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St. Joseph County approves animal-shelter contract, engineering agreements, grants and technology trials
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Summary
Commissioners approved a 2026 animal-control contract with the St. Joseph County Humane Society, an as‑needed engineering agreement with Lawson Fisher Associates, a $143,600 design contract for Alexander Drive reconstruction with DLZ of Indiana, multiple grant application approvals and a no-cost BI Incorporated smart‑band demo trial for community corrections.
The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a bundle of contracts, grants and pilot agreements at its March 31 meeting.
Humane society contract: The board approved the St. Joseph County Humane Society’s updated animal control and shelter services contract for 2026 after Executive Director Jenny Brown (S15) thanked commissioners for negotiating the agreement.
Veterans resource fair and VFW rental: County veteran-services staff requested a $1,500 budget to rent VFW Post 360 in Mishawaka for an inaugural veterans resource fair on June 6; the VFW waived most fees and the board approved the rental contract. Commissioners said county communications would promote the event.
Engineering and infrastructure agreements: Skye Meaders (S18) sought approval for an as‑needed, hourly agreement with Lawson Fisher Associates to allow rapid task orders up to $100,000, and the board approved it. The board also approved a DLZ of Indiana design contract for Alexander Drive reconstruction and related work (not-to-exceed fee: $143,600). Officials said this design work will not require additional bond funding and is tied to the county’s new satellite highway facility.
Grants and court services: Jesse Carlton (S19) presented grant application requests to the Indiana Department of Corrections and to the Indiana Office of Court Services for probation, community corrections and problem-solving court drug-testing funds; the board authorized letters and applications and prioritized specific program requests.
Trials and software: The board approved a no-cost demo trial of BI Incorporated’s smart band for Community Corrections to evaluate whether the device could serve as a less-invasive, cost-effective alternative to ankle monitors. The board also approved a pilot subscription to Soka’s Value Indiana comparable-analysis platform (described as pay‑as‑used), which the assessor’s office said could save taxpayers money on appraisal appeals.
What to watch: The board tabled a proposed roof replacement contract for the detention center while staff confirmed warranty coverage. Commissioners also approved a CharityTracker subscription for the Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau to improve intake and reporting, funded from project/program income.
Approvals were made by recorded motions and ayes during the meeting.
