Dubois County Council approves health and budget moves, tables ambulance barn fix

The Dubois County Council on April 22, 2024, approved a series of budget moves and appointments and discussed infrastructure and public-health items that will return for further consideration.

Health Administrative Director Shawn Werner told the council the county transferred $40,850 within the Public Health Crisis Co‑Ag Grant Fund from Supplies to Personal Services to fund wages and benefits for a Health Educator/Community Outreach Worker; the council also approved an amendment to the salary ordinance setting that position’s pay at $1,730.40 bi‑weekly and making it full time beginning May 20, 2024. Werner reported the county has applied for the Indiana Safety PIN (Protecting Indiana’s Newborns) grant, a two‑year, performance‑based program that could be extended for an additional two years if birth‑outcome metrics improve; he said an award would necessitate creating a new position if the grant is received. The council additionally approved an extra $75,000 for Health Fund supplies to purchase vaccines.

Prosecutor Beth Schroeder requested a salary increase for a Prosecutor’s Assistant hired this year, proposing Pretrial Diversion Funds cover $2,595.02 plus benefits for the remainder of 2024; after discussion the council took no action on the request at this meeting.

On economic development items, the council approved CF‑1/PP compliance forms for three local businesses seeking personal‑property tax abatement: Sander Family Meat Market, Fischer Farms Natural Foods, LLC, and Wabash Valley Foods. Each compliance form was approved by unanimous motion and signed by President Michael W. Kluesner.

Solid Waste Management Director Carla Striegel‑Winner presented the district’s SB131 report for 2023, reporting 87.3 tons of disposed waste and 270.63 tons recycled (including 100 tons of cardboard and 26.5 tons of electronic waste). She outlined 2024 programs and said the district has applied for an IDEM waste‑tire grant expected to begin in June 2024.

Ambulance Coordinator Ryan Young, participating by teleconference, described temperature control problems at the Dubois Ambulance Barn that threaten medication storage; he shared a $5,470.74 estimate from a local contractor and noted the facility is owned by the Dubois Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. The council discussed maintenance responsibilities and reached consensus to table the item while staff gathers more information.

Highway Superintendent Steve Berg, also by teleconference, requested $83,500 to purchase a used hydro‑excavator; the council agreed by consensus to consider using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the purchase pending approval by the Board of Commissioners.

Auditor Sandra L. Morton brought several additional appropriations and transfers that the council approved unanimously: $9,403.33 from the Distressed Road Loan Fund for computer equipment; $5,090.26 from the Community Corrections Community Transition Program Fund for distressed road paving; $5,000 in the General Fund for unemployment; a $1,800 transfer in the General Fund 911 Communications capital outlay to Other Services for maintenance; and a $1,000 transfer in the Park & Recreation Fund from Supplies to Other Services for dumpster services. The council also agreed to replace the Courthouse Annex generator at a cost of $8,566 and to pay for it with Local Assistance Tribal Consistency Funds (LATCF).

President Kluesner nominated Dave Ring to the Regional Sewer District Board as the Southwest Dubois School District representative; Alex Hohl seconded, and the council approved the appointment. Appointees will serve until Jan. 31, 2025.

The council set future regular meetings and budget review and hearing dates for the 2025 budget cycle and adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

Votes at a glance
• Minutes (March 18, 2024): approved (motion carried unanimously).
• Transfer — Public Health Crisis Co‑Ag Grant, $40,850: approved (unanimous).
• Amended Salary Ordinance — Health Educator/Community Outreach Worker ($1,730.40 bi‑weekly, full time May 20, 2024): approved (unanimous).
• Additional Appropriation — Health (vaccines) $75,000: approved (unanimous).
• CF‑1/PP compliance approvals: Sander Family Meat Market; Fischer Farms Natural Foods, LLC; Wabash Valley Foods: approved (unanimous).
• Additional appropriations/transfers: Distressed Road Loan $9,403.33; Community Transition Program $5,090.26; General Fund unemployment $5,000; 911 maintenance transfer $1,800; Park & Recreation transfer $1,000: all approved (unanimous).
• Courthouse Annex generator ($8,566) funded with LATCF: approved (unanimous).
• Regional Sewer District appointment — Dave Ring (Southwest Dubois School District rep): approved (unanimous).

The council scheduled upcoming meetings, including budget review and public hearings for the 2025 budget.