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Harrison County commissioners forward opioid-settlement grants and multiple appropriations to County Council
Summary
On Aug. 4, 2025, Harrison County commissioners voted unanimously to forward two opioid-settlement funding requests, a sheriff equipment appropriation, and two other large appropriation requests to the County Council for final action, and ratified a time-sensitive contract signature.
HARRISON COUNTY, Ind. — Harrison County Commissioners voted Aug. 4 to forward several funding requests to the County Council for consideration, including two proposed grants from opioid settlement funds and multiple appropriations read by the county auditor.
Health Administrator Jennifer Caffrey, serving on the JRAC subcommittee for opioid settlement funds, told the commissioners the subcommittee received two requests: $65,415 for the Harrison County Substance Abuse Coalition’s Genesis House to add six beds and provide stable housing for graduates, and $72,000 for Our Place Drug and Alcohol Services to hire a full‑time certified peer recovery coach to increase client capacity. Commissioner Annissa Kellum moved and Commissioner Nelson Stepro seconded forwarding both requests to the County Council; the motion carried 2–0.
Sheriff Nick Smith asked the board to forward a separate additional appropriation of $50,000 for equipment repair and maintenance, saying the department has spent more this year on vehicle body work and other repairs to reduce insurance claims. Commissioners Kellum and Stepro voted to forward that request to the County Council.
Auditor Sara Burdick read two more appropriation requests for council review: $43,436.16 for riverboat infrastructure and $1,116,929.70 in revenue‑sharing funds. Commissioners moved to forward both items to the County Council. Burdick also asked the board to ratify a time‑sensitive contract with Eaton that had been signed outside a public meeting; the board ratified Commissioner Stepro’s signature.
Burdick proposed inserting language into all federal contracts of $25,000 or more requiring grant subrecipients to certify they are not suspended or debarred from federally funded work. The commissioners adopted that contract language and directed the change be applied to future federal grant agreements.
The forwarded items will be scheduled for formal action at the County Council’s next meeting; the commissioners did not take final appropriations action at the Aug. 4 meeting.
