Pulaski County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Salem Township under recently enacted state law that allows townships to turn back up to 30% of unrestricted year‑end funds for local road improvements.

Mike Gehr, Salem Township trustee, cited Indiana Code (verbal citation in the meeting) requiring townships that can do so to return up to 30% of unrestricted funds to the county for road improvement and infrastructure in the township; he told commissioners the money must be used for improvements within Salem Township and that the memorandum establishes communication between the township advisory board and county officials.

Commissioners asked whether the money could only be used in Salem Township; Gehr confirmed that it must be used for that township. The commission moved and seconded approval of the MOU; a voice vote recorded “aye” and the motion passed. Staff noted the MOU would take effect for funds received after July 1, 2026, if the township provides a giveback at the end of its fiscal year.

Commissioners thanked the trustee for his proactive approach. Staff offered to adjust the MOU to omit individual commissioner names and keep the document addressed to the commission as a body; Gehr indicated he would sign or upload the final document as requested.

The MOU formalizes the use of any Salem Township giveback funds for that township’s roads and provides a process for advisory board communications with the county.