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Commissioners table resolution to join private‑road traffic enforcement pilot after debate over $15/hour car reimbursement
Summary
The board discussed a resolution to participate in a state pilot allowing off‑duty officers to enforce traffic on private roads and designate Extra Duty Solutions as provider; commissioners raised liability and cost concerns about the proposed $15‑per‑hour squad‑car reimbursement and voted to table the item for further analysis.
County staff presented a resolution to allow Porter County to participate in the legislature’s pilot program permitting qualified homeowners associations to enter agreements for traffic enforcement on private roads. The resolution named Extra Duty Solutions as the manpower provider and third‑party biller and proposed $15 per hour reimbursement to the county for use of a sheriff’s department squad car.
Staff said the reimbursement would cover vehicle usage — fuel, outfitting and maintenance — and the county would collect the $15 per hour through the auditor’s office. "We are gasing, we’re outfitting, we’re maintaining, and when that car is being utilized ... it's $15 an hour reimbursement back to the county," a staff member said.
Commissioners questioned whether $15 an hour would cover wear and tear, fuel and outfitting costs and raised concerns that officers may be required to appear in court without additional pay. "That just doesn't seem like with wear and tear and gas... I just think that's an extremely awkward and expensive way to provide traffic enforcement," one commissioner said. County Council leadership and other commissioners also noted liability and fairness concerns, and whether a dedicated officer would be more appropriate.
After extended debate and requests for the underlying math and comparisons, a commissioner moved to table the resolution to allow the sheriff and commissioners to meet and gather more detailed cost analysis; the board voted to table the item to the next meeting.
Next steps: staff and the sheriff will prepare more detailed cost calculations and alternatives for review at a future meeting before the county commits to the pilot program.
