County approves $10,520 for planning staff to assist park board with STLR compliance and five‑year parks plan

Dearborn County commissioners approved a one‑time transfer of $10,520 to the planning and zoning department to provide staff support for the county park board as it finalizes a five‑year park plan required for the state STLR (Stellar) program and for related grant applications.

Nicole Bailey, director of planning and zoning, told commissioners the park board is behind on the five‑year plan, a state requirement to remain eligible for grants tied to the STLR designation. Bailey said her office has already assisted with drafting the plan and handling communications with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources; the transfer would fund part‑time staff time, supplies and minor software costs to accept reservations, process deposits and support grant‑application and contract review. “We would also like to help the park board with their approaches on getting rentals and charging for the rental spaces in the parks,” Bailey said.

Commissioners raised concerns about using planning staff time for park operations, potential long‑term effects on planning staffing and whether the park board should hire a dedicated part‑time position. Bailey said the transfer is meant as a short‑term “stepping stone” to evaluate whether the board needs a dedicated position. She said any salary supplement would be managed as a reimbursement to planning and zoning, not a permanent raise.

Several commissioners noted county highway crews and other departments already assist with park maintenance; one commissioner said if planning time becomes burdensome, the park board should hire a part‑time parks employee. After discussion, the commission approved the $10,520 transfer; the motion passed by roll call with a recorded no vote from one commissioner.