Bartholomew County approves $38,853.50 in substance-abuse program allocations, holds $23,328 for later distribution

The Bartholomew County Commissioners on June 1 approved allocations totaling $38,853.50 to support substance-abuse prevention, treatment and law-enforcement activities, leaving $23,328.28 unallocated for future distribution. Rachel Flohr-David, Prevention Initiatives Director for the Youth Services Center, presented the recommendations and told the board that "most years, there isn't a remaining balance," and that the Substance Abuse Council will return to the Commissioners to allocate the remaining funds.

The approved distribution is: Prevention/Education — $15,650 (including $6,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County, $3,500 to Healthy Communities — Columbus Regional Health, and $5,300 to Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, plus $850 to St. Peter's Life Works); Treatment/Intervention — $13,755 (including $8,000 to Columbus Regional Health Physicians); Justice/Law Enforcement — $9,448.50 (to the Columbus Police Department). The total allocation across the three categories is $38,853.50; remaining balances by category are Prevention/Education $7,668.16, Treatment/Intervention $9,563.16, and Justice/Law Enforcement $6,096.96.

Commissioner Carl H. Lienhoop moved to approve the allocations as presented; Commissioner Larry S. Kleinhenz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The Substance Abuse Council plans to return to the board at a future meeting to allocate the remaining $23,328.28. The Commissioners' next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026.