Board approves resolution to transfer ballistic vest to Greenwood; discussion notes new training-reimbursement law

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved Resolution 25-06 to exchange property with the City of Greenwood under Indiana Code provisions. City Attorney Lynn Gray explained the request: an officer who had been hired by Franklin completed portions of department training and had been issued a ballistic vest tailored for him; the officer accepted employment with the City of Greenwood. Greenwood offered to purchase the vest for the value shown in the resolution and the officer indicated he would contribute toward any remaining cost through available GRAMA/grant funds.

Gray said this type of equipment exchange between governmental entities is permitted under the cited Indiana Code provision and noted the city has completed similar intergovernmental exchanges in the past. "This code statute that I cite there does permit for the exchange of property between two governmental entities by simply having approved substantially identical resolutions," Gray said.

Board members asked whether Greenwood would pick up training costs the city had paid; staff explained the officer had already completed academy training and the vest had been issued and used during initial training. Gray and other officials also discussed a new state law, effective in July, that allows local entities to adopt policies requiring reimbursement of training costs if an officer leaves employment within a defined period (commonly three years). Officials said some entities are considering adopting such policies but warned of potential recruitment trade-offs.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve Resolution 25-06; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The city will complete the property transfer under the terms of the resolution.