Jefferson County commissioners create donation funds for sheriff K-9 care and employee appreciation, approve appointments and small contracts

Jefferson County commissioners on April 16 adopted two ordinances to accept and manage donations for county personnel and the sheriff’s K‑9 program and approved several routine actions including an appointment and a small survey contract.

The board unanimously approved Ordinance 2026‑04, which establishes a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department Employee Appreciation and K‑9 Care Fund. The ordinance, read into the record, cites Indiana Code 36‑1‑4‑10 and the State Board of Accounts’ guidance. It allows expenditures for employee recognition events and specified K‑9 needs (veterinary bills, specialized food, training equipment, vehicle inserts, heat alarms and kennel supplies) and bars use of the fund for cash bonuses or gift cards not authorized by the county’s salary ordinance. The board voted by voice to forgo second and third readings and to adopt the ordinance.

Commissioners also approved Ordinance 2026‑05, creating a Jefferson County Employee Appreciation Fund with similar permitted uses and donor‑eligibility and ethics restrictions. The ordinance text instructs the treasurer may establish separate accounts to segregate restricted donations and specifies that donated monies do not revert to the general fund at fiscal year end; it becomes effective upon passage.

The board appointed Matt Todd to the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals, with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2029. Chair announced Todd had agreed to serve and a motion to appoint passed by voice vote.

Separately, commissioners approved a $2,000 proposal from Reszo Engineering, Inc. to perform a topographic and utility survey of a parcel IvyTech will deed to the county as part of the animal shelter project; staff said the firm will begin work in early May and the contract was approved to support the shelter’s design tasks.

All votes were taken by voice; the record shows motions, seconds and agreement by "I" but does not list individual roll‑call tallies.

What happens next: The ordinances are effective on passage; the treasurer and county staff will implement accounting practices described in the text. The Reszo survey is scheduled to begin in early May, and the zoning appointment is effective immediately.