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Surveyor stipend approved after commissioners’ reconsideration; council votes 6–1
Summary
Following a commission reconsideration under Indiana Code 36-2-12-15, the council approved an additional compensation stipend for County Surveyor Jim Slabaugh by a vote of 6–1; commissioners had earlier reversed a denial by a 2–1 vote.
County Surveyor Jim Slabaugh’s request for an additional compensation stipend was approved by the Steuben County Council on Jan. 13 after prior action by the County Commissioners.
The minutes record that Slabaugh had submitted an additional appropriation form for a stipend that the County Commissioners first denied and then reconsidered. On Dec. 1, 2025, the commissioners voted 2–1 to allow additional compensation after reconsideration, with Commissioner Rick Shipe recorded as the dissenting vote. The county attorney had advised that Indiana Code 36-2-12-15 could be interpreted in different ways; commissioners Andy Laughlin and Wil Howard noted they followed the county attorney’s guidance in permitting the compensation.
Council discussion noted that the Surveyor’s Office outsources part of its workload. Councilwoman Ruth Beer moved to approve the additional appropriation for the Surveyor; Councilman Eric Prall seconded. The council approved the appropriation by a vote of six ayes and one nay (Christina Cress).
The minutes do not specify the stipend dollar amount in the Surveyor item, nor do they record the precise text of the commissioners’ prior motion; the transcript references the controlling Indiana Code but does not quote the county attorney’s advice. The council approved the appropriation as presented; no amendment or deferral was recorded.
