WABASH COUNTY, Ind. – Sheriff Bob Land was the first to address the council, and as has been the case in recent months, Land reiterated to the council that he is understaffed in both road officers and jail officers.
After some discussion on how to proceed, council unanimously voted to seek two new road officer applicants and one jail applicant for this year.
It is likely that the Sheriff’s Department will return to the council in the future and ask for addition staffing.
Along with that, Metropolitan School District of Wabash County Superintendent Mike Keaffaber broached the subject of adding two school resource officers in the future. The council responded that more discussion can be had on that matter once budget season rolls around and a clearer image of what the budget may look like comes to light.
Members from the Purdue Extension and 4-H were also on hand to explain how the $5,000 they receive from county commissioners goes to.
The Purdue Extension has been operating at a loss for years, but the money goes toward good causes, such as non-livestock judging and sending children to camps, workshops, and academies.
The Wabash County Animal Shelter was also on hand to discuss an increase in funding for their operation. It was explained the animal shelter’s funding has been decreased from $100,000 to $60,000 in recent years, and items such as a new roof and quarantine addition to the shelter are needed.
Wabash County Solid waste was approved for an additional appropriation of $245,000 in an effort to cut down on the dumping of contaminated waste.
The plan calls for the two Wabash recycling sites to be combined, and improvements be made the the Solid Waste central office, where recycling will now be taken.
The Council also rejected a resolution to purchase the site at 1025 Manchester Ave., which would have housed the County Health Department and the County Morgue.
Bonnie Haughn approached the board about purchasing the former Dr. James Haughn office on Spring Street, but was told she would need to discuss that with the county commissioners.
The board also approved Charlie Miller for the Wabash Public Library Board, as well as Lisa Ulery for the North Manchester Public Library Board