Dearborn County Council appoints sewer board member, approves routine appropriations and purchases

The Dearborn County Council appointed Jeff Bittner to represent the council on the county regional sewer district board and approved several routine appropriations and departmental purchases during its meeting.

Appointment: The council voted to appoint Jeff Bittner to fill the seat vacated by Bill Shelton on the county regional sewer district board. The appointment was made by motion, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

Appropriations and purchases: The council approved a set of relatively small appropriations and purchases requested by county departments:
- Juvenile center inmate meals: the council approved $100 per month to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for juveniles in detention; supporters noted the county jail supplies main meals but the juvenile program sought a modest supplement for teen nutrition and food-preparation education.
- Copier for treasurer: the council approved purchase of a new copier for the treasurer’s office at about $2,229 (advertised price variance noted in the record; agenda listed $2,299). The purchase was approved after clarification of the advertised amount.
- Planning and zoning publication budget: the council approved $2,025 from County General to pay for advertising and outreach for the county comprehensive-plan update, funding radio ads, website banners and postcards to reach property owners and increase public participation in workshops.

Other departmental appropriations approved by motion included small amounts for the health department, circuit court drug court ($10,000 from opioid settlement unrestricted fund), Superior Probation pay-scale adjustments, and intern funding for a probation office. The council also approved minutes, a salary ordinance update, and routine business items during the session.

Votes: Most of these items were approved by voice vote after motion and second; recorded roll-call votes were used for some larger or contested items but routine appropriations were carried by majority voice vote as noted in the minutes.

What’s next: Appointee Jeff Bittner will be seated on the regional sewer district board per the appointment. Department heads may proceed with purchases and programs authorized by the appropriations and are responsible for following purchasing limits and procurement statutes described by county purchasing staff (purchasing agents can approve contracts up to $25,000 per service or supply; public works follow separate rules).