Johnson County commissioners approve routine grants, transportation funding and event permit; raise questions about CASA claims

Johnson County commissioners on Monday approved a bundle of routine grant and transportation agreements, a permit for a public awareness march, a 30‑day GPS demonstration for community corrections and other administrative items while flagging concerns about several personal claims paid by a local CASA director.

The actions — taken during the Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting at the Johnson County Courthouse on March 10 — included approval of grant agreements administered through Drug Free Johnson County and the county health department, acceptance of funds from the City of Franklin for public transit, and ratification of a federal urbanized‑area grant agreement for Indigo Public Transportation. The board also approved a request by Turning Point domestic violence services to use courthouse property for an April awareness event and appointed Commissioner Walls to serve as hearing officer for a Pleasant Township appeal scheduled March 12 at 3 p.m.

Most items were routine and passed on voice votes; commissioners raised procedural and clarity questions on a few items before approving them.

Turning Point event permit Michelle Lee, Community Services Director for Turning Point, asked the board to approve the group’s annual “Take Back the Night” awareness march on April 11, 2025, saying the event will begin at Franklin College at 3:30 p.m., include keynote speakers and signage, proceed to a rally at about 4:40 p.m. at the county courthouse, remain on courthouse sidewalks for about 45 minutes while partner agencies present services, and then return to the college. Commissioner (unnamed) asked that the group keep the event on hard‑surfaced sidewalks; that condition was noted and the board approved the request.

Health and Drug Free Johnson County grants Betsy Swearington, Director of the Johnson County Health Department, told commissioners that Health First Indiana funds will be used to fully fund the block of annual grants previously approved under Drug Free Johnson County so the listed prevention, treatment and law enforcement programs receive the intended amounts. When asked about funding specifics for the Women, Infants and Children program (WIC), Swearington said she would provide a more detailed breakdown for commissioners.

Transit funding and grants The board approved Resolution 2025‑R‑1 accepting funds from the City of Franklin for Johnson County public transportation and ratified the Indigo Public Transportation CY 2025 grant agreement under the Section 5307 urbanized‑area formula grant program. Commissioners indicated these are the county’s routine annual contributions and grant agreements.

Community corrections demonstration and other administrative items Tony Putmanelli, director of Adult Community Corrections, presented a 30‑day trial agreement for GPS units; the board approved the demonstration. The board also appointed Commissioner Walls as hearing officer and set the Pleasant Township appeal for March 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., and approved proclamations recognizing Surveyors Week (March 16–22, 2025) and a platinum achievement certificate for the county GIS team from the Indiana Geographic Information Office.

Claims and transparency question During the claims portion of the meeting Commissioner West flagged six claims submitted by CASA Director Tammy Hickman that were paid personally and later claimed for reimbursement, totaling $1,982.52. West said the auditor’s office provided answers but urged the county to require invoices or clearer documentation to avoid appearances of impropriety. Commissioners voted to approve the claims while recording the concern and requesting better documentation practices; the park department will also investigate an unusually high water bill at Princess Lake that was raised during claims discussion.

Votes at a glance: - Turning Point request to use courthouse property for Take Back the Night (04/11/2025): motion to approve; condition discussed to remain on hard‑surfaced sidewalks; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Drug Free Johnson County grant agreements (treatment intervention; prevention and education; justice and law enforcement): motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Health First Indiana funds agreement with Johnson County Health Department to supplement grants: motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Johnson County Health Department / Health First Indiana grant agreements (upstream prevention, Baby and Me/tobacco‑free programs, Empowered Johnson County, Women, Infants and Children): motion to approve; commissioners requested a funding breakdown for WIC; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Resolution 2025‑R‑1 accepting City of Franklin funds for Johnson County Public Transportation Service: motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Indigo Public Transportation CY 2025 grant agreement (Section 5307 urbanized‑area formula grant program): motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Appointment of hearing officer (Pleasant Township appeal) — Commissioner Walls; hearing date set for 03/12/2025 at 3:00 p.m.: motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Adult Community Corrections Track Group demonstration (30‑day GPS trial): motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Claims including six reimbursements by CASA Director Tammy Hickman totaling $1,982.52: motion to approve claims; outcome: approved (voice vote); commissioner requested improved invoice documentation and transparency. - Minutes and corrections for prior meetings and executive sessions (dates specified in minutes): motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote).

What the board did not decide or that requires follow up Commissioners asked for a detailed breakdown of how WIC and related Health First funds will be used; Betsy Swearington said she would supply that information. The park department will investigate the high water bill at Princess Lake. Aside from those follow‑ups, the approved measures were described by staff as routine annual agreements or standard administrative actions.

The board adjourned after the scheduled items were completed.