The Pulaski County Council may not have been looking closely enough at hiring in recent years. During Monday’s discussion on the county’s finances, Council Member Ken Boswell pointed out that a hiring freeze from a decade ago is actually still in effect.
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The Pulaski County Council is getting a clearer picture of the financial impact of a potential courthouse renovation project. Financial consultant Jeffrey Peters presented some revised estimates Monday, based on the most recent renovation plans presented by Rowland Design.
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The Pulaski County Council got a closer look at recent spending increases Monday. Consultant Jeffrey Peters pointed out that while the county government’s annual income has remained just above $10 million over the past six years, spending went from just over $10 million in 2016 to almost $12.5 million in 2018.
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As Pulaski County looks for a way to get its finances back on track, officials’ next step may be to look back at 2016 spending. Consultant Jeffrey Peters told the county council Monday that was the last time revenue exceeded expenditures. “In 2016, you brought in a little above $10 million, you spent about $10 million,” he explained. “This year, we anticipate your revenue stream would be about $10 million.”
Continue readingThe Pulaski County Council is meeting one more time with its fiscal planning consultant before officially getting to work on the 2020 budget today. Consultant Jeffrey Peters is scheduled to give council members an update on his findings this morning at 8:00 EDT in the Pulaski County Highway Garage.
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Funding for work at the Pulaski County Justice Center will apparently be appropriated one bill at a time. Earlier this month, Maintenance Director Mia Salyers told the county commissioners that the building’s fire alarm upgrades ended up costing $10,000 more than expected and Sheriff Jeff Richwine had offered to cover about $6,700 of that out of his department’s Misdemeanant Fund.
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A stretch of Pulaski County Road 400 North may soon get a lower speed limit and a number of warning signs. The county commissioners voted Monday to lower the speed limit to 35 miles per hour between U.S. 421 and County Road 1400 West. That now goes to the county council for final approval.
Continue readingReassessment appeals could lead to some additional expenses for Pulaski County. Assessor Holly VanDerAa told the county council last week that there are 16 appeals from five different taxpayers that are still pending.
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The Pulaski County Commissioners have decided to invest in cyber insurance. They voted Monday to move forward with a policy from EMC Insurance, at a cost of just over $4,100 a year. It will provide $1 million of cyber coverage and $500,000 of coverage for data protection.
Continue readingVehicle repairs and a salary increase for Sheriff Jeff Richwine have prompted a series of budget transfers for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department. Richwine asked the county council last week to move a total of $10,000 to cover the various expenses.
Continue readingThe Pulaski County Commissioners took steps to solidify the county’s IT services Monday. They voted to officially contract IT services out to DeGroot Technology, following the elimination of the county’s IT Department last month.
Continue readingPulaski County’s newest government building is costing more than originally thought. Last year, the county purchased the former Winamac Masonic Lodge and has since converted it into the West Annex, housing the Coroner’s Office and Emergency Management Agency.
Continue readingWith the Pulaski County Highway Department expecting a substantial fuel tax reimbursement, the county council has agreed to make funds available to pay the consulting firm that helped them get it.
Continue readingPulaski County’s new prosecutor is now officially at full-time status.
Kelly Gaumer was chosen during a Republican Party caucus last month, and she officially took office August 4.
Continue readingFor the third time this year, Pulaski Superior Court Judge Crystal Brucker Kocher is asking for permission to spend more money for pauper counsel. The county council has already agreed to let her spend $40,000 beyond what was initially budgeted. On Monday, she told council members she needs another $30,000.
Continue readingPulaski County officials continue to voice concerns with the county’s IT arrangements, but organizing a discussion is proving to be a challenge. Some county council members had wanted to discuss IT plans with the county commissioners and had apparently asked to have it included on Monday’s joint session agenda. But when it was sent out, the only item listed was the approval of the prior joint session minutes.
Continue readingSome Pulaski County Highway Department employees will finally be getting a pay raise. The county council voted Monday to raise the pay rate for the department’s seasonal part-time employees from $13 to $15, and make the raise retroactive to May.
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As Pulaski County continues working to address its fiscal challenges, a group of residents thinks that hiring a county manager could be a potential solution. Group representative Courtney Poor read a prepared statement to the county council and commissioners during Monday’s joint session.
Continue readingPulaski County residents will get the chance to hear some updated recommendations for the future of the Courthouse and Justice Center tonight. A public presentation will take place at 6:00 p.m. EDT at the Courthouse.
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