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Council directs 2% budget planning amid Senate Bill 1 uncertainty; resident voices concern about Mid-States Corridor
Summary
The council directed department heads to prepare 2026 budgets assuming a 2% wage increase while raising concerns about the unknown effects of Senate Bill 1; a resident urged caution about financially supporting the Mid-States Corridor project.
At the May 19 meeting, the Dubois County Council opened 2026 budget preparations and instructed department heads to plan for a 2% employee wage increase, citing uncertainty over how Senate Bill 1 (signed April 15, 2025) may affect county finances.
President Michael W. Kluesner led the discussion and council members expressed concern about the unknown ramifications of the recently enacted state legislation. The council reached consensus that departments should prepare budgets reflecting a 2% wage increase for 2026 to provide planning consistency.
The council also received several routine updates: the Mid-States Corridor 2023/2024 financial statement was received for review, and Director Carla Striegel-Winner reported Solid Waste Management District activity including two truck purchases, distribution of the SB131 report, and new grants for tire removal and community recycling; she invited members to a Patoka Lake Watershed site tour on June 17, 2025.
During public comment, resident Mark Nowotarski told the council he was concerned about the Mid-States Corridor Regional Development Authority and INDOT seeking a council resolution or letter of support and cautioned against the county financially supporting the project. The transcript records no council decision on the request.
Other items included committee reports on sewer funding, comprehensive-plan consultant selection, 911 radio concerns and EMA exercise participation, a Windows 11 upgrade for county computers next month, and notice that the State Board of Accounts will complete the 2024 financial audit this week. The council set future meeting dates and adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
