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Commissioners extend collection window for inmate medical copays and approve Family Express preferred fuel-card plan
Summary
The Board approved an ordinance aligning with Indiana House Bill 1343 to increase inmate medical co-pay caps and extend the county's collection window to 180 days, and approved the Sheriff's office move to Family Express preferred WEX cards to capture deeper fuel discounts at three local stations.
Kosciusko County commissioners on July 14 approved two items requested by the Sheriff's office: an ordinance change to align county collection practices with a recent state law change and authorization to move fleet fueling to a Family Express preferred WEX-card arrangement.
Sheriff Jim Smith was absent; his representative (speaker 5) told the board the county should revise its ordinance consistent with provisions in House Bill 1343 that raise the maximum inmate medical co-payment for vision and doctor visits and extend the period the county may attempt to collect those debts from 60 days to 180 days. The representative said recovered funds return to the county general fund. The board moved and approved the ordinance request.
The sheriff's representative also summarized negotiations with Family Express to switch to a preferred WEX/fleet-card arrangement offering deeper discounts at Family Express stations (three local locations) and the ability for law enforcement to use a dedicated pump at two locations. Commissioners asked about sales-tax reimbursements and a June billing issue with WEX; Alyssa from the auditor's office replied the tax reimbursement process remains in place while staff work with WEX to resolve the June billing. The board moved, seconded and approved proceeding with the Family Express preferred card arrangement and directed staff to implement the changes consistent with county purchasing and accounting practices.
No dollar amount was required from the county for the card arrangement; staff said potential fuel savings would accrue to the county operations budget. The action included direction that once contracts and billing issues are resolved staff will implement the switch and provide any required follow-up to the commissioners.
