Council approves budget actions: 9‑1‑1 loan payoff steps, correctional facility appropriation planning and to explore in‑house economic development

Owen County Council took several budget and operations actions during a working meeting, directing staff and the commissioners to advance items the council said must be resolved before finalizing the 2026 budget.

9‑1‑1 loan payoff and fund split: Staff reported the loan for 9‑1‑1 build‑out and equipment is effectively paid off but that a formal resolution from the commissioners will be required to record the payoff. The council approved recalibration of two 9‑1‑1 funds (described in the meeting as the “12/22” and “12/35” funds) so regular wages, appointed pay and associated FICA/PERF are grouped consistently and to zero out debt service in the operating line for next year because the loan payoff will remove the annual payment. Staff provided a proposed split of line items to keep both funds balanced and said projected revenues would support the plan.

Correctional facility/bond planning: The council directed staff to create explicit line items for loan/bond payments related to the county’s jail project in the correctional facility fund and, if necessary, in the subsequent fund (11/70). Members said the county expects to use unspent cash from current years and proceeds from selling an older property to meet near‑term payments, and instructed the auditor to work with the sheriff to confirm exact dollar amounts. The council voted to appropriate the necessary amounts in the budget documents so bond underwriters will see a committed payment plan.

Advertisement and additional appropriations: The council voted to proceed with advertising additional appropriation requests so those items can be heard at the Oct. 14 public hearing; staff were told to prepare detailed explanations and line items for the advertised items.

Economic development: Council members discussed the county’s current contract with the separate Economic Development Corporation (EDC/ADC) and concern about accountability and lack of an up‑to‑date contract. Members said the county currently budgets $75,000 toward economic development; they voted to explore an in‑house alternative that could include a county‑paid director or grant‑writing capacity if the commissioners choose not to enter a contract with the external EDC. The council kept the $75,000 in the budget for now and asked staff to bring options and job descriptions back for review.

The council also approved a motion allowing the auditor’s office to work with the council to finalize all budget numbers before the public hearing. Multiple motions on these operational items passed by voice vote; staff were directed to return updated budgets and supporting documents for the Oct. 14 meeting.