[{"_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",6102504,"mediaKeyId","2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77","parentId",2803871,"title","Porter County commissioners approve series of budget transfers, equipment purchases and personnel adjustments","audioSeconds",3281,"startMs",65000,"endMs",3346000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77&start=65&end=3346","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77/thumbnail_65000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6102504/Porter-County/Indiana/Porter-County-commissioners-approve-series-of-budget-transfers-equipment-purchases-and-personnel-adjustments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102504-fdfc0eeaef7d14e22a4c1b7fcbc3a413/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184519&Signature=kdvyNXGa6eA7QLs42mdW7gPgP1OY3a9CHIT09hO~EJJa4RTh720utU6eRNX4tDxbmUCfYvBF7ZLYwSkxiKG69VO1QgtMpmxifnbKojOs03JzlDt9Zstivhk4Zxs5FhHPX-xNa1qiTnnOdV8cqBS2Md7FBnFeaB-F6PYOto9rO2YCAXTpl8VOkRL7LxrCADlo1LSmzftYo6gvT7YDbrc-f2ZPiyPZD~432x-9BvUq80MMikvzGprYF-FkadvE9z-xKGl65E8ET87~LX0KbvKyLG1slB0i1NcxIce7Ef1YW~2olzknotBgnOcD55yxN-pry8WaGO~4C58BOrUYyFscnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Porter County IN","date","2025-03-27T18:20:42Z","article","Porter County commissioners on an unspecified date approved an omnibus set of budget transfers and appropriations covering multiple departments, voted to fund courthouse renovations for the prosecutor's victim assistance program, approved several law-enforcement equipment purchases and adopted personnel changes in the health department. County legal counsel also advised the board it must appoint a Democrat to the Board of Health; the board voted to appoint Sylvia Grant.

The omnibus item—recorded as Form 144 on the agenda—moved funds among general-fund and special-fund lines for multiple programs. The list included a $300,000 addition to the Local Road and Street (LRS) fund for pavement preservation; equipment and other line items for the sheriff's office; and a cluster of salary adjustments for the prosecutor's office and other departments. The commissioners approved the package by roll call.

Why this matters: the package adjusts county budgets and commits money to publicly visible programs including victim services at the courthouse, public-safety equipment and health-department staffing. Those decisions change how and where county staff and contractors will spend existing budgeted dollars.

Key votes and approval details

- Form 144 omnibus appropriations: The board approved a multi-line Form 144 consolidating dozens of transfers and appropriations (listed in the meeting record). Outcome: approved (roll-call vote).

- Juvenile probation: Additional appropriation of $2,989 to salaries (to restore an existing position transferred from juvenile detention to juvenile probation) and a transfer of $19,000 from other equipment to cover salary differences. Outcome: approved (roll-call vote).

- Prosecutor's office build-out (courthouse victim assistance offices): Facilities requested and received an additional $24,157.54 for building maintenance to renovate five offices into victim-support and comfort rooms. Outcome: approved (roll-call vote). The prosecutor's office indicated it may return with a separate appropriation request for furniture (estimated separately at about $34,000 in the discussion).

- Prosecutor's personnel and salary adjustments: The board approved a net reduction of $80,976 from one general-fund line and a set of reallocations and modest increases across multiple deputy-prosecutor salary lines; commissioners additionally approved a $10,000 add to fund deputy prosecutor position #12. Outcome: approved (roll-call votes on the related motions and form adjustments).

- Sheriff and public-safety appropriations: The board approved $6,300 additional per diem for federal prisoner coverage for a K-9 (per-diem for a bomb dog), an additional $16,000 for patrol K-9s (bringing the fund toward a total cited figure used for purchasing a new single-purpose bomb dog), $5,000 for overweight-vehicle patrol overtime and a $95,000 appropriation for an upgraded body scanner with AI-assisted recognition. Outcome: approved (roll-call votes).

- Health department reorganization: The board approved reorganizing public-health nursing positions, reducing two part-time public-health nurse slots and establishing or reclassifying three positions (including a nursing supervisor and a community outreach specialist). Outcome: approved (roll-call vote).

- American Heart Association grant: The board accepted a $2,500 grant for public-health programming. Outcome: approved (voice/roll-call as noted).

- Circuit Court bailiffs: The board approved an adjustment to allow bailiffs to be paid up to $30 per hour. Outcome: approved (roll-call vote).

- Board of Health appointment: County legal counsel cited Indiana Code 16-20-2-4 (which requires a seven-member health board with no more than four members from the same political party) and said a Democrat must be appointed to meet statutory requirements; the board voted and approved the appointment of Sylvia Grant to the Board of Health.

What the votes do not do yet: In several cases staff said additional appropriation requests (for furniture for the victim assistance build-out, for example) may return to the board later. No new taxes or long-term borrowing were authorized at the meeting.

Sources and record: motions, roll-call votes and the Form 144 listing as read into the record during the meeting. Direct quotations and speaker attributions in other articles are drawn from meeting remarks (see related articles for full discussion excerpts).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Porter County Council Meeting - February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Porter County commissioners on an unspecified date approved an omnibus set of transfers and appropriations that fund courthouse victim services, law-enforcement equipment and a health-department staffing reorganization.","taxTitle","Porter County, Indiana","taxId",12891,"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},6102486,"Health department reorganizes nursing roles; commissioners appoint Democrat to Board of Health to meet state code",494,2940000,3434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77&start=2940&end=3434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77/thumbnail_2940000.jpg","/articles/6102486/Porter-County/Indiana/Health-department-reorganizes-nursing-roles-commissioners-appoint-Democrat-to-Board-of-Health-to-meet-state-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102486-448b540262bcb2306bebc696bd8d8c4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184519&Signature=UmrRxZqdGeAnPB-~HeEClc5jjE7poH1ObdchpFNrImvfJfneXcKxCK2PD3dImLbb4SJzu4iBDOKnin6ix5EU2I-UZFmrZCJ9lhWOTwT2BRb2nOepp5cFYFGSJUfI~7giEF7oZFWhrCx8olYWyv3O397aqAQWA~E-WRDnGEgTeFjeBgxDcabBIbtalO9Xin0k1a0uTxaoTMYNUUad20l0tqKOveRhW8NyM7xr9ObJcxHP6NlHAh~pJayoKQtvLrNJlrtTUj0qqHeIjDH72takFAtggZE255s7Xl~Ge~0MwLpRA16BWsVOLuoIP1r6z9CiLbo3s3xe49T3SbGY21-Vww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Porter County commissioners approved a reorganization of the health department's nursing division that reduces two part-time public-health nurse slots and reallocates funding to create or reclassify three positions: a nursing supervisor (salary line cited at $74,000), a community outreach specialist (salary line cited at $52,000) and a medical officer-manager title change (small reclassification cost cited). Health department leadership told the board the change was budgeted and that the reorganization is intended to increase clinic efficiency and expand daily walk-in services.

County legal counsel told the board Indiana Code 16-20-2-4 requires a seven-member health board with no more than four members from the same political party, and that the current makeup required the appointment of a Democrat. A motion to appoint Sylvia Grant (the name provided to the board) was made and seconded; the board recorded the appointment.

Why this matters: the staffing changes reshape how public-health nursing services are organized and may affect clinic workflows, service hours and supervision. The Board of Health appointment ensures the county complies with statutory partisan-balance requirements.

Finance and next steps: Health staff said the reorganization draws on existing budgeted lines and on local health-revenue sources; commissioners asked the health director to provide an organizational chart showing where the new or reclassified roles will sit. The board recorded roll-call approval of the personnel changes and the appointment to the Board of Health.","Porter County approved a reorganization in the health department that reduces two part-time public-health nurse positions and creates several reclassified/added roles. County legal counsel cited Indiana Code 16-20-2-4 and the commissioners appointed Sylvia Grant to the Board of Health.",{"_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},6102491,"Commissioners fund new K-9 capacity, overtime patrols and a body-scanner upgrade for sheriff's office",273,2093000,2366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77&start=2093&end=2366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77/thumbnail_2093000.jpg","/articles/6102491/Porter-County/Indiana/Commissioners-fund-new-K-9-capacity-overtime-patrols-and-a-body-scanner-upgrade-for-sheriffs-office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102491-c006120c58f77b1d783bd32bb1d18280/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184519&Signature=OEWppqNUmFvucH5nSGOvzbpieQsvE2Z0cqPh7hBJS0BU2shTUgTnDOmQZL3j3NcfEwjIW3Jmot-YkQ3bUvA9iIOEcsCohRNteP3COINpxKENh7mjTZ~3rzfIMzyK-UgZAq0TUyDbVdQMWHOBoKxNCxCXAoozPM1jABy3s5N~mfJXEqO2v3DMmiQMKdKGltqCqdUP6VnQMKXAwU1L9cpxdOlWtZ7Z2dOURghBHqvTL9SYE6LfRbESv2Dy0m1pIHReaze~HuTWw9v4t3HRfj1JZJPk0ZdtTuoRQ-8PUSFCsmy1TY9paSMuXsGFQngmk9MeguFAV~ug2u~kyszae-8sjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Porter County commissioners approved multiple sheriff's office requests for equipment and enforcement funding, including per-diem support for a federally mandated bomb K-9, additional patrol-K9 funding, overtime for overweight-vehicle enforcement details and an upgrade to a gel body scanner with AI-assisted anomaly recognition.

Sheriff's Office staff described the regional role of their specialized K-9: the unit responds across several counties and is frequently requested by neighboring jurisdictions. Commissioners approved $6,300 in per-diem funding related to federal prisoner coverage for a K-9 and an additional $16,000 to the patrol K-9 fund to support acquisition of a new single-purpose bomb dog. Staff said donations cover some purchase costs.

The board also approved $5,000 in overtime to run special overweight-vehicle enforcement details; sheriff's staff reported that recent concentrated details yielded more than 200 stops and 14 arrests during a five-week deployment that focused on truck routes and hotel corridors.

On technology, the sheriff's office won approval for a roughly $95,000 appropriation to upgrade a gel body scanner with AI-assisted recognition. Staff told commissioners this is the first major upgrade since the unit was purchased in 2018; the vendor indicated the upgrade should keep the scanner current for about five years and will include a maintenance agreement.

Commissioners approved all requests by roll call. Staff said procurement and maintenance agreements will follow; the sheriff and staff will report enforcement outcomes and equipment performance as requested by the board.","Porter County approved appropriations to support the sheriff's specialized K-9 capability, an AI-enabled body scanner upgrade, and overtime for overweight-vehicle enforcement following staff presentations on regional demand and enforcement results.",{"_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},6102495,"Prosecutor and family members describe courthouse \"comfort rooms\" plan; commissioners approve renovation money",612,637000,1249000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77&start=637&end=1249","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77/thumbnail_637000.jpg","/articles/6102495/Porter-County/Indiana/Prosecutor-and-family-members-describe-courthouse-comfort-rooms-plan-commissioners-approve-renovation-money","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102495-c1d5ec9ed1a7fe18ae1dbde839cc1ca0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184519&Signature=UJvX1HucfNrzybo6xKLQthiwVpGQZHZ1N6o-kNirNe44yvSk~Qwz8BFzG4uTrsNE5Qt6UzlrpaDH2aiFSJjOfPupBDQFF6uEVRJKzO5355XU9z6e-3wM3~eXGSF-dkeEbZA0JdAQBkl0fJ8U63LCtS-aqxjSqRAw4Pkg4~Aj83Fpa3hz74cbrjUwKSUSiG0doXgY9AuPaRQxTt-YHTQm657xAZYTDBGZ7f3rpOk12t5VeJmaNPJfp50vMMgnUAwZcnVWEKlUG4UrF9l~iMLDRqrrOSHXXgQEN3uZb14eqP0uZg5dZqXqgUs6FErOwIeOZqZrgjg6lM2CZ8wudQVPQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Porter County prosecutor's office requested and received funding to renovate a suite of five offices on the courthouse fifth floor into dedicated victim-assistance spaces, including a soft interview room for sexual-assault examinations, a family grieving room for homicide survivors and classroom-style space for domestic-violence safety planning. The commissioners voted to approve $24,157.54 for building maintenance to complete the work.

Ona Torres, introduced as a representative of the prosecutor's victim assistance program, said the spaces will provide a \"soft landing\" for victims and allow prosecutors and law-enforcement partners to offer private support and resource referrals. Mark Skojewski, whose daughter was killed six years earlier and who said his family has been involved in this issue, described courthouse waiting areas as \"cold\" and lacking privacy for grieving families and witnesses.

\"We want to give them a soft landing,\" Torres said, describing separate spaces for children ages 4 to 16, an interview room for sexual-assault victims and family-room space for homicide survivors. Skojewski said the idea resonated with his family's experience and urged the board to support the renovation.

Commission discussion focused on whether the project could proceed using existing line-item balances. One commissioner said the courthouse project had budgeted money but that the current additional appropriation was \"above and beyond\" that budget; another suggested doing the project and returning at year-end if an additional appropriation was needed. Commissioners approved the requested building-maintenance appropriation by roll call. Staff and prosecutors said they expect to return with a separate appropriation for furniture, estimated in discussion at about $34,000, and that they are seeking grant and donor support for furnishings.

What this means: the renovation creates dedicated, private space intended to reduce trauma for victims, especially children and homicide survivors, during court processes. Funding approved covers contractor work and flooring; furniture and outfitting remain to be funded separately.","Porter County commissioners approved approximately $24,158 for renovation of five courthouse offices into victim-assistance and comfort rooms; prosecutors and a victim's family urged the changes during the meeting.",{"_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},6102499,"Prosecutor asks for staff reallocation, commissioners approve $10,000 add to deputy-prosecutor post",541,1282000,1823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77&start=1282&end=1823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803871-c1bf2961a12944888e290ad8ce9b3e77/thumbnail_1282000.jpg","/articles/6102499/Porter-County/Indiana/Prosecutor-asks-for-staff-reallocation-commissioners-approve-10000-add-to-deputy-prosecutor-post","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102499-5f351098c83236762b3ddda0d7254d5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184519&Signature=ZrpWRLoOxYyvY09dUBxe75pl-BGmIc8yrjATQSEmL36HBdfCGLpFEejAjJyizP7r4SQrBgSpYZ35reGmuR7HIBVLnKcWQ~g1wJTe~nDcWexfK0giPrUU1jPj0RTcggZy6HW4Ror-bAhiZo9SvL-gdG~Jntl7pN~6aee86Tn9D6xcDqrCpg4GGglVTT~H7yujzYmoz8NMc8MdmoPC52dJmYchTgEMRoTP~TsXCzEdT99ypMcwNRnGeCWSnW1XPnyypT~BHL9tA3ZO05IadMOQ3FR17tNmPsqrOY1oTEh~xOFGi46vfbLsO3XW1y533iARwmm6xedpNLrteG2uwAur9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Prosecutor Gary Grama told Porter County commissioners the prosecutor's office is reallocating vacancy and line-item funding to strengthen its criminal-justice capacity and to improve retention and recruitment. The office proposed reducing one general-fund position (an inquiry coordinator that had been vacant) and moving the funded salary lines into prosecutorial positions in the criminal division; the net package included a reduction of $80,976 in one general-fund line and increases across several deputy-prosecutor salary lines.

Grama said the reallocation creates a fuller salary level in the prosecutor's office and gives the office more flexibility across child-support and criminal divisions. \"We really need help ... our criminal division is being overrun with cases,\" Grama said, describing a rise in felony and internet-crime-against-children prosecutions. He told commissioners the pretrial-diversion fund is in a healthy state and could be a source for the $10,000 add to deputy-prosecutor slot number 12; he also said the office could temporarily fund the increase itself if necessary.

Why this matters: the reallocation affects how many sworn and civilian attorneys are available for criminal cases and where federal and county funds may be applied. The prosecutor noted federal restrictions prevent some federally funded prosecutor positions from working in criminal prosecutions, so moving money between federal-funded and county-funded lines changes operational flexibility.

Commission action and next steps: Commissioners approved the $80,976 reallocation and the additional $10,000 for deputy prosecutor #12 in roll-call votes. County staff said the changes will be reflected in Form 144 accounting and that the prosecutor will report on sustainability during the next budget cycle. Grama said if necessary the prosecutor's office could request additional support at the upcoming budget hearings.

No amendments to statutory authority were requested; the board recorded the line-item changes and moved to implement payroll adjustments.","Porter County's prosecutor outlined a reallocation of budgeted positions and sought an extra $10,000 to raise one deputy-prosecutor salary; the commissioners approved the changes and a separate $80,976 reallocation that moved a federally funded position out of the general fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Porter County commissioners approve series of budget transfers, equipment purchases and personnel adjustments

Health department reorganizes nursing roles; commissioners appoint Democrat to Board of Health to meet state code

Commissioners fund new K-9 capacity, overtime patrols and a body-scanner upgrade for sheriff's office

Prosecutor and family members describe courthouse "comfort rooms" plan; commissioners approve renovation money

Prosecutor asks for staff reallocation, commissioners approve $10,000 add to deputy-prosecutor post