Commissioners approve E911 appointment, attorney rate increase and routine county business

LaPorte County commissioners handled a slate of administrative items on March 4, including a personnel appointment, an increase in outside‑attorney reimbursement rates and routine departmental approvals.

Appointment: The board moved to appoint Matt Decker as the county E911 director after interviews and a recommendation from the E911 board. Decker thanked commissioners for the support and said he looks forward to working with staff and filling the assistant role.

Attorney rates: Commissioners debated whether attorney reimbursements should rise in step with employee raises or by fixed dollar amounts. After discussion about recruitment and itemized billing, the board approved a 3% increase in attorney reimbursement rates by voice vote, with one commissioner recorded as opposed.

Department approvals and permissions: The board approved HR‑led employee wellness days planned for May (locations in Michigan City and LaPorte), authorized the facilities department to issue an RFP for HVAC and plumbing adviser services, approved a landowner notification form so staff can apply for a $10,000 Tire Amnesty grant, and gave highway staff permission to approach the council to replace a deteriorating 2012 Chevy Silverado, with a proposed contribution of $30,000 from non‑reverting funds.

Votes and next steps: Routine items such as payroll and operating expense claims were approved earlier in the meeting. Staff were directed to prepare contract documents and follow up with the board on procurement and vehicle funding as needed.