County approves one-time MOU to reimburse Princess Lakes for tornado siren; health department says funds are earmarked

Johnson County commissioners voted May 11 to approve a memorandum of understanding with the town of Princess Lakes to provide a one-time reimbursement for a tornado siren.

Tiffany (speaker 4), who introduced the MOU language, told the board the agreement is intended to protect the county by making clear the payment is a single reimbursement and that the county will not install, maintain or direct placement of the siren. "It is a one-time reimbursement," Tiffany said, emphasizing the county does not take on ongoing responsibility.

Betsy Swearingen, director of the health department, told commissioners the funds identified through Health First Indiana were intended solely for the siren. "They are solely for this siren, not for anything else," Swearingen said, adding the money is to ensure protection for Princess Lakes residents that currently lack a siren.

The chairman and other commissioners debated whether the county should sign an MOU with an incorporated town; one commissioner said the county is not obligated and that signing would not create ongoing accountability. After discussion, a commissioner moved, another seconded, and the board approved the MOU by voice vote.

Why it matters: the MOU clarifies the limits of county responsibility while enabling the town to use earmarked health-department funding to buy required warning equipment. The board made no commitment for installation or future maintenance.

Next steps: county staff will finalize the MOU language and proceed with the single reimbursement as described in the agreement.