The Vermillion County Board of Commissioners handled multiple routine items and appointments during its Jan. 5 meeting.

Appointments and governance: The board reappointed Les Zimmerman as primary representative (and the presiding commissioner as alternate) to the Wabash River Gorge Corridor Commission, approved three applicants to the Property Tax Adjustment Board, and confirmed Adam Wineland’s appointment to the Rise board after the Rise board recommended him to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Michalek. Commissioners noted the Rise position carries no pay.

Handbook: The board approved amendments to the county employee handbook that clarified vacation rollover (up to one week) and removed an erroneous benefit provision for part-time employees; commissioners said a previously noted dissent related to a handbook item had been resolved and the handbook will be distributed to employees.

Claims and payroll: Commissioners approved routine claims (Dec. 24, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026) and payroll claims (Dec. 19, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026) by unanimous votes.

Podcast funding and turkey farm raffle: The board discussed continuing the Vermillion Reasons podcast with approximately $1,200 in funding and delegated Commissioner Misty Hess to work with the auditor’s office to identify funding in commissioners' court accounts. The board also discussed the county’s turkey farm lease raffle (which raised $1,000 last year), including options to allow a two- or three-year lease extension in exchange for property improvements; staff will return with recommendations next month.

Votes at a glance: Minutes (Dec. 17, 2025) — approved; Claims (Dec. 24, 2025 & Jan. 2, 2026) — approved; Payroll (Dec. 19, 2025 & Jan. 2, 2026) — approved; Appointments to various boards — approved; Handbook changes — approved; Rise board appointment (Adam Wineland) — approved.

What’s next: Staff will schedule the annual short Board of Finance meeting with the county treasurer and follow up on delegated items (podcast funding review and turkey farm raffle recommendation).