Marion County approves consultant indemnity increase, election trailer purchase and other routine items

Marion County commissioners on March 30 approved several routine administrative and procurement items, including a negotiated change to a consultant contract, the purchase of an elections trailer using a Secretary of State security grant, and a capital equipment purchase.

County counsel reported that negotiations with BG Consultants raised the indemnity cap from a prior contract‑linked amount to $1,000,000 to match the consultant's professional liability coverage; after discussion the board authorized the chair to sign the agreement reflecting that change.

Elections staff notified the commission that the Secretary of State security grant covers up to 90% of the cost of a new election trailer. The commission approved purchase of the trailer at $9,328.92; the county share was estimated at approximately $933 after the grant.

The board approved vendor invoices and routine warrants and authorized a lease‑purchase payment, and it approved purchase of a motor grader priced at $138,636.48. Some motions carried with abstentions noted where individual commissioners recused themselves.

Commissioners also reviewed EMS building service contracts and a proposed billing vendor; staff reported that the billing agreement would include a short cancellation period (about 30 days) and that the county expects to evaluate the vendor over a trial period and consider bringing the billing function back in‑house with training. Commissioners discussed staffing and liaison responsibilities while monitoring contract performance.