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Supervisor for re-entry program asks Blackford County for 30% match, council asks for follow-up
Summary
IRACS requested the county cover 30% of program costs (about $71,490 after one staff reduction). Council members discussed funding sources including Opioid and EDIT funds and asked the group to return with Hartford City’s plan and further details.
Chris Ehrhart, supervisor with IRACS, asked the Blackford County Council on June 4 for county support equal to 30% of the program’s cost, saying that a staffing reduction would lower the county match to about $71,490. Vice President Ryan Goodspeed and several council members discussed potential funding sources and requested the organization return with clarification of Hartford City’s intended contribution.
Council member Kyle Lechien said he would like to see the requested amount reduced. Goodspeed suggested using Opioid settlement funds and county EDIT funds to support the program. Jim Weiseman asked IRACS representatives to report back at the next council meeting with details about what Hartford City plans to contribute. Proponents pointed to program results; according to the minutes, reports show a “decrease in re-entry to jail” with IRACS participation. Jim Heflin stated, “this program works,” and Deb Perry said, based on her conversation with an inmate, that the program is effective.
The council did not take a formal vote on funding at the June 4 meeting and set a deadline for a decision in September, per the discussion recorded in the minutes. Goodspeed also scheduled an executive council meeting with Judge Bade for June 25, 2025, to continue follow-up on related matters.
