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Rush County surveyor to retire March 27; commissioners discuss federal inmate housing rate
Summary
County surveyor Martin Reese submitted a resignation effective March 27, 2026; commissioners acknowledged his service and said precinct committee people will help identify an interim replacement. Officials also updated the board on negotiations to house federal inmates (US Marshals) at a reported rate of $91 per day and discussed how revenue and expenses should be allocated.
The Rush County council received a resignation letter from county surveyor Martin Reese, who notified officials the resignation will be effective Friday, March 27, 2026. The letter, read during the meeting, described his decades of service; commissioners said they will work with precinct committee people to identify someone to finish Reese’s term and that Reese offered assistance during the transition.
Separately, the sheriff’s office briefed commissioners on ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Marshals Service to house federal inmates. Staff said negotiations reached a proposed rate of $91 per day per inmate, higher than some nearby averages; the Marshals had indicated they would provide contracts by January 5 but paperwork had not arrived. Commissioners discussed that some of the revenues might go to a separate account to cover transport, training and possible new personnel costs associated with increased inmate population and transports, and staff suggested creating a dedicated allocation so funds that come in could be used for associated expenses.
Why it matters: A forthcoming vacancy in the county surveyor’s office requires succession planning. The potential federal housing contract could provide new revenue but also has operational implications (staffing for transports, medical costs, and classification); commissioners asked staff to ensure revenues are allocated in a way that covers any added expenses.
Next steps: County leadership said they will coordinate appointment processes for the surveyor vacancy and continue to press the U.S. Marshals Service for contract delivery and clarifications on allowable uses of revenue.
