Vigo County Council OKs several funding measures

David Kronke, The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.
·4 min read

Feb. 13—The Vigo County Council voted Tuesday evening on all of the 29 measures that were presented at last Thursday's sunshine, or discussion, meeting — and all but one were approved.

The salary ordinance that was not accepted concerned transferring a system administrator to the Vigo County court's budget from the Commissioners' budget.

Vigo Superior Court 3 Judge Sarah Mullican explained to the council that those under the court's budget umbrella had to adhere to the same policies that the judges do, including rules of confidentiality.

An information technician not on the court's budget could reveal information that the court system did not want being released, which could create logistical problems.

A motion to approve the ordinance was not seconded, so no vote was taken.

Councilwoman Vicki Weger proposed to refer the matter to the county's budget committee. That proposal passed, 6-2, with Aaron Loudermilk and Travis Norris voting nay, saying they considering the action to be merely kicking the can down the road. Councilman David Thompson was not at the meeting.

All other measures received unanimous approval, with the exception of an appropriation of $41,000 for an unmarked sheriff's detective's vehicle, which Loudermilk also voted against.

Approved measures included granting $150,000 so that the Vigo County School Corp. could continue its mental health program run by program coordinator Megan Kirk. The hope is that the VCSC will be able to get a grant for the program next year, which it had received in the past.

The Highway Department received $1.5 million to repair the Hasselburger Bridge over Otter Creek, $971,189 to build additional recreational trails and $2,104,000 to repair drainage projects.

The Council also approved to increase the Highway Department's budget by $500,000 so it could make full use of the Indiana Department of Transportation's matching grant opportunity, which was increased to $1.5 million.

A series of requests from County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard were approved — $128,000 to clean, paint and seal the county courthouse's dome; $10,000 for courthouse roof repair and $30,000 for parking lot maintenance around the County Annex.

The council also approved Clinkenbeard's requests for $55,000 for a Community Corrections van to be used in the community service program and $15,000 to help continue the tiny homes for veterans program.

The Vigo County Health Department received an appropriation of $46,929.50 as part of a $175,000 project in collaboration with Chances and Services for Youth, Family Service Association Counseling and Family Court to provide social workers who will assist children involved in family disputes.

The Vigo County Historical Center received $49,000 to repair its outside wall decorated with the iconic Coke bottle image.

The Sullivan Vigo Rural Water Corp. was granted $60,000 for a rural water engineering study that will enable it to apply for future grants.

The Vigo County Sheriff's Department received $186,000 to add two jail vans and two patrol vehicles, as well as $32,000 for specialized handgun sights.

The Council OK'd $500,000 for Vigo County's Parks Department for the acquisition of more land.

At the end of the meeting, Council President R. Todd Thacker announced the 2024 appointments to various commissions and boards.

John Whitaker will serve on the Alcoholic Beverage Commission for one year. Karrum Nasser was appointed to the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals for 2024, and Scott Ridge joined the Vigo County Redevelopment Commission for the same time frame.

The Vigo County Public Library Board has Tiffany Cherry serving through 2027 and Brian Cain, filling a prior appointment, serving until the end of 2024.

Two other appointees will serve four-year terms — Scott Lough on the Board of Zoning Appeals and Amber Cadick on the Vigo County Board of Health.

Thacker will serve on the Terre Haute MPO Transportation Policy Committee, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Committee and the Building Inspection Advisory Board. Marie Theisz will join the West Central Indiana Economic Development District, Wabash River Development and Beautification, Inc. and the Annual Budget Committee.

Vicki Weger will join Theisz on the Budget Committee as well as serve on the E911 Advisory Board. David Thompson will also join the Budget Committee in addition to his other appointment to the Safe Schools Task Force.

Aaron Loudermilk was named to the Emergency Management Advisory Council. Travis Norris will serve on the Vigo County Fair Board. Michael Wright will continue as the council's attorney.

All assignments taken by council members are in effect through 2024.

David Kronke can be reached at 812-231-4232 or at david.kronke@tribstar.com.