Starke County extends local disaster emergency, approves ambulance payment and routine measures

Starke County commissioners on a routine session extended a local disaster emergency through April 10, 2026, and approved several operational and financial items including an expedited $108,562.35 payment for an ambulance remount and a $6,459 repair to an out-of-service elevator at Annex 2.

The board considered Resolution 26-08, a local disaster emergency declaration set to expire April 10, 2026. Tori opened the item and moved the board to extend the temporary declaration for another seven days while damage assessments continue. Mimi Bloom, introduced as the state liaison for the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), explained the declaration is initially valid for seven days and can be extended while Starke County moves toward recovery: “we have a I'll call it a temporary declaration in already for Stark County and that is or was good for seven days. So, we either need to extend it another seven,” Bloom said. Justin, the county's legal counsel, told the board the process rests on the emergency-management statute and the governor's declaration and does not technically circumvent open-meetings requirements.

Commissioners also discussed arranging EMA training for elected officials and department heads so local leaders better understand state requirements and their roles in incidents. Tori proposed coordinating state-provided classes for commissioners and council members; commissioners voiced support for scheduling such training after the current tornado response work is completed.

On financial matters, the board agreed to accelerate payment of a remaining balance of $108,562.35 on a previously agreed ambulance remount so the vendor can be paid before the next claims cycle. Jim presented the request and the board moved and approved the payment.

The board reviewed annual Medicaid paperwork for the county's freestanding ambulance provider, which staff said does not impose a cost on the county; commissioners approved the agreement by motion.

Facilities business included a report that the elevator at Annex 2 is out of service. Staff presented a repair estimate of $6,459 and a replacement/rehab option of $49,999. Commissioner Donnie moved to proceed with the $6,459 repair to restore service; the motion was seconded and approved.

A tax-sale certificate assignment involving Knox was discussed; staff said prior name errors on the form had been corrected and agreed to email corrected documents to counsel so the necessary signature page could be completed before an upcoming online sale.

During public comment a resident asked that the county install a speed-limit sign on 400 South eastbound from Bass Lake Cemetery toward 700 because of dangerous driving in the area. Commissioners said they would raise the request with staff and include it on a future agenda when Rachel is present.

The board also approved a facility-use request to allow a fashion-review event in the meeting room on June 12 at 6 p.m.; Jim was assigned to secure the room and ensure it is locked.

Actions taken at the meeting were routine operational decisions and voice approvals; where roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript, the minutes reflect voice votes and motions as noted in the meeting record. The next regular meeting was referenced for follow-up items, including traffic-sign requests and further EMA coordination.