Finance Committee Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Hardin County Government Finance Committee met on April 21, 2026, to discuss several budget and procurement-related matters. Key procurement discussions included a request from the county clerk to amend the budget to add a 28th employee without additional funding due to underutilized part-time hours and an unfilled position. The committee also reviewed a budget amendment involving EMS equipment purchases, specifically 14 cardiac monitors and defibrillators estimated at $95,300, with discussion about vendor testing, bid processes, and financing options including leasing and use of legacy hospital funds. It was agreed to defer final decisions on the monitors to the Emergency Services Committee for further vetting. Additionally, the committee discussed the use of opioid settlement funds to subsidize jail program costs, proposing a $250,000 annual allocation from phase two funds to offset inmate treatment expenses. The committee emphasized the need for further coordination with the coroner's office and other stakeholders before finalizing these allocations. Other financial updates included a cash transfer to correct ambulance payment accounting and ongoing budget status preparations. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, but several action items were identified for future committee consideration and budget inclusion.