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La Porte County Council approves a series of appropriations and funding moves
Summary
The council approved multiple appropriations at its June 23 meeting, including $8,000 for court psychological services, up to $65,000 for an emergency management vehicle, $75,000 for E‑911 overtime, and funds for building repairs and inspections; some approvals were contingent on auditor review.
La Porte County Council approved several budget and appropriation requests at its June 23 meeting, moving money to pay for court services, emergency equipment and building repairs ahead of the county budget cycle.
Magistrate John Link asked the council for an additional $8,000 for psychological evaluations used in competency and other court-ordered evaluations, citing higher provider fees and a backlog of cases. Commissioners agreed the auditor should review whether the cost can be charged to the public defender fund; the council authorized a motion to fund the request pending the auditor’s determination.
The council approved a request from La Porte County Emergency Management to purchase a specialty vehicle not to exceed $65,000. Emergency Management said the new vehicle is needed to tow and support incident trailers and heavy equipment used during summer events and emergencies; the existing vehicle will be repurposed to 9‑1‑1 if Commissioners OK that transfer.
On public safety staffing, La Porte County E‑911 requested $150,000 for overtime; after discussion about hiring and training timelines the council approved $75,000 from the public safety/lit fund, with members noting the office is actively interviewing and training candidates.
Commissioners also approved funding for building maintenance: $21,000 from riverboat funds to repair a leaking section of the complex roof and a not-to-exceed $11,450 to jet and inspect drains at the Juvenile Services Center after kitchen flooding and suspected grease-trap installation problems.
The council voted to set aside additional money for professional services with accounting firm Baker Tilly to design countywide internal controls in response to State Board of Accounts findings; the initial motion split funding with $40,000 from riverboat funds and $10,000 from the commissioners’ professional services account.
Several smaller appropriations also passed, including carry-forward and program funds for adult probation and veterans court fees, and permission to hire one building maintenance position. Many of the approvals were recorded as voice votes; where legal appropriation is required the auditor and county attorneys will confirm accounting procedures and report back to the council.
The council adjourned after routine business and approving 335 auditor hours.
