Commissioners table request to re-appropriate $21,000 left in Public Safety Grant for use in 2026

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Commissioners tabled the request of John Grolich from the Marshall County Fire Association to reallocate the $21,000 from the Public Safety Grant that wasn’t used in 2025 so it can be used in 2026 to provide additional mental health training for emergency responders.

Grolich explained that recently, two emergency responders in northern Indiana took their own lives, and the stress of the job can be overwhelming for the men and women who serve those in need.

Commissioner Stan Klotz said, “I’m not going to discuss it in a public meeting, but there is potentially some other opportunities coming up for public safety.” He continued, “Personally, I’m not prepared to do this today, not saying I won’t later, but not today.” The commissioner closed his comments saying, “I’d like to see what’s the best use for this money.”

Grolich said he approached the County Council, and they were supportive of his request to reappropriate the leftover funds for 2026.

Commissioner Klotz suggested asking the eight departments in the county to use $2,000 to $2,500 of the $50,000 they are eligible to request from the Public Safety Grant to cover the mental health training requested by Grolich.

Commissioner Adam Faulstich asked about the funds the county is mandated to give to the Bowen Center and if they could provide the training. Grolich said when there is a critical incident, a specially trained Stress Management Team is called in to assist. He also said, “We need to take care of our problem solvers, many of whom are volunteers.”

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon commented that as long as the need continues, the county would work to assist with support.