Michigan City finance panel approves $18,899.93 in riverboat fund claims

The Michigan City Common Council Finance Committee on April 15 approved $18,899.93 in claims charged to the riverboat fund and reviewed the city’s riverboat and rainy‑day fund cash positions.

The motion to approve the claims — which the packet lists under Riverboat Fund number 2235 and includes a payment to La Porte Chrysler, Inc. — passed unanimously after a voice vote. Mister Beatry moved the motion; Dr. Cora seconded. Committee members present at roll call were Dr. Cora, Mister Beatry and Tracy Tillman.

The committee heard that the claims are being paid from purchase orders established when the city entered lease agreements in prior years. Mary Anne, the city controller, said the purchase orders were encumbered when the leases were initiated (she indicated the lease agreements began in 2022) and the payments shown are reductions of those existing purchase‑order balances. “We encumbered the entire amount of money of the leases,” she said, adding the sheets in the packet show remaining balances and are informational.

The committee also reviewed the city’s riverboat and rainy‑day fund statement of cash position for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025: Riverboat fund (fund 2235) ending balance $1,363,081.36; rainy‑day fund (fund 2236) $1,848,763.71; combined total $3,211,845.07.

Committee members did not take further formal action on the fund statement; it was presented for information. The meeting packet also noted that Baker Tilly, the municipal advisor, will present the 2024 Michigan City Redevelopment Commission TIF management report at the city council meeting later the same day.

Votes at a glance: The committee approved claims totaling $18,899.93 (motion passed unanimously).