Starke County commissioners approve appropriations for courthouse security, library and other items

Starke County commissioners opened a public hearing and approved multiple additional appropriations, including funds for courthouse security equipment and a library elevator.

Commissioners opened the hearing on Additional Appropriation Ordinance No. 12 and, after public comment that a planning commission legal budget had already been exceeded, agreed they could only approve amounts that had been advertised. The board recorded that the originally advertised total was $80,000 but adjusted the approved amount to $70,000 during the motion and voice vote.

The board also approved funding for courthouse security equipment, which staff described as a metal detector purchase that needed to be reposted for approval, and combined several line items (planning and attorney fees and the metal detector) to a total figure read aloud by staff. Commissioners moved and seconded the motions and the items passed on voice vote.

Separately, the board reopened a public hearing and approved a $65,000 appropriation from the North Judson–Wayne Township Library rainy-day fund to repair or replace the library elevator. Nathan Order, the library board treasurer, told commissioners the amount would supplement already appropriated funds; commissioners had no public comments to that request and approved the appropriation by motion and second.

The board directed staff and departments to re-advertise or return with revised appropriation requests when requested amounts differ from advertised totals so the public notice requirements are met. The board did not set additional conditions beyond obtaining required documentation and following standard purchasing/advertising processes.

The commissioners moved to the next agenda items after approving the appropriations; several members emphasized they want future requests to include paperwork and three quotes when applicable.