8/18/2026 Budget Hearings

The Kosciusko County Government held budget hearings on August 18, 2026, focusing on departmental budget reviews excluding wages, which were discussed at the end. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of new positions such as two full-time night shift jailers and a full-time truck driver plus a part-time housekeeper for the highway department, reflecting operational needs. The council deliberated on wage increases, ultimately approving a 3% raise for county employees and a $5,000 merit increase for deputies without a general raise. Significant budget items included a $20,000 request for new software (Axon) to manage law enforcement data more efficiently, with council members requesting further public discussion on related surveillance camera expenditures before approval. Infrastructure and capital projects were addressed through various grant-funded budgets, including road striping, bridge inspections, and community crossing grants, with motions passed to approve these allocations. The council also discussed reallocating funds for jail medical services due to rising costs and considered establishing a jail operations fund from DOC prisoner housing revenues to improve facility maintenance. Several budgets were tabled for further review, particularly those involving surveillance technology. Overall, the meeting involved multiple motions to approve or table budgets, with attention to balancing fiscal responsibility and operational needs.