District holds first reading of ordinance to preauthorize routine payments; approves claims and meeting calendar

The St. Joseph County district board began by hearing its monthly financial report, approving claim vouchers, and scheduling the 2025 meeting calendar.

Treasurer reported balances for district accounts at month-end (general account $19,009; Granger $472,409 with $44,239 deposit in transit; Baughton balance $83,814 with $3,566 in transit; Baruch Hills $152,437; Wyatt $118,811 with $5,189 in transit). A claim voucher of $87,549.34 was presented for approval; a motion to approve the claim voucher was made and seconded and passed on a voice vote.

On procedure, members discussed whether to meet monthly or skip specific months and agreed to publish notice for meetings and to use cancellations when necessary. Tentative dates mentioned included Jan. 9, May 8, June 5, July 10 (or skip July), Aug. 7, Oct. 2 and Dec. 11, 2025.

On an ordinance matter, an attorney/staff member said they had drafted an ordinance authorizing the district — under a state statute — to preapprove payment of certain enumerated expenses and to allow Jessica (treasurer) and Steve (financial adviser) to pay bills in the normal course. The speaker said they would email the draft to board members; the item received a first reading and will be published ahead of a second reading and public hearing at a subsequent meeting. One speaker summarized the ordinance: “It authorizes Jessica and Steve or the treasurer and the financial adviser to pay the bills in the normal course and you to consider them.”

The meeting moved on to other business after routine voice votes on motions and holiday remarks closed the session.