Vigo County commissioners approve claims, payroll and bridge change order; table assessor software contract

The Vigo County Board of Commissioners approved meeting minutes, two claims dockets totaling $4,357,766.08 and a payroll docket of $1,498,584.94 during a routine session that also included departmental reports and a presentation from the county assessor.

Clerks presented a claims docket dated 01/30/2026–02/06/2026 in the amount of $2,457,822.08 and a second claims docket dated 01/23/2026–01/30/2026 for $1,899,944. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved both dockets by voice vote. A payroll docket for 01/23/2026–01/30/2026 for $1,498,584.94 was likewise approved by voice vote.

The board also approved a highway change order to close out Hassenberger Bridge work, adding $30,275.88 to the project. Highway department staff told commissioners the increase was driven by overruns on several line items, including additional pile driving, greater-than-expected asphalt quantities and removal of inbents that had to be fully removed.

County Assessor Kevin Gardner requested approval to convert the assessor’s office to XSoft assessment software; he presented a multi‑year cost analysis and said the conversion would be funded from the reassessment fund. Commissioners agreed to postpone action to allow additional review and returned the item to the next meeting agenda.

The meeting also included reports from Veterans Affairs on compliance with new state requirements and a brief discussion about courthouse security and possible ordinance language about wearing body armor and managing food deliveries. The board recessed for an area planning meeting at the close of business.

Votes at a glance: motions to approve minutes, the two claims dockets and payroll were approved by voice vote; the Hassenberger Bridge change order was approved by voice vote; the assessor’s proposed software contract was tabled for further review.