The Town of Merrillville council approved the consent agenda on Dec. 23 — including the accounts payable register for Dec. 23 and the Dec. 9 meeting minutes — after a sharp exchange over an $800 payment for employee gift cards.

Councilor Sean Pettit told members he opposed taxpayers covering the $800 payment and said, “this cannot happen again,” arguing that gift-card payments had not been standard practice and that other employees had been disadvantaged. Clerk Treasurer Mr. January and other council members responded that gift cards had been given in the past through an employee-of-the-month program, that the town lacked a written policy governing gift-card distributions, and that there are tax implications for such benefits. Town officials agreed the situation highlighted the need for a clear written policy on employee gifts and the tax treatment of such items.

After discussion — including an assurance from staff that the warrant number would be recorded and a council statement that the practice should be corrected going forward — the council amended the consent agenda to include the previously removed $800 payment and approved the consent agenda by roll call (six in favor). Several council members said they intend to address policy and taxability in future meetings.

The discussion did not produce a retroactive policy change; council members asked staff to ensure future consistency and to place clearer guidance on forthcoming agendas.