Vigo County budget committee approves pay, staffing changes and shifts request toward opioid settlement fund

The Vigo County budget committee on Oct. 12 approved a package of staffing and pay changes, denied one funding request and voted to shift a previously proposed County General allocation toward an opioid settlement fund while discussing use of settlement dollars for a family-court intervention program.

Judge Reddy, who described a family-focused court program that uses a family court navigator and early intervention, told the committee the work is aimed at children’s emotional and mental welfare and long-term reductions in juvenile and jail populations. “I think it’s just we’re trying to focus on the emotional welfare of these children,” Judge Reddy said. He added the program requires patience: “You’re gonna have to wait a good 10, 12, 15 years, and that’s when you’re gonna start to see the impact.”

Committee members discussed funding options during the meeting, including using opioid settlement dollars for counseling and related services.…