At the last County Commissioner’s meeting, County Attorney Jim Clevenger discussed the Public Safety Sub-Recipient Agreements, which will provide matching grant funds to several fire departments in the county.
The County Commissioners agreed to use the remaining American Rescue Plan Funds so a couple of the fire agencies could contract for equipment before the January 1st price increases.
Early in the summer, Union Township Trustee Marleen Mahler appeared before the County Council seeking assistance for the fire service. She said the increasing cost of trucks and equipment made it difficult for the smaller fire departments in the county.
A committee was created with county elected officials, representatives from county governmental agencies, and fire departments to work on a solution without implementing a Public Safety Income Tax, which the state has made available with a limitation of $.005% of income.
The County Council and most committee members determined that the county had enough funds to provide up to $500,000 of matching grant funds. The funds can be used for equipment and training.
The Town of Bourbon planned to purchase several air tanks for its firefighters' self-contained breathing apparatus, but the company will double its cost in January. Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger wanted to sign a contract with the company before the end of the year at a lower cost but needed assurance that they would receive the county’s grant funding.
The county Attorney prepared sub-recipient agreements for the Towns of Argos, Bourbon, Tippecanoe Township, and Polk Township's Fire Departments.
Commissioner Kevin Overmyer made a motion, and Commissioner Mike Burroughs seconded the motion to approve the four Sub-Recipient Agreements for ARP Funds between Marshall County and the Town of Argos, Town of Bourbon, and Tippecanoe Township in the amount of $50,000 each and Polk Township in the amount of $24,991.36. The commissioners unanimously approved the motion.
It was noted that the other departments can receive their grant match funds in 2025.
Smith looks to claim Parke County Commissioner seat
USDA opens enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Governor ceremonially signs bill co-authored by Baird to combat animal cruelty
New online portal brings transparency to Indiana gas prices during declared energy emergency
Electric vehicle fire training held at Rockville-Adams Township Training Center
Indiana FSSA announces results of HCBS attendant care audits - $200 Million in improper payments
Applications being accepted for Governor’s 2026 Century and Half Century Business Awards
Indiana BMV extending hours for primary election
$675 million impact reported from initial Regional Economic Development funding
PHMS Amazing Shake
Parke Heritage students in competition at FFA District Contest
Indiana's February unemployment rate below national average
Indiana hiring five county executive directors in training positions
Be on the lookout for farm equipment on the road
SW Parke projected to save over a million dollars closing Montezuma Elementary
Changes coming to South Vermillion School Corporation's cell phone policy
Crawfordsville man faces list of felony child sex charges
Domestic incident results in arrest in Parke County
