Commissioners approve ordinance change, task orders and several contractor agreements

The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 16 approved an ordinance amendment and a series of contracting and administrative items meant to simplify internal loan procedures, add vendors to existing agreements and authorize specific task orders.

Steve Olson, the county attorney, said the ordinance amendment "adjust[s] the repayment of appropriations process" to make loan repayments more straightforward, reduce administrative costs and provide consistent payment structures and prepayment options. The board approved the ordinance unanimously.

The board approved a task order with Sender and Company LLC for a 2026 comprehensive financial plan under an existing independent contractor agreement with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $20,000. Commissioners also approved standard independent contractor agreements for nonprofits ADEC Inc. and Basher Home of the United Methodist Church Inc.; staff said these agreements are routine, budgeted items and the subsequent task orders define the scope of services, including mental‑health services and emergency shelter care for children and youth.

The board added Butler, Fairman & Seufert to the county's roster of engineers authorized to execute standard independent contractor agreements. Commissioners also approved a special purchase resolution to acquire wireless access points for the historic courthouse via a task order with Network Solutions Inc., citing compatibility with existing equipment and the ability to piggyback the State of Indiana QPA/Cisco Systems contract for discounted rates.

Finally, the board approved a loan resolution allowing a $21,806 purchase of copier equipment for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to be paid over three years from office funds; staff said this approach saves the county money compared with leasing.

All contracting and ordinance items passed by unanimous vote. The approvals enable planned contract work, vendor additions and equipment purchases consistent with the county’s procurement policies.