Kosciusko County approves sheriff budget transfers, insurance appropriation and adopts new commissary reporting

The Kosciusko County Commissioners on July 8 approved budget transfers and an insurance appropriation to address shortfalls and a vehicle damage payment in the sheriff’s office. The transfers moved $26,500 from four underused full‑time payroll accounts into the sheriff’s part‑time budget to cover overtime and temporary staff brought in for court security and probation coverage, county staff said. Commissioners voted to approve the transfer after a motion by Commissioner Joe and a second by Commissioner Kathy; the motion carried on the board’s customary voice vote. County staff also presented an appropriation to move an insurance check through the county insurance fund into the sheriff’s vehicle replacement fund to pay for a damaged vehicle. Cheryl, county staff, said the insurer’s check must go to the county fund first and then be remitted to the sheriff’s vehicle replacement fund; commissioners approved the adjustment on a motion by Commissioner Joe and a second by Commissioner Rachel. Sheriff’s office staff Michelle described the part‑time shortfall as “twofold” — openings in full‑time positions that forced use of part‑time staff and increased security needs in the courts — and said the office has previously needed transfers in prior years. Michelle said the department has worked the numbers and is “hoping” the transfers will carry them through the remainder of the year but did not guarantee it. Commissioners also received the county commissary report for January–June 2025. County staff said new state legislation requires quarterly commissary reporting; the sheriff’s staff provided the first quarter report and made it available electronically to commissioners. Discussion versus decision: commissioners took formal action to approve the transfers and the insurance appropriation. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the transfers would cover the full fiscal year; staff said they expect the transfers to be sufficient but will monitor. Ending: Commissioners asked no further questions after the presentations and moved to the next agenda items.