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Ripley County Council approves multiple budget transfers, grants and two 911 hires
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Summary
At its March 16 meeting the Ripley County Council approved several EMS and health-related transfers, multiple grant purchases, payments on EMS contracts and authorized hiring two part-time 911 employees paid at full-time rates; most motions passed 6–0 with one member absent.
Ripley County Council President Ron Decker presided over a March 16 session in which the council approved a series of budget transfers, grant-funded purchases and personnel actions, including hiring two part-time 911 employees.
The council voted to approve four EMS-related transfers correcting prior charge coding errors and approved several bioterrorism grant expenditures for the health department, covering operating supplies, consulting and educational materials. Councilman Andrew Decker moved approval of the EMS transfers; Peggy Ehlers seconded and the motion passed, recorded as 6 yes and 1 absent.
The council also approved payments to cover 2025 EMS contracts with Batesville and Sunman totaling $58,905, and several juvenile-behavioral and RCCF grant appropriations (amounts include $200, $504.91, $3,570 and $3,500) for court and park-related uses. Diane Macek and David Tebbing each moved and seconded various grant approvals; motions were carried by majority vote.
In a staffing action, Kyla Dell of the 911 office asked the council for authorization to hire two part-time employees. Peggy Ehlers moved the measure and Diane Macek seconded; the council approved the hires and authorized that the part-time staff be paid the same as full-time personnel. The meeting record notes the council’s vote as 6 yes and 1 absent.
The Sheriff's Office provided an update on fleet leasing under the Enterprise Lease Program; the office has 20 vehicles and 13 are now on the lease program. Chief Deputy Davidson said he was very pleased with the program.
Votes at a glance - Approval of Feb. 17, 2026 minutes — Mover: David Tebbing; Second: Peggy Ehlers; Outcome: Approved (6 yes, 1 absent). - EMS transfers (coding corrections) — Mover: Andrew Decker; Second: Peggy Ehlers; Outcome: Approved (6 yes, 1 absent). - Bioterrorism grant purchase approvals (health) — Outcome: Approved (motions carried as presented). - Payment for 2025 EMS contracts ($58,905) — Mover: Andrew Decker; Second: Peggy Ehlers; Outcome: Approved (6 yes, 1 absent). - Court and RCCF grant appropriations (various amounts) — Outcome: Approved (motions carried as presented). - 911 hires (two part-time employees paid at full-time rate) — Mover: Peggy Ehlers; Second: Diane Macek; Outcome: Approved (6 yes, 1 absent).
Why this matters These transfers and grant approvals move county funds into operating accounts and obligate grant and contract payments that affect emergency services, public health preparedness and court programs. Approving the two 911 hires addresses staffing needs for county emergency dispatch.
What happens next Approved appropriations will be processed by the auditor’s office. The council scheduled no additional action on these items during the meeting.