The Pulaski County Council may be looking to crack down on additional appropriations in 2020. That’s when the council lets a department spend a certain amount of money beyond what’s in the budget.
Continue readingPulaski County Awarded $60,000 Grant for Court Treatment Efforts
Pulaski County is getting $60,000 to make it easier for people going through the court system to get the treatment they need. Superior Court Judge Crystal Brucker Kocher discussed the funding with the county council Monday.
Continue readingFour County Counseling CEO Discusses Recent Accomplishments with Pulaski County Council
Pulaski County residents affected by mental health issues or substance use disorders continue to get help from Four County Counseling Center. CEO Dr. Carrie Cadwell gave an update to the county council Monday.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Addresses Overtime Budget Shortfalls
The Pulaski County Council took action Tuesday to fix shortfalls in a few departments’ overtime budgets. Council members agreed to transfer $45,000 out of the EMS Department’s staff line item to cover overtime expenses through the end of the year, at the request of EMS Director Brandon DeLorenzo.
Continue readingPulaski Council to Discuss Budget Transfers, Additional Appropriations, 2020 Salary Matrix
The Pulaski County Council will take steps to balance line items in the 2019 budget, as the end of the year approaches. Several budget transfers will be up for the council’s approval tonight , including $240,000 for the Highway Department, and almost $47,000 for the Sheriff’s Department.
Continue readingPulaski County Commissioners Once Again Vote to Get Cyber Security Insurance
Cyber security insurance will end up costing Pulaski County more than double what was originally thought. Back in August, the county commissioners voted to move forward with a policy from EMC Insurance, at a cost of just over $4,100 a year. But during last week’s meeting, insurance agent Gene Timm explained that the company would not provide standalone coverage.
Continue readingPulaski County’s IT Contractor Plans to Quit in January
Pulaski County once again has a decision to make, when it comes to IT services. Back in July, the county commissioners disbanded the county’s IT department, and later agreed to contract IT services out to DeGroot Technology. Now, DeGroot has notified officials that it will stop providing services to the county in January.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Member Suggests Spreading Out Courthouse Repair Work
Fixing the Pulaski County Courthouse without adding to the county’s debt is the goal of a proposal from a county council member. Mike Tiede presented a list of ideas to the county commissioners Monday.
Continue readingPulaski County CDC May Ask for Commissioners’ Input on Potential Members
The Pulaski County Community Development Commission may be willing to give the county commissioners a chance to weigh in on prospective at-large members.
Continue readingPulaski County Sheriff Warns that More Budget Cuts Could Impact Services
Pulaski County Sheriff Jeff Richwine warns that if his budget gets cut much more, he’ll have to start cutting services. “I’ve been kind of quiet about all the budget cuts, but it finally comes down to where you just can’t cut anymore and you’ve got to start cutting services,” he told the county commissioners Monday. “So we’re already kind of starting to look at that, to see where we could cut some things that wouldn’t necessarily jeopardize somebody’s safety and all that.”
Continue readingPulaski County Officials Consider Next Steps, following Rejection of Tax Adjustment
After the Pulaski County Council narrowly rejected a tax restructuring plan Monday, Council President Jay Sullivan hopes to get to work on a new proposal relatively soon. He told the rest of the Community Development Commission Tuesday that he doesn’t expect the council to wait an entire year before taking action.
Continue readingPulaski County Council, State Rep. Consider Courthouse Renovation Funding Options
Pulaski County’s state representative wants to get moving on securing financing for a possible courthouse renovation project. Three renovation options, ranging from just under $4.9 million up to almost $8.6 million were recently presented to the county council and commissioners.
Continue readingConstruction on Winamac Ambulance Garage Addition to Wait Until 2020
After years of discussion, a builder has been chosen for an addition to the Winamac ambulance garage. The Pulaski County Commissioners Monday chose the lowest of three bidders, TM Construction of Winamac, at a cost of just under $77,000.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Votes Down Tax Adjustment
A proposed tax adjustment was narrowly voted down by the Pulaski County Council Monday. The change would have resulted in a slight decrease in the county’s local income tax rate, while allowing property taxes to increase on non-homestead property.
Continue readingPulaski County CDC to Continue Discussing Path Forward, Following Staffing Cut
The Pulaski County Community Development Commission will meet tonight for the first time since the county council cut funding for one of its two staff members.
Continue readingPulaski County to Host Informational Meeting with Solar Developer Today
A solar energy developer will make its pitch to Pulaski County residents and officials this afternoon. A question-and-answer session will be held at 3:30 EDT at the Pulaski County Highway Garage, according to Building Inspector Doug Hoover.
Continue readingPulaski County Council to Hold Public Hearing, Decide on Tax Adjustments Tonight
The Pulaski County Council will vote on adjustments to the county’s tax structure tonight. Under the proposed ordinance, wage earners who live in Pulaski County would pay a slightly lower local income tax rate starting January 1. But those owning non-homestead property there would see their property taxes go up.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Finalizes $30,000 Additional Appropriation for Pauper Counsel
More funding for court-appointed attorneys was finalized by the Pulaski County Council Monday. Council members approved a $30,000 additional appropriation for Superior Court pauper counsel. It was requested by Judge Crystal Brucker Kocher back in August.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Member Continues Calling for Regular Financial Updates
A Pulaski County Council member says a lack of information is hurting the council’s ability to manage the county’s finances. During Monday’s meeting, Kathi Thompson said the council needs monthly updates on how the county’s expenditures compare to its budget.
Continue readingPulaski County EMS Looking to Buy Stretcher, Anticipating Budget Surplus
Local EMS departments are working to update their equipment. Pulaski County EMS Director Brandon DeLorenzo told the county commissioners last week that he’s working on getting a grant for a new stretcher. “Those stretchers are not cheap,” he said. “The last one we got was a power stretcher, and those are about $18,000.”
Continue reading