Vigo County officials ask council to fund oversight board to vet school modernization

County officials and scores of residents gathered at a special Vigo County Council meeting where commissioners urged the council to appropriate $100,000 to create an independent oversight board to vet funding options for school modernization and a possible public–private partnership.

Council President Thompson opened the meeting and set public-comment rules before commissioners presented the proposal and financial background. A commissioner described the board as ‘‘temporary and purpose driven,’’ appointed by multiple entities including the county commissioners, county council, mayor, business community and the school board, and required to follow conflict-of-interest and transparency standards under state law. The proposal cites Senate Bill 382 and House Bill 1515 as the statutory basis for the board.

Earl Elliott, a certified public accountant, presented the county’s 2024 cash and investment report and said the county’s adjusted 12/31/2024 cash balance is about $147,600,000 compared with 2024 disbursements of $139,200,000 — roughly 12.7 months of disbursements. Elliott…