The meeting began with the normal business approvals.
A representative of the Superior Court and Magistrate Court received approval to purchase new court recording equipment, updated computers and monitors in the Superior and Magistrate Courts, a piece of equipment that can be used to digitize court hearings that were recorded on cassettes, and a new laptop for Judge Bailey. The representative stated that the laptop for Judge Bailey was needed so he has access at home to sign warrants while he isn’t in the office. The computers in the office cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. The estimate to purchase all of these items is $15,431.05, the council approved the expense up to $16,000 to allow for any fluctuations in the costs. Funding will come out of Cum Cap.
The council heard from the following agencies that provide services to Decatur County as they requested funding from Riverboat Funding. No decisions were made during the meeting. The council took all information provided under advisement and will look at what is available in the budget during the counties budget process.
Emily Verseman, Community Healthcare Clinic Executive Director spoke about what is happening with their agency. Verseman stated that they have launched a mental health clinic, continue to have four clinics per month for general medical needs, and are working to expand their capabilities with their dental clinic. She stated that they are working with IU School of Dentistry with the hopes of Summer 2027 being able to get students here to train under Dr. Noles at the clinic. She added that they continue to serve over 100 families here in Decatur County and are seeing an increase this year. She spoke about expense increases that the clinic is seeing this year including a 16% increase in rent, the added cost of absorbing the cost of the utilities as they have been covered by the landlord until this newest lease, and an increase in malpractice insurance. Verseman stated that her request for funding is $25,000.
Cody Gault, President of the Decatur County 4H Council requested funding of $10,000 that will go towards assistance for youth to participate, camps, educational trips, cost to honor 10-year members, and expenses related to buildings, and judging. Cody stated that currently Decatur County has 500 youth with 100 dedicated volunteers participating in 4H. He stated that currently there are 70 different project areas with 2500 projects within those. The dollars that are funded help ensure that local youth have access to programming and the experiences that 4H provides.
A representative for Youth to Yellowstone requested $8,000 to ensure that 16 students will have the opportunity to go on the trip. Since Youth to Yellowstone began in 2014 there has been 150 students that have had the opportunity to go on a trip. He thanked the council for their commitment in supporting trips over the years. This organization is a non-profit that provides a free 12-day trip out west for local high school sophomores and juniors who might not otherwise be able to experience a major vacation. The trip provides real life experiences which includes navigating the trails, seeing three national parks, and camping for an extended amount of time.
Kelly Wampler, New Directions Executive Director, requested $40,000 from the council. She stated that they have received a $100,000 cut in federal funding for the next year. To provide a comparison she stated that in 2025 her operating budget was $225,000 and now with the costs of everything increases in costs and the federal funding cut. This year it is imperative to get funding. In 2025 they provided services to 218 adults and 325 children. This year Wampler states that they have already provided services to 157 adults.
The council voted to appoint Jarrad Klosterkemper to the Tourism Board. They also voted to appoint Mary Lou Gauck to the Lilly Scholarship Committee.
