The Whitley County Commissioners approved conflict-of-interest waivers and related contracts intended to simplify compliance after a state statute required county employees to file forms when they receive county income beyond wages.

A commissioner explained the state rule created a repetitive clerical burden for a county employee who owns Shoes and More; the contract presented will allow the employee to file an annual disclosure instead of monthly filings. Commissioners approved the waiver allowing up to $12,000 in covered purchases for the year as discussed in the meeting. The board also approved a conflict-of-interest waiver for Didi Ambergue (Van Am Seal and Stripe) for a $730 striping contract for the work release parking lot.

There was procedural confusion during the voting process — commissioners asked to revote to confirm the approvals — but the motions ultimately passed by voice vote. Commissioners recorded that two members had conflicts of interest on those items and accommodated standard disclosure procedures.

The waivers do not change procurement rules; they are administrative agreements to permit annual disclosure in lieu of repetitive filings for identified employee-owned vendors. The commissioners instructed staff to document the waivers and follow statutory reporting obligations.