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Marion County surveyor seeks modest increase funded by perpetuation fund, highlights staffing and equipment needs
Summary
Marion County Surveyor Deborah Jenkins presented a budget that keeps general-fund impact neutral by using the perpetuation fund for a roughly $65,000 increase, described staffing successes and requested an $80,000 GPS unit to increase field capacity.
Marion County Surveyor Deborah Jenkins presented her office's 2026 budget to the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee on Aug. 18, 2025, asking the committee to approve a budget that increases departmental spending by roughly $65,000 financed by the office's perpetuation fund and not the city's general fund.
Jenkins described the surveyor's office structure (administration, surveying/research and preservation/data analysis), staff development and community engagement activities. She said the perpetuation fund, supplied in part by a $5 recording fee deposited with the county recorder, covers most salaries and supplies for the office. "Our budget is a little over $1,000,000; it is an increase of $65,000 compared to this year, but that increase was absorbed through my perpetuation fund. It was no impact on the general fund," Jenkins told the committee.
She described ongoing operational priorities including workforce development (staff attending Vincennes University and state licensure training), public education about the surveyor's role, and fees tied to Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ATC) forms and liquor-license site determinations. Jenkins also requested capital: an $80,000 GPS station to increase field productivity and safety for the five field staff who work on surveying projects. She said the equipment request had been denied in prior years and reiterated safety concerns after a vehicle fire in the office fleet.
Jenkins also highlighted the office's involvement with regional and national professional organizations, an effort to host a major state conference in July 2028 and the office's longevity and community outreach achievements.
Councilors asked clarifying questions about public inquiries the surveyor's office fields (many calls concern private property boundaries) and congratulated Jenkins on staff development and recent hires. Jenkins said she welcomes further questions and thanked the committee for the opportunity to present.
