[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6288641,"mediaKeyId","2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b","parentId",2537020,"title","Council discusses reestablishing cumulative capital tax rate to bolster bridge fund","audioSeconds",517,"startMs",5459000,"endMs",5976000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b&start=5459&end=5976","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b/thumbnail_5459000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6288641/DeKalb-County/Indiana/Council-discusses-reestablishing-cumulative-capital-tax-rate-to-bolster-bridge-fund","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288641-4a725a542d87e02adf67731e4747a99a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775487563&Signature=O~~vgiLm12TzXoWzOgBcsbsV3K7DXy7yn8q8LF6Q18xOS~jmn9mGES~jSYx8TtuZmJVcaLAOv-V8oW-aJV9FrOSPcfZ58J7pyqas7pvstbxaXiC3dcYJiu11DB2DjR-E7moDpt0nt4eIQT-g0DbaKJ4HycOLhl5LJQFjEIvxHc7sug1Lb4EA6zhv3uBfokWSTeJ788iTupZnco4CmiTJdxQn7yo6EYZpNZylteoOQChchkRD4-xKKpkkGcW2-CYT9LFJ-zHs6FRMXy1gomI~7wHHNTksnjAsqawzeMf2cP6UFEHXA2TrY5sKBPtfqpy-Yq--sT-GRUXOwX8ErBRimw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","DeKalb County IN","date","2025-03-11T13:52:51.517Z","article","County staff reminded the DeKalb County Council that reestablishing the cumulative capital development (QM Cap) tax rate to the statutory maximum would increase funding available for bridge repair and for general capital purchases.

Susan, a staff member, summarized the process and timeline: a public hearing, ordinance adoption and remonstrance period must occur before May 31 to increase the rate to the maximum of 0.0026. She said statute now prevents the rate from automatically trending upward and that the council reestablished the rate previously in 2016 to address bridge needs. “We had been able to do this about $87,000 additional for our cap,” she said, and staff estimated approximately $95,000 in additional revenue for 2026 if the council reestablishes the rate.

Susan noted that 42% of cumulative capital receipts are allocated to bridge construction, repair and maintenance — meaning the bridge fund would receive a larger share if the rate is raised — and that many county box culverts and bridges are approaching or past their 50-year design life. Council members voiced support for maximizing bridge funding, saying bridge repair costs are rising and the county faces a backlog of structures needing replacement.

Susan asked the council to prepare for a public hearing and vote; council consensus was to proceed with the schedule and public outreach so that any ordinance can be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance and take effect for 2026 revenue distributions.

Why it matters: Reestablishing the tax rate would increase the county’s capital and bridge fund revenue, addressing aging infrastructure that staff say includes many 50-year-old structures needing replacement.

What’s next: Staff will prepare public-hearing materials and an ordinance for council consideration; the council must complete required steps before May 31 to change the rate for 2026.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DeKalb County Council January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff reminded council members that reestablishing the cumulative capital development rate to the statutory maximum would raise revenue for bridges, noting 42% of the tax allocation goes to bridge construction and an estimated $95,000 for 2026 if enacted; a public hearing and ordinance are required before May 31.","taxTitle","DeKalb County, Indiana","taxId",57332,"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},6288645,"Council publishes RDC investigation findings, reappoints two members amid disagreement over representation",1664,3616000,5280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b&start=3616&end=5280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b/thumbnail_3616000.jpg","/articles/6288645/DeKalb-County/Indiana/Council-publishes-RDC-investigation-findings-reappoints-two-members-amid-disagreement-over-representation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288645-401a369407b658774c870d640a30a990/orig.mp4?Expires=1775487563&Signature=gytCq~l-4IRRZjMM0Z1ulnF6n-yJtgJqTFPpdpdwM4S12qs~HQI4aCOU73c075xXNCg1r8KQtHtediG55zfMn-ilVJgh~0kNzxVpA2OJIUntknfP3MhbAqmbtOBJa0opjHZt091jUnSPHke1Cme1CCk4BXTseWhqAwz~rPBZI3fv40U3uWFvPYJFHGkbSViAJpLKtuOEGkcEse2ng3aMPc3Ot3DJikWWmEG6OHndLaEyTKMRh3CisJAbyr8dGFaTjFjhaY7pmnjZCA3aGxCmWwGIgivWrQwiuCteJg60W1LwDEC6V52qdu0wW8AYbxL~p2OkuiCOGO9Cq940iFR~0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Council received a summary of an investigation into actions by the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) and then reappointed two incumbent RDC members following contested nominations.

A council member reported the investigation’s conclusions: the RDC “did not at any time do anything improper,” its members “were fully informed and acted in what they believed was in the best interest of the TIF districts and DeKalb County,” the RDC president “did not mislead, misrepresent, or withhold any information,” the vote to retain the SDI TIF funds was unanimous, and no conflict of interest was found. The same statement said there was no hidden agenda to use TIF funds to build a jail and that a cited conversation had been refuted by the RDC member in question.

Council members then discussed nominations for 2025 RDC terms. A motion to appoint Doug Demint (Garrett) and Will Fleeman (east-side resident) was made but failed for lack of a second. The council instead voted to reappoint John Good and Peter Bridal for 2025; the motion passed on a voice vote after a roll call-style request, with dissent voiced from at least one council member.

The exchange included debate about whether RDC appointments should prioritize geographic representation or experience with TIF and redevelopment work. One council member argued that appointees represent the county as a whole and should have relevant experience; others urged broader representation and criticized the council for not considering community nominees.

Public comment followed: a resident, Andrew Provins, urged the council to have given the proposed replacements a second so the full body could vote; he noted that the east-side council member did not second the nomination at the meeting.

The council also handled related appointments in the meeting: it approved Kristen (or Christian) Hoff to fill a vacancy on the Butler Library Board and approved Vivian Lykes as the Garrett Economic Development Board representative.

Why it matters: RDC members and TIF decisions affect local development, tax distribution and school funding; public debate reflects concerns about geographic representation, transparency and fiscal impacts on specific townships.

What’s next: Appointees will serve the 2025 term; council members and the public signaled continued interest in RDC composition and TIF use.","After an internal review that found no misconduct, the council reappointed John Good and Peter Bridal to the DeKalb County Redevelopment Commission. A motion to replace them with nominees from Garrett and the east side failed for lack of a second, prompting public comment and a split among council members.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6288651,"Airport board reports published approaches, fuel sales and plans for new T-hangars",1098,2652000,3750000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b&start=2652&end=3750","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b/thumbnail_2652000.jpg","/articles/6288651/DeKalb-County/Indiana/Airport-board-reports-published-approaches-fuel-sales-and-plans-for-new-T-hangars","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288651-68453557996a74bb428b59c60e695621/orig.mp4?Expires=1775487563&Signature=SHs5HZFzSywKhtuCe399LwVSUYdQbMlBMo1KBvsRvXqHjPnBVWqNSCih0dvHs~uu~nW2una8UM~6ypJ~MiBoLiyJc5qKKVE8pldTEEVlhiQiYk4aEkJR2dw1MZX7do9Nb9HZwVTEZ9G0p3iBhhffQ~EjC3~kYZNHAMq4sMRSDqFwz4ORhxTuCWX0uaVG--NjT7GnsaiV775L63rZof4jeVbNooQdjAF4iQ-zQ3QwumYKggFCnRfoO93TRQUSVydfy38wzV4LF5vlEJEmzT6cG1YcRdJRjJUI6QtUNOejDafsS61kiz4PbyUig81sQsxZD7WOeRg52~jJ9Nw1ZThB~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Randy Fox, representing the county airport, briefed the council on recent airport developments, including publication of instrument approaches, winter preparation, fuel sales and a push to grow non-tax revenue through hangars and development.

Fox said all approaches are now published except one outer marker that still needs certification; as a result, “we shouldn't be turning away any jet traffic or anybody else that wants to use the airport.” He reported fuel sales for November of 13,906 gallons of Jet A and 2,500 gallons of aviation gasoline and gave activity numbers for the FBO: six aircraft rentals, 31 training sessions, nine simulator sessions eligible for FAA credit, two discovery flights and 25 maintenance jobs.

On infrastructure, Fox said the airport board passed a buy-operate-transfer resolution to prepare for new T-hangar construction and that the board hopes to fund one hanger outright and finance the remaining one or two on short terms. He noted a waiting list for hangars and said new hangars could replace aging A and B hangars that sit within the runway protection area.

Fox described a longer-term vision to reduce taxpayer support by developing the south side of the airport and leasing property for light industry; he said a prior study estimated the airport’s economic contribution to northeast Indiana at nearly $16 million.

Why it matters: Published instrument approaches and hangar development can increase airport operations and non-tax revenue; fuel sales and tenant income directly affect airport finances and the county’s goal of reducing operational subsidies.

What’s next: Airport staff will continue equipment upgrades, pursue hangar construction and market available development acreage to generate lease revenue.","The airport manager reported published instrument approaches, winter readiness, strong fuel sales in November and plans to build T-hangars; the airport board previously passed a buy-operate-transfer resolution to support hangar construction.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6288657,"Council approves juvenile grant submittal as Change Academy searches for new space",693,1618000,2311000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b&start=1618&end=2311","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b/thumbnail_1618000.jpg","/articles/6288657/DeKalb-County/Indiana/Council-approves-juvenile-grant-submittal-as-Change-Academy-searches-for-new-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288657-a5f888a09f803803f743355773f19b27/orig.mp4?Expires=1775487563&Signature=BTf6pJqD~90239p~ONqlbP~iam1DCjm6aMSJibmuPaIH2BnYS6OpboMVxyzFq74Ds-eC1T2dLeKGHW8r-oRT9asQZbCjFFigr~zEYX3tpHhqneBbZxvaeO9GcO48Jxb7BcfWKIH0sgXf-49Ph9Zq8-sTP7eME5SM52RTyCap4jk0GbhAydsGoc0wT2lEeMjC2WcnrSt1bxkhIWsHRC1D-lC3K3YGmYt~vP8WCPf3w6Ai4jvQ1IoZdwRKvlIq7vvUGb9r7CeNzOrPzlJBAl8MRAhD19V9C-fkkiKPmo7hYVVZQ1EbyYUDep988-JFObljsOpNbpD7qHEr3~5m-l2uJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Council voted to allow county staff to submit the fiscal-year 2026 Juvenile Community Corrections (JCC) grant application after staff said the state moved the application deadline to Jan. 25.

Michelle, a county staff member, told the council the JCC funding amount for juvenile services is the same as past years and that the grant is a July-to-June fiscal award. She said the county must relocate Change Academy and is having trouble communicating with a potential landlord, Parkview Real Estate, about a possible lease for a building near the hospital. “They said they weren't opposed to it,” she said of the owner, but she added efforts to schedule meetings have been difficult.

Michelle said the juvenile grant program gave the county a discretionary 10% award because the program met outcome and compliance measures; the county will receive $8,800 from that discretionary pool in March, and the money “has to be used for programs for the kids, incentives, and some very specific things.” She also said staff expect to provide modest raises funded from the juvenile ordinance fund, which comes from school-district seat payments to Change Academy.

Council members asked about how school funding interacts with Change Academy. Michelle described the local arrangement as a per-seat payment: Garrett pays for six seats, Eastern six and Central 12. She added that school districts provide transportation and food services and that special-education teachers from sending districts continue to provide IEP services on-site.

The council moved and passed permission for Michelle to submit the grant application. Council members acknowledged uncertainties about the academy’s future rent, utilities and facility needs; Michelle said the budget submitted will match prior years and that staff will move funds by transfer once a lease is finalized.

Why it matters: The JCC grant is a primary funding source for Change Academy operations; the discretionary award and the school-seat arrangements affect programming, staff pay and services delivered to students in court-referred programs.

What’s next: Staff will submit the JCC application by the Jan. 25 deadline and continue negotiations to secure a new Change Academy location. If the county must amend budgets after determining rent and utilities, staff will return to the council with transfer requests.","Council authorized submission of the FY26 Juvenile Community Corrections (JCC) grant application after county staff described a January 25 deadline, a fixed award amount, a $8,800 discretionary award and ongoing uncertainty about a new Change Academy location.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6288663,"County council approves 2024 year-end transfers, encumbrances and rainy-day transfers totaling $879,656",1447,246000,1693000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b&start=246&end=1693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537020-268315539fecd3693da2f2290692f54b/thumbnail_246000.jpg","/articles/6288663/DeKalb-County/Indiana/County-council-approves-2024-year-end-transfers-encumbrances-and-rainy-day-transfers-totaling-879656","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288663-50e2ceb8d9e40a87cc7d648b132263f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775487563&Signature=IQmL6y~wzsBCcATO2l-y6e6aL7ohWftHPPxAM89n8zVlDIW582~0V4Uswn13NQQYbKC5-KrhfjqggL4u8v071MKN2dxcgFvnya~4FTQVeuHik-xV9xzkCgNUXKAXSFdVl71jg7DhqrkfpLVpHKUVZqJd86fBEJ~AhOOXYv-EElL~krGEsubhzVIo5urVj0pe6b1FuzWGDAE1f-ZU20CQ2q22~p0szoY-QJiPDY0ceUTVknesKWGpl4q-YdJy3r5tvTPflFfcMjI1ToERb-bYxBHcguJhGBp9gfC5E3Csa6sqr9OQCXyRGKB8FFsQhLdQ4TOiSF9Oh7au20CnQJHdzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeKalb County Council on a voice vote approved year-end accounting transfers and encumbrances to close out 2024 and approved two rainy-day transfers that together total $879,656.13.

Susan, a staff member, told the council the transfers “are just me cleaning up the accounts to meet state board standards,” explaining that some line items reflected payments already made while other amounts represented encumbrances — invoices or purchase orders issued in 2024 that will not be received until 2025. She said the largest encumbrance relates to highway trucks that have been slow to arrive.

The council voted to accept the 2024 end-of-year transfer information and to receive encumbrances from 2024 into 2025. Council members asked follow-up questions about specific entries, including insurance and legal-fee adjustments; Susan said money was transferred into the insurance account “to cover our claims for the year.”

Separately, the council approved two rainy-day fund transfer resolutions. Resolution 2025-RCC-2 transfers $495,754.41 from the County General Fund to the Rainy Day Fund; Resolution 2025-RCC-3 transfers $383,901.72 for additional rainy-day funding. Council members discussed how the rainy-day balances can be used for matching grants and as savings toward large future projects such as a possible new jail.

The council also moved and passed a 2025 salary and wage ordinance amendment on second and third reading after suspending the rules; that item addressed a typographical fix and a job-title correction in the central dispatch line. The action was handled on a combined procedural vote after the council suspended its rules.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of December 11 minutes: motion carried (voice vote).
- Acceptance of 2024 year-end transfers: motion carried (voice vote).
- Acceptance of 2024 encumbrances into 2025: motion carried (voice vote).
- Resolution 2025-RCC-2 (transfer $495,754.41 to Rainy Day Fund): approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 2025-RCC-3 (transfer $383,901.72 to Rainy Day Fund): approved (voice vote).
- Ordinance 2025 OCC-1 (salary/hourly wage amendment): approved on second and third reading after rules suspension (voice vote).

Why it matters: The transfers and rainy-day allocations increase the county’s reserves for matching grants and capital projects and complete accounting actions needed to comply with state reporting standards. The council’s moves also free previously ARPA-allocated dollars for other priorities, according to staff.

What’s next: County staff will finalize audit reporting and, where necessary, bring back appropriation or transfer requests to move dollars into specific projects as contracts and purchase orders are finalized.","DeKalb County Council approved year-end accounting transfers and encumbrances to close out 2024 and voted to move two rainy-day transfers totaling $879,656.13 into the county rainy-day fund, citing use for grant matching and future capital needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council discusses reestablishing cumulative capital tax rate to bolster bridge fund

Council publishes RDC investigation findings, reappoints two members amid disagreement over representation

Airport board reports published approaches, fuel sales and plans for new T-hangars

Council approves juvenile grant submittal as Change Academy searches for new space

County council approves 2024 year-end transfers, encumbrances and rainy-day transfers totaling $879,656