Council committee advances $55,800 LEPC emergency-planning appropriation to full council

The Human Services & Criminal Justice Committee on Jan. 13 voted to send Bill 126A — an appropriation of $55,800 from the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) fund — to the full St. Joseph County Council with a favorable recommendation. Al Kerstitz, St. Joseph County Emergency Management Director, and Deputy Director Jim Lopez told the committee the funds derive from federally mandated SARA Title III reporting fees collected from facilities that use hazardous materials and flow to the Indiana Emergency Response Commission before reaching local LEPC accounts.

Kerstitz said the fund’s total balance is $84,005.58 and described eligible uses as hazardous-materials education, training, equipment and right-to-know support for first responders. He told the committee the local LEPC has about 40 members but only 13 voting members; the group holds required meetings to remain compliant and had five meetings last year to avoid losing federal funding. Committee members asked about membership outreach (university, hospital and industry participation) and quorum rules; presenters confirmed broad participation and that the LEPC decides allowable expenditures.

After questions, the committee voted by voice to recommend the appropriation to the full council.