Dubois County officials approve $25,000 from clerk fund to replace office furniture

Dubois County officials approved a $25,000 appropriation from the clerk perpetuation fund to replace six desks and a workstation in the county clerk’s office.

The request came from Amy Kidnborough, a staff member in the clerk’s office, who told officials the desks have an expected life of about 20 to 25 years and are now “on year 29.” Kidnborough said some desks are not fully functional, citing stuck drawers and splintering surfaces, and that the office toured local suppliers to evaluate options.

Kidnborough said she consulted Huffman Office Supply about costs and visited a Kimbell showroom with recorder’s office staff and other clerk’s staff to review layouts and options. She presented a rough estimate of $25,000 and asked for permission to include the appropriation in the budget process; the item had been advertised as an additional appropriation. She also said the office would prefer to stay local if pricing allows and that Sourcewell and similar cooperative contracts could be used by local providers to offer government pricing.

A motion to move the $25,000 appropriation forward was made and seconded during the meeting and approved by voice vote. Officials said staff will share drawings and updates as the procurement and installation progress.

No specific vendor contract was awarded at the meeting; Kidnborough said procurement discussions with Huffman Office Supply and other suppliers would continue once funds are appropriated.

The appropriation will come from the clerk perpetuation fund; the meeting did not specify an implementation schedule or a firm procurement timeline.