Vigo County Council approves repairs and staffing funding for local group homes after safety debate

Vigo County Council on June 3 approved several appropriations and an amendment to the salary ordinance to fund repairs and staff at county group homes, after council members and administrators debated how quickly the facilities could be made safe for children.

County officials voted in favor of three spending measures and a salary change that together provide funds for electrical upgrades, mold and crawl-space remediation, new air-conditioning units, furnishings and hiring for the Carpenter and Lehi homes. The council also approved a smaller transfer to buy a storage shed for the Glen home.

Councilman Brad Anderson moved the principal appropriation for repairs and Councilwoman Brenda Wilson seconded. After discussion the council voted unanimously on the facility appropriation items; a separate amendment to the salary ordinance adding five full-time youth specialist positions and three part‑time positions passed 5-1, with Councilman Randy Gentry voting no. The follow-up appropriation to fund the new hires passed 5-1.

Why it matters: Council members pressed for details about safety, inspections and program timing before approving money that would allow the county to expand capacity for juveniles who need group-home placement. Several council members said they wanted assurance the homes would meet code and licensing requirements before children move in; county staff and home administrators said remediation and hiring could proceed in parallel but acknowledged some remediation work (for example, mold remediation) likely requires the home to be vacated while that work is performed.

Officials and testimony: Norm Lottemore,…