New Whiteland council approves additional appropriation, hears EMS upgrades and software proposal

The New Whiteland Town Council on Tuesday closed a public hearing on the 2025 budget and approved a package of routine and budgetary actions, including an additional appropriation to cover unbudgeted capital costs and a payment from donated funds for a park memorial.

Council business and votes

The council approved prior minutes and ratified the fund report by voice vote. During a public hearing on the 2025 budget, staff noted that municipal financial documents are available through the Indiana Gateway website and that a department-head budget meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Council also considered an additional appropriation from capital development funds to cover higher-than-expected costs for fire-department radios and outfitting two police vehicles. Staff said the capital development money was available but had not been appropriated in the 2024 budget; a resolution (20245) to free an additional $33,000 was introduced, moved by John and seconded by Chad, and approved by voice vote.

The council approved a 50% deposit (about $7,600) from donated funds to Natural Stone Creations to order black granite for a Proctor Park memorial after staff described that the vendor could secure a better price and ordering now would avoid another month’s delay.

Public safety items: ALS certification, ESO software, and grants

Fire/EMS leaders reported that three department members completed Advanced EMT certification and that the town plans to upgrade from EMS non-transport to ALS non-transport status. The transition requires additional medications and supplies; staff said the EMS supplies appropriation will increase from $3,200 to $6,000 to fund those items.

Staff also presented ESO clinical reporting software, which they described as the county’s interoperable standard for EMS and hospital transfers and useful for medication logs, time stamps, asset management and training records. The presenters said ESO offers discounts and improved data security versus the free state-provided system.

Separately, staff reported a Duke Energy safety grant that yielded $5,000; the town plans to purchase eight ballistic vests for first responders with that award.

Technology and small purchases

Council discussed switching the town telephone service from Metronet to a RingCentral voice-over‑IP contract quoted at $378 per month (down from roughly $691), subject to further review for departmental compatibility and a 36‑month contract term.

A small maintenance invoice ($182) for lighting materials was approved for payment; councilors agreed to cover the difference from available department funds.

What’s next: Procedural steps and follow-up

Staff and council members asked for follow-up information on ESO implementation, police compatibility for RingCentral, and confirmation of grant paperwork. The council adjourned and the plan commission convened to consider the concept plan tied to the annexation petition.