access to court records through the Indiana Judicial System's online portal, Mycase.IN.gov, which allows free searches by party name, case number, or attorney. This statewide system displays case information, hearing dates, judgments, and docket entries for most civil and criminal cases, though certain sealed or confidential matters are excluded. Residents can search cases from their homes at no charge, though obtaining certified copies requires contacting the Clerk's office. The Dearborn County Clerk's Office, located in the same courthouse at (812) 537-8870, maintains the official court records and charges fees for certified copies: typically $1 per page after the first page, plus a $1 certification fee. Copy fees for non-certified documents are generally $0.10 per page. Case filing fees vary by case type, with civil filings generally ranging from $157 to $187 depending on the nature of the claim.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dearborn County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Dearborn County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Indiana State Police provides broader access through the Indiana Limited Criminal History Search. Residents can request background checks through this state service, which includes records of arrests and convictions within Indiana.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dearborn County are maintained by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office. These records are public and can be requested by residents and attorneys through the Sheriff's Office. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy. Requests for arrest records can be made in person or through written applications to the Sheriff's Office.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Moores Hill are maintained by Dearborn County offices in Lawrenceburg. The Dearborn County Assessor's Office, located at 215 West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025 (phone: 812-537-8876), is responsible for assessing all real and personal property for taxation purposes. The Assessor's website, accessible through www.dearborncounty.org, provides a free online property search tool allowing residents to search by owner name, parcel number, or property address to view assessed values, property characteristics, tax district information, and assessment history.
This data includes land and improvement values, acreage, building descriptions, and recent sale information. The Dearborn County Recorder's Office, also at 215 West High Street (phone: 812-537-8871), maintains all recorded documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, mortgage documents, lien filings, easements, rights-of-way, and releases. Indiana law requires these documents to be recorded to establish priority and provide public notice. The Recorder's Office provides online access to recorded documents through a searchable database on the county website, where users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or legal description. Many counties in Indiana subscribe to third-party services for document imaging; Dearborn County offers both free index searching and document images, though some historical records may require in-person visits. The county also maintains a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping portal that displays parcel boundaries, ownership, zoning, and aerial imagery, accessible through the county website. Property searches can be conducted entirely online for most purposes, though official certified copies require a formal request and payment of recording fees, typically $8 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Economy & Demographics
Moores Hill's economy is primarily agricultural and residential, reflecting its character as a small, rural unincorporated community in southeastern Indiana. The area lacks major employers within its immediate boundaries, with most working residents commuting to jobs in nearby cities. The largest employment centers accessible to Moores Hill residents include Lawrenceburg (the county seat), which hosts riverboat casinos including Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg—one of Dearborn County's largest employers with hundreds of employees—as well as manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.
Aurora, another Dearborn County community along the Ohio River, provides additional employment in manufacturing and retail. Many Moores Hill residents also commute across the state line to the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area, approximately 30-40 minutes away, where major employers include healthcare systems, manufacturing, logistics, and professional services. Dearborn County's economy overall is a mix of gaming/hospitality, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and distribution, benefiting from proximity to Interstate 74 and the Ohio River. The county's median household income is estimated at approximately $58,000-$62,000 based on recent census data, with Moores Hill's rural areas likely at or slightly below that figure. Agriculture remains important to the Moores Hill area, with family farms producing corn, soybeans, and raising livestock. The community has seen modest residential development as housing costs in the Cincinnati area drive some buyers to seek more affordable rural options in Indiana. There are no major industrial facilities, corporate headquarters, or large institutions directly in Moores Hill itself, though the historical presence of Moores Hill College (which closed in 1917) remains part of the community's identity. The local economy is supplemented by small businesses, home-based enterprises, and agricultural operations.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
Moores Hill does not have its own municipal police department. Law enforcement services for the community are provided exclusively by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 130 Courthouse Plaza in Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (812) 537-8700, and their website is accessible through the county government portal at www.dearborncounty.org. The Sheriff's Office handles all patrol duties, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and emergency response for unincorporated areas of Dearborn County, including Moores Hill. To request police reports, incident records, or crash reports, residents must contact the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours or submit a written request under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. Indiana Code 5-14-3-3 grants public access to most law enforcement records, though certain investigative materials and confidential information may be exempt. Arrest records and jail bookings for Dearborn County are maintained at the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center. The Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool through their website and the Indiana Offender Database, which displays current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and sometimes mugshots. Historical arrest records and detailed incident reports typically require an in-person or written request. The Dearborn County Jail roster is updated regularly and provides transparency into who is currently detained in the county facility. For state-level offender information, the Indiana Department of Correction maintains a searchable database at www.in.gov/apps/indcorrection/ofs/ofs. All public records requests should cite Indiana Code 5-14-3 and may be subject to reasonable copying fees as established by county policy, typically not exceeding actual costs of duplication.
Vital Records
Vital records for Moores Hill residents are primarily handled at the state and county levels. Birth and death certificates in Indiana are managed by the Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records Division, located at 2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Birth certificates can be requested by phone at (317) 233-2700 or ordered online through the state's VitalChek service at www.health.in.gov/vital-records. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $10, with additional copies costing $4 each when ordered simultaneously.
Death certificates cost $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Online orders incur additional processing fees. Processing times are typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, while in-person requests at the Indianapolis office can often be fulfilled same-day. Indiana birth records are available from October 1907 forward, while death records are available from 1900 forward. Only eligible individuals (the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a documented legal need) can obtain certified copies, and valid photo identification is required. Marriage licenses for Moores Hill residents are issued by the Dearborn County Clerk's Office at 215 West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025 (phone: 812-537-8870). The marriage license fee is $18 for Indiana residents, and couples must apply in person with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. There is no waiting period in Indiana, and licenses are valid for 60 days. Marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk and are public records searchable through the Clerk's office. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Clerk as part of dissolution case files and can be accessed through the court system. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $2, and divorce decree copies are available for standard copy fees through the Clerk's office.
Business & Licensing Records
As an unincorporated community, Moores Hill does not issue its own municipal business licenses or operate a city business registration system. Businesses operating in Moores Hill are subject to Dearborn County and State of Indiana requirements. Many business activities require county-level permits or health inspections depending on the nature of the business; information can be obtained through the Dearborn County Auditor's Office at 215 West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025 (phone: 812-537-8875).
Fictitious business name registrations (also called "Assumed Business Name" or DBA filings in Indiana) must be filed with the Dearborn County Clerk's Office at the same courthouse location (phone: 812-537-8870). The filing fee for a business name registration is typically around $30, and these registrations must be renewed periodically. For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and non-profits, Indiana businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The state maintains a comprehensive online database called INBiz at www.inbiz.in.gov, where anyone can search for existing business entities by name, registered agent, or business ID number. The database shows entity status (active, dissolved, inactive), filing dates, registered agent information, principal office addresses, and officers or managers. Filing fees vary: LLCs cost $100 to file Articles of Organization, while corporations pay $100 for Articles of Incorporation. INBiz also allows online filing and registered agent updates. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements, which are liens on personal property used as collateral for loans, are also filed with the Indiana Secretary of State and searchable through INBiz. For commercial property tax information, business owners can search the Dearborn County Assessor's online database at www.dearborncounty.org to view assessed values of commercial real estate and business personal property assessments.
Elections & Voter Records
Moores Hill voters are served by the Dearborn County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the county. The office is located at 215 West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025, and can be reached at (812) 537-8870. The Dearborn County election division website is accessible through www.dearborncounty.org, where voters can find registration information, sample ballots, election results, and polling locations. Indiana residents can register to vote online through the Indiana Voter Registration Portal at indianavoters.in.gov, which is maintained by the Indiana Secretary of State's Election Division. The registration deadline in Indiana is 29 days before any election. To register, applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the next election, have lived in their precinct for at least 30 days, and not be currently imprisoned for a criminal conviction. Voters need to provide an Indiana driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Because Moores Hill is an unincorporated community, it does not hold municipal elections for mayor or town council. Residents vote in county, state, and federal elections only. Dearborn County elections include County Commissioner, County Council, Sheriff, Clerk, Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, Assessor, Coroner, and Surveyor positions, most of which are contested in midterm election years. To find their assigned polling place, Moores Hill residents can use the Indiana Voter Portal at indianavoters.in.gov, which allows lookup by name and date of birth or by entering an address. This tool also shows sample ballots and early voting locations. Under Indiana law, various election records are public, including voter registration lists (available for purchase for election purposes), campaign finance reports (searchable through the Indiana Campaign Finance database), candidate filings and financial disclosures, and precinct-level election results. The Dearborn County Clerk publishes unofficial and certified election results on the county website after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Dearborn County reported strong turnout consistent with national trends, with approximately 65-70% of registered voters casting ballots; the county historically leans Republican in most statewide and national races. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Moores Hill and Dearborn County voters will decide several important races. Indiana does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026 (the state's Senate seats are contested in 2024 and 2028), but voters will likely decide races for the U.S. House of Representatives (Moores Hill is in Indiana's 9th Congressional District), Indiana Governor and other statewide offices (as Indiana gubernatorial elections occur in midterm years), Indiana General Assembly seats (both State Senate and House of Representatives districts covering Dearborn County), and various Dearborn County offices including potential races for Sheriff, County Commissioners, County Council, and other countywide positions. Specific candidates and ballot measures will be finalized in the spring and summer of 2026. Indiana offers absentee voting by mail for voters who meet specific criteria outlined in Indiana Code 3-11-10, including being 65 or older, having a disability, scheduled to work all 12 hours polls are open, being a caregiver, traveling outside the county on election day, or participating in religious observances. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the County Clerk no later than 11 days before the election, and ballots must be received by noon on election day. Early in-person voting is available at designated locations, typically beginning 28 days before an election; Dearborn County typically offers early voting at the County Clerk's office and additional satellite locations announced before major elections.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Dearborn County and Indiana provide excellent online access to court records, property data, business registrations, and election information, with only vital records requiring state-level processing rather than immediate online fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the process for someone who is arrested in Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Moores Hill, Indiana, you will be transported to the Dearborn County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Dearborn County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Dearborn County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2What are the school district and education performance data for Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana?
The Moores Hill area is served by public school districts in Dearborn County, Indiana. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Indiana Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3What are the crime statistics for Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana?
Crime statistics for Moores Hill, Indiana are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Moores Hill Police Department on their official website. The Indiana Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana Library?
The Moores Hill Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Indiana government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5Where is the Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana Public Library located?
The Moores Hill Public Library main branch is located in Moores Hill, Indiana. Check the Moores Hill city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana?
Fingerprinting services in Moores Hill, Indiana are available through the Moores Hill Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Moores Hill, Indiana, contact the Indiana Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Dearborn County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8About Police Reports
Police reports from Moores Hill, Indiana can be obtained from the Moores Hill Police Department or the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Indiana DMV.
9About background check
A background check in Moores Hill, Dearborn County, Indiana typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Indiana criminal history report through the Indiana Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Nearby Cities in Dearborn County, Indiana
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: