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Commissioners probe high utility charges, equipment purchases and membership dues during claims review
Summary
During claims review, a commissioner questioned NACO dues, a $9,667.31 Amazon purchase for Surface Pro equipment, a $4,750 sheriff’s department photography expense, and a recurring Princess Lake water/sewer bill; Kevin Leonard said large supply‑line minimums and sewer charges explain part of the cost and staff are pursuing submeters.
Johnson County commissioners spent time on June 12 reviewing departmental claims and raising questions about recurring and one‑time charges.
One commissioner asked about NACO (National Association of Counties) dues of $2,873 and an office equipment charge through Amazon for $9,667.31; county staff responded that the purchase was for Surface Pro devices. The sheriff explained a $4,750 cost as department group photos for facility documentation.
Attention focused on Princess Lake, where a commisssioner flagged a recurring water/sewer bill of $947.01 and questioned whether a leak could explain the high charge. The sheriff noted the jail’s Indiana American Water bill of $2,947.79 as another high usage item.
Kevin Leonard, superintendent, explained the situation with Princess Lake: “That water line that feeds down in the horse park is such a big line that the minimum on that is very costly because of the sewer.” He said staff have met with property representatives and are working on submetering restrooms so sewer charges are not applied to areas that do not use sewer service. “We’re working on trying to sub out the restrooms...we just haven't had to find a good way to connect them yet,” Leonard said.
The commissioner asked staff (Nikki and Elizabeth) to provide billing periods and water consumption (gallons) for the Princess Lake and jail bills to allow comparison and to check for possible leaks. The board subsequently approved the claims on motion and a voice vote.
The transcript records the concerns and staff explanations; it does not include the follow‑up data requested nor a final technical determination about a leak.
