[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6324214,"mediaKeyId","2339192-842c36916fbb154c8f7fd33dfc1354f7","parentId",2339192,"title","Commissioners approve interlocal payment for new ambulance; EMS director discusses billing changes and disputed engine repair on unit 0098","audioSeconds",644,"startMs",970000,"endMs",1614000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339192-842c36916fbb154c8f7fd33dfc1354f7&start=970&end=1614","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339192-842c36916fbb154c8f7fd33dfc1354f7/thumbnail_970000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6324214/Clinton-County/Indiana/Commissioners-approve-interlocal-payment-for-new-ambulance-EMS-director-discusses-billing-changes-and-disputed-engine-repair-on-unit-0098","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324214-e6516aae78311e728e305f050175bb43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150037&Signature=Z1eVAITQ1EeV-UYXVWlqPaxIHAQ0awbEaSJQtqGd9m4fuM-vX0AYwvxkcPa6QEQJFOcHtFxaAW2C87IHqjibe52xDN7ByArDdD8WWRsrs5vQ~j3VWmMBHcQZfVAaN-EnUMyBlCje6U0Pf8eBbOEIwJNvBqoLXcTOwmPOJUUb55wHKPBoZphYyvegkWWpBv2Du4wCY4OCaH1vffn495YzFVJymsIkoAwLmHvH8p7ekrNDbRR2s~YkPKMYOJFXQBlQJYwQFKHVesCH5Q7zXD2I~OfTB4GgHt~5jYjjfhCryJSnlMnNI64lHnD-uU85ApQBZucmwQAvzorPqH7~eESFFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Clinton County IN","date","2025-02-19T02:37:05Z","article","The Clinton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Center Township on Feb. 18 under which the township will make six annual payments (roughly $45,775 per year) to help purchase a diesel ambulance expected for delivery in May (the meeting did not specify the model year). The payment schedule is written as six payments over six years and is intended to reimburse the county’s initial payment for the vehicle.

At the same meeting EMS staff reported work underway to adjust ambulance billing rates under a new state law (referred to in meeting discussion as a House bill) that permits billing up to 400% of the Medicare rate. EMS staff said they had received recommended rate schedules at 300% and 400% of Medicare and recommended adopting at least the 300% Medicare level to capture more reimbursement from private insurance while not increasing charges to insured residents: if an insurance payment is received, staff said, the county will reconcile (\"call it even\") so patients are not charged more than required.

Separately, staff raised a disputed repair for ambulance 0098. The vendor invoiced the county for what was described as a new motor; EMS staff said the vendor supplied a long block rather than a factory new engine and charged more than two other quotes the county had obtained. The vendor offered to install what it described as a new long block free of charge because the ambulance was still not in satisfactory working order. EMS staff recommended the county defer a decision until its next meeting to allow two weeks for the vendor to complete work or for the county to obtain an independent mechanical inspection. The commissioners agreed to revisit the matter at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters
The interlocal agreement funds a critical ambulance purchase shared between the township and county and affects EMS capacity. The billing change could materially increase revenue captured from private insurance and reduce pressure on county tax dollars if implemented; the disputed repair raises short‑term operational risk if a front‑line ambulance remains out of service.

Details and context
Interlocal agreement: Steven (county staff) described working with Center Township Trustee Jamie and the township board to formalize the contribution toward the 2025 ambulance purchase. The agreement structures roughly $45,775 annual payments over six years; staff said delivery is expected in May but the vendor/model year was not confirmed.

EMS billing: EMS staff said the new Indiana law allows billing up to 400% of Medicare and recommended moving to at least 300% Medicare to increase collections from private insurance. Staff emphasized that insured patients would not be charged extra when insurance payments are received; the change targets reimbursement rates billed to insurers.

Ambulance 0098 engine dispute: County staff reported that the vendor invoiced for a \"new motor\" but installed a long block and charged more than competitive quotes. The vendor proposed to replace the unit’s engine (described as a new long block) at no cost; staff proposed a two‑week window to allow the vendor to complete work or present the county with an independent mechanic’s assessment at the next commissioner meeting.

Process notes
The interlocal agreement passed 3‑0. Commissioners asked staff to report back at the next meeting on the ambulance delivery details and on the status of ambulance 0098 after the vendor’s proposed corrective work or an independent inspection.

Ending
Staff will confirm the ambulance model year and delivery timing and present an update on the repair or inspection of ambulance 0098 at the next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioner Meeting 2/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved an interlocal agreement with Center Township for installment payments toward a new ambulance. County EMS staff presented recommended rate increases to 300% of Medicare values under a recent Indiana law and briefed the commissioners on a disputed engine repair for ambulance 0098.","taxTitle","Clinton County, Indiana","taxId",70548,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6324219,"Chief probation officer Nancy Ward to retire; commissioners authorize internal posting for replacement",65,176000,241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339192-842c36916fbb154c8f7fd33dfc1354f7&start=176&end=241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339192-842c36916fbb154c8f7fd33dfc1354f7/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6324219/Clinton-County/Indiana/Chief-probation-officer-Nancy-Ward-to-retire-commissioners-authorize-internal-posting-for-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324219-c0acf4dafd081ef4312de433266a2b21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150037&Signature=avkisrYKBDmDpoqHlQWbwst8uX0cmbJjfcU23THV7Lo4VzjmlD~HPULx7rbgZsLuJhuelF-6ANckGmLo8Tn~WSnAes14PY3zFB8bzpyIJC-IMgIbl4648PyoUsMRcJ71olwbx4hMEvzXc21QsMH51r5PDxYSeJFHiZi265Hu2MWN0CnNOHvTAaw-VZmN0SP8n-Y53yxVp3tJEHmGu9KGaTq6zzka3Z3rt0uS-Cr9ZkoMJyt69nI7qzjvnKunSEZM8v~se8mIppM-UySSqCHhWln2MOa6Wc0om-k2RrIGPtbrw8YopG9zokYzRQgw0fBrxCTfm7-bGsOaIKGj1QvWVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Judge Mueller told the Clinton County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 that Chief Probation Officer Nancy Ward has notified the county she will retire in mid‑April after many years of service. Commissioners thanked Ward for her service and unanimously authorized posting the chief probation officer position internally to begin the recruitment process.

Why it matters
The chief probation officer oversees probation services affecting court orders and supervision of individuals under the court’s jurisdiction; filling the position is a routine administrative step but affects department continuity while staff transition is planned.

Details and context
Judge Mueller said Ward has worked for the county for many years, including with the department of child services, and described her as having provided substantial service to Clinton County residents. The commission president said the county will return to a future agenda for a more formal recognition closer to Ward’s retirement date.

Process notes
A commissioner moved to begin the replacement process; another seconded the motion. The motion passed 3‑0. Commissioners instructed staff to post the vacancy internally and to coordinate next steps with county human resources.

Ending
Staff will post the opening and return with an update on recruitment and a formal recognition of Ward’s service before her mid‑April retirement.","Judge Mueller announced the upcoming retirement of Clinton County Chief Probation Officer Nancy Ward, effective mid‑April; the Board of Commissioners authorized posting the vacancy and beginning an internal recruitment process.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6324223,"Clinton County commissioners approve equipment purchases, bridge inspection contract, paving and community grants",0,264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339192-842c36916fbb154c8f7fd33dfc1354f7&start=264&end=264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339192-842c36916fbb154c8f7fd33dfc1354f7/thumbnail_264000.jpg","/articles/6324223/Clinton-County/Indiana/Clinton-County-commissioners-approve-equipment-purchases-bridge-inspection-contract-paving-and-community-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324223-51373eb582529b552eb69f0cd9d9f91f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150037&Signature=l2PbXaOrCNGHJn8ccEyFGErfTV7m-9UCqgDZ-wvfYutjTc2i257LAE6js1i26gzft7pW4uQhYR73jcNk65z45wxeJuEpd-6Rn0tmfiFZQg2timAhstMk1j~A~gkBUZvl3pkjDAhrBtNKXLSr3PwpKUxst2YpemFSn6R80z1GiDCqKAl8NEcTbyoExbVJg4FT-HwG3KUNfBwSudqBcODJBbFJrNaYBRaI4f6UDImUa6ujTgScS-8terfer8IzOGNjm-T8GV1Snhszddvt0q-3T5uKSYX8ztV~spb51FAVKRnQczAMc4Eqgpu2bzT7B2D32TSIy0A19uj1LjQYI4VwLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Clinton County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 approved a package of routine contracts, equipment purchases and community grants, voting unanimously on each item.

The commissioners approved purchasing a new pickup truck for the highway department from Pfau Chevrolet (no competing bids received), accepted a $14,000 bid from Right Now Excavating for tree cleanup at two overpasses, and selected Versus Engineering for the countywide bridge inspection contract covering the next four years. They awarded the county’s second‑phase CCMG paving contract to Central Paving, the low bidder at $444,955.25 with a local match of $111,238.82. The board also approved two Envoy invoices for architectural services (one for $5,000 and one for $1,000) and a set of community service grants drawn from a $100,000 budget.

The commissioners approved the community grants list that totaled requests of $114,024 and includes awards (as discussed) to Coach Kids ($12,000), Crossing School ($35,000), Sharp Program ($10,000), Healthy Communities ($15,000), The Learning Network ($12,024), Boys & Girls Club ($10,000) and an approximately $6,000 award for Paul Phillipi; the board noted the $100,000 budget and that the exact final payment to the last applicant would be confirmed with staff.

Other administrative approvals included a motion to post the chief probation officer vacancy (following the announced retirement of Nancy Ward), approval of the annual GUTS agreement for conducting county tax sales, an appointment of Randy Ravencraft as the town representative to the Wildcat Solid Waste District, a sign‑placement permit for a Zana Club fundraiser Feb. 20–March 11, approval of a discounted CORE Community Center membership agreement for county employees, and engagement of employment counsel Hoover, Holt & Turner LLP under an agreement not to exceed a $10,000 special‑counsel line item.

The board approved biweekly and other claims and payroll as presented, and accepted minutes from the Feb. 4 meeting. Every recorded motion passed by a 3‑0 vote unless otherwise noted in the transcript.

Votes at a glance
- Approve posting for Chief Probation Officer vacancy — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve annual GUTS agreement (tax sales) — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve Fair Council operating funds (commission indicated yes) — consensus recorded.
- Approve pickup truck purchase from Pfau Chevrolet (no competing bids received) — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve Right Now Excavating bid for tree cleanup — $14,000 — motion carried 3‑0.
- Select Versus Engineering for four‑year county bridge inspection — motion carried 3‑0.
- Award CCMG second phase to Central Paving — $444,955.25; local share $111,238.82 — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve Envoy invoices for architect services — $5,000 and $1,000 — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve community service grants (budgeted $100,000; requests $114,024) — motion carried 3‑0; final amount to last recipient to be confirmed.
- Approve interlocal agreement (see separate article) — motion carried 3‑0.
- Appoint Randy Ravencraft to Wildcat Solid Waste District — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve sign placement for Zana Club event (Mar. 8; display Feb. 20–Mar. 11) — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve discounted CORE membership agreement for county employees — motion carried 3‑0.
- Engage Hoover, Holt & Turner LLP for employment counsel (not to exceed $10,000) — motion carried 3‑0.
- Approve claims and payroll as presented (amounts on record in minutes) — motion carried 3‑0.

Why it matters
These routine approvals authorize near‑term county operations: road maintenance work and safety clearances at two overpasses, a four‑year contract to inspect county bridges (a state‑approved selection), funding for local nonprofit programs that serve residents, and continuation of planned courthouse and annex schematic work. Several items, including the CCMG paving contract and bridge inspection selection, involve state permitting or cost‑sharing requirements noted by staff.

Details and context
Highway: Highway Superintendent Rick Campbell told commissioners he sought three quotes for the pickup and received one; the purchase was included in the 2025 highway budget. Campbell said one of two planned trucks must be delayed because a cab‑chassis was not immediately available. On bridge work, the county will now negotiate terms with Versus Engineering after state approval of the selection process.

Paving: The CCMG (Community Crossing Matching Grant) second‑phase bid was the low bid from Central Paving at $444,955.25. Staff recorded the county’s local match amount of $111,238.82 and said signatures on the contract would be completed after the meeting.

Grants and invoices: Commissioners confirmed payment of two Envoy invoices tied to architectural work and approved community service grants drawn from a $100,000 appropriation after reviewing the list of applicants and amounts requested.

Process notes
All recorded votes in these agenda items were unanimous (3‑0). For items where specific timing or vendor details were unclear in the discussion (for example, model year of the ambulance discussed elsewhere in the meeting), commissioners asked staff to return with precise information at a subsequent meeting.

Ending
The board set its next meeting for March 4 and adjourned after a final public comment offer and a brief presentation request from a private vendor.","At its Feb. 18 meeting the Clinton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a series of routine purchases, contracts and grants including a highway pickup truck, two construction bids, a four‑year bridge inspection contract, community service grants and multiple invoices and claims.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners approve interlocal payment for new ambulance; EMS director discusses billing changes and disputed engine repair on unit 0098

Chief probation officer Nancy Ward to retire; commissioners authorize internal posting for replacement

Clinton County commissioners approve equipment purchases, bridge inspection contract, paving and community grants