Howard County approves multiple contracts, a coroner equipment purchase and routine claims

The Howard County board approved a series of routine administrative items, including contract renewals, small equipment purchases and claims.

Community corrections staff reported a memorandum of understanding with Aver Health for drug testing; staff said the vendor reduced the confirmation test price from about $19.95 to $15 while keeping instant-screen pricing unchanged. "They lowered that price from I believe $19.95 to $15," a staff speaker said. The board moved, seconded and approved the MOU.

Tori Kelly presented three Laredo agreements (Trustain Land Title, Trevor McMahon and Lewis Rice LLC) described as standard at-home subscription agreements; the board approved them.

A Howard Haven representative asked the board to approve Tanya Pacero as a full ARCAP resident; the board approved the admission and acknowledged Howard Haven can house up to 20 residents.

Clerk Debbie Stewart presented a $3,600 contract with Indiana Westland for the fall election venue after an earlier scheduling conflict at the primary site; the board authorized Mr. Dodd to sign on behalf of the commissioners.

Coroner David Granger requested approval to purchase a power lift system for the existing transfer van to reduce manual lifting and potential staff injuries. "One back injury we eliminate that's going to pay for this system," a deputy coroner said in support. The coroner said the total cost is approximately $36,000 and that funds were already approved by the council; the board approved the purchase.

Finally, staff presented salary, payroll and operating claims on the record and the board approved the items.

Votes at a glance: the transcript records motions, seconds and affirmative votes for the MOU with Aver Health, the Laredo agreements, the Howard Haven admission, the Indiana Westland contract authorization, the coroner equipment purchase, and the payroll/claims approvals; the record in the provided transcript excerpt notes motions and that votes carried but does not include a full roll-call tally for each item.