Council advertises multiple appropriations, approves building maintenance and 911 pay amendment

During its Aug. 14 meeting the Dubois County Council reviewed several items tied to the 2025 budget cycle, agreed to advertise multiple additional appropriation requests for the September meeting and approved two specific actions.

Auditor Sandra L. Morton asked the council to advertise additional appropriations to be considered in September, including $3,758.29 for Courthouse Fountain Maintenance; $50,000 for building and vehicle insurance/liability in the General Fund Commissioner budget; funding for four jailers in the General Fund Jail budget (amounts to be determined); $19,620.92 for electronic monitoring in the Community Corrections Project Income Fund; and a $62,500 request from the Northeast Dubois Fire Protection District from the Special Cum Fire Fund.

The council approved $3,350 from the St. Charles Annex Maintenance Fund for security door maintenance on a motion by President Kluesner, seconded by Ryan Craig (carried 6-0). The council also approved an amendment to the salary ordinance to pay an additional 911 dispatcher a maximum of $1,940.00 biweekly through the end of 2024, with holiday pay to be paid from the 911 Statewide Surcharge Fund; the motion, made by Doug Uebelhor and seconded by Meredith Voegerl, carried 6-0.

Highway Superintendent Steve Berg requested $95,000 from Cum Cap funds for a new dump truck; the council’s consensus was to advertise that additional appropriation. Berg also noted a highway truck might be available for the Park Department; no transfer was approved during the meeting.

The council set a schedule of future meetings and public hearings for the 2025 budget, with hearings on Oct. 9 and budget adoption on Oct. 28, 2024.