Pulaski County’s court system remains busy, and that means costs continue to add up. To deal with a backlog in cases, Pulaski Circuit Court is now open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., instead of its usual hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pulaski County Council Approves Budget Transfers to Cover Increased Use of Part-Time Help
Some Pulaski County government offices are finding themselves short-staffed, and that’s putting a strain on their budgets for part-time help. This week, the county council approved budget transfer requests from both the Assessor’s Office and the EMS Department.
Employee Cell Phones Cause Concern for Pulaski County Council, Commissioners
Pulaski County officials are looking to keep a better handle on employee cell phones. County Council Vice-President Mike Tiede raised the issue during the council’s joint session with the county commissioners Monday, after the county was billed for a new iPhone. Continue reading
Pulaski County Council Adopts 2018 Budget
The Pulaski County Council officially adopted the county’s 2018 budget and salary matrix Monday. The proposal calls for a one-percent pay raise for most full-time county employees. The hourly pay range for part-time employees will also increase by a couple dollars, according to council members.
Pulaski County Jail Cameras Hacked, According to Sheriff
Someone apparently hacked into the Pulaski County Justice Center’s surveillance cameras. Sheriff Jeff Richwine says it happened over the weekend. Continue reading
Pulaski Council Finalizes Local Funding Match for Pulaski County Human Services Van Purchase
Pulaski County Human Services apparently will be getting its new van. The Pulaski County Council approved the local share of the funding Monday. It took them six months to do it.
Pulaski County Council to Adopt 2018 Budget Tonight
The Pulaski County Council is expected to adopt the county’s 2018 budget when it meets tonight. This comes after council members made an additional round of cuts to the proposal last week. That included giving county employees a one-percent raise, rather than two-percent, and denying a request from Superior Court to add a second public defender. They also plan to shift $200,000 in 911 dispatchers’ salaries out of the county’s General Fund.
Pulaski County Council Considering Options, Following Income Tax Revenue Shortfalls
Pulaski County may be looking to state lawmakers to help make up a shortfall in local income tax revenues. The issue was brought to the attention of the county council last month, after Winamac officials noticed a sudden drop in the town’s share of Local Levy Freeze Income Tax funds. Pulaski County communities are now facing big holes in their 2018 budgets.
Independent Bank Accounts Draw Concerns from Pulaski County Auditor
Pulaski County is looking to keep a closer eye on some of its bank accounts. Auditor Laura Wheeler told the county council Wednesday that most county bank accounts are supposed to be under the jurisdiction of the treasurer, with all transactions being handled by the auditor. However, some departments have apparently set up their own independent accounts. Continue reading
Winamac Park Board Decides to Stop Pursuing Pool Project
Winamac’s swimming pool rebuilding effort appears to have come to an end. The town council narrowly decided Wednesday not to proceed with the project until the town has the money to support the ongoing maintenance of the pool. Without the town council’s financial support, the park board followed suit Thursday, voting to stop work on the project.
Pulaski County Council Putting Finishing Touches on 2018 Budget Proposal
The Pulaski County Council met in special session Wednesday to cut $338,000 from its 2018 budget proposal. As part of that effort, county employees who were set to get a two-percent raise would now only get a one-percent increase, based on Wednesday’s discussion. That’s expected to save the county about $45,000 in next year’s budget.
Pulaski County Commissioners Plan to Revisit Employee Comp Time Policy
It may soon be easier for Pulaski County employees to use their comp time for needed medical procedures. The issue came up during Monday’s county commissioners meeting. It was learned that an employee in the Assessor’s Office is scheduled to have a knee replacement in January and planned to use 42 hours of comp time that she’d accumulated.
Pulaski County Council to Meet in Special Session Tonight to Discuss 2018 Budget
The Pulaski County Council will put the finishing touches on its 2018 budget tonight. Council members spent a couple of days in August working on the budget with various county department heads. But as of last month’s regular meeting, a few hundred thousand dollars still had to be cut.
Pulaski Superior Court Makes Second Attempt at Funding Requests, After Money Fails to Arrive
The Pulaski County Council is revisiting a couple Superior Court funding requests. According to Judge Crystal Brucker Kocher, a budget transfer was requested back in March and an additional appropriation was requested in April, before she officially took over the position. But for some reason, those funds were never moved.
Pulaski County Council Finalizes Employee Handbook Updates
A beefed-up drug testing policy and a few other updates to Pulaski County’s employee handbook will soon be able to take effect. The updated policies were approved by the county council Monday, following the county commissioners’ approval last week.
Income Tax Revenue Shortfalls Hitting Pulaski County Budgets
Pulaski County communities are facing budget deficits, due to a shortfall in local income tax revenues. The issue was brought to the attention of the county council Monday, after Winamac Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger noticed a decline in the town’s share of Local Levy Freeze Income Tax funds.
Pulaski Council Denies Local Funding Match for Pulaski County Human Services Van Purchase
Pulaski County Human Services apparently will not be able to buy a new van, after all. The county council failed to finalize the local share of the funding Monday. They had been considering the issue since April.
Pulaski County Council to Consider Employee Handbook Updates, Discuss LIT Levy Freeze
Pulaski County is looking to tighten its employee drug testing policy. The update would allow department heads or the county commissioners to demand a drug test based on probable cause, such as smell or behavior.
