The Starke County Council will decide tonight whether to increase the salary for the jail commander. Sheriff Bill Dulin’s request to boost the pay for the position to reflect the additional responsibilities at the new jail got a favorable recommendation from the county commissioners. Dulin told them he can transfer money from within his budget to cover the extra expense.
The council will also discuss the county highway department’s policy for repairs to other departments’ vehicles. Superintendent Rik Ritzler was advised by the state that money in the county’s Motor Vehicle Highway fund can only be used for highway expenses. He says the county will bill hours at the book rate and charge $18.50 per hour. The commissioners note this is significantly less than they would pay to take vehicles to a third party for maintenance and repairs.
The council meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the annex building and will be followed by a meeting of the county commissioners. Their agenda includes discussion of an e-billing agreement for tax bills, discussion of the county’s policy for departmental use of credit cards and store accounts and an appointment to the Starke County Community Corrections board.
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