INDIANA TASK FORCE ON PUBLIC DEFENSE

Indiana Task Force on Public Defense Findings and Recommendations of the Reporting Subcommittee to the Indiana Public Defender Commission
To read the Executive Summary, please click here.
To read the Full Report, please click here.

Commissioners Testify Before the Senate Local Government Committee

Montgomery County Commissioner John Frey(left) and Boone County Commissioner Jeff Wolf (right) testified before the Senate Local Government Committee in support of the Community Mental Health Centers bill that passed this session.  The bill was Authored by Rep. Donna Schaibley and Sponsored by Senator Phillip Boots(middle). The bill will ensure that the mandatory county distribution to their assigned CMHC will only grow at the same rate that the rest of the county budget is allowed to grow. For several years, these distributions were not subject to tax cap loss the way that the rest of county government was. The bill addresses that inequity while making sure that CMHC funding continues to be provided at a time that mental health and addiction services are so important to our communities. Also, the bill requires increased reporting to both the county and the state so there is a higher level of comfort that the distribution is being used appropriately.

More than $160 Million Going to Rural Communities for Infrastructure Improvements

Projects will Improve Roads and Bridges, Make Communities More Walkable and Bikeable

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced March 28, 2018 that $161.2 million in federal transportation funding is being awarded to 66 cities, towns, and counties in rural portions of Indiana to invest in local road and bridge improvements as well as sidewalk and trail projects. Combined with local funds, approximately $212 million is being invested in infrastructure in communities receiving funds.

Types of projects receiving funds include 27 bridge rehabilitation/replacement projects; 31 resurfacing/reconstruction projects; 17 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) projects that include work such as sidewalks, ADA ramps, and trails; and 6 traffic safety projects.

“Indiana is investing in transportation at record levels and that includes more than just our highways,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “Our sustained commitment to modernizing local roads and bridges, adding sidewalks, and growing our trail networks sends a clear message that we’re building communities that are primed to attract and retain talent and spur job growth in the 21st century economy.”

A list of all communities receiving funds is online at http://www.in.gov/indot/3691.htm

Wayne County Commissioner Receives Statewide Award

  

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 10, 2017) — The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) announced that Wayne County Commissioner Kenneth Paust received the 2017 Outstanding County Commissioner Award. The award recognized his contributions made to county government throughout his years of public service.

Paust has been in public service for many years, serving as Richmond City Councilman, Wayne County Councilman, and Wayne County Commissioner. He has also served on various community and statewide boards including service on the AIC’s board of directors for which he is currently the board treasurer. He also served on the board of directors for the Indiana Association of County Commissioners and has served as a member of the Indiana Advisory Commission on intergovernmental relations. He is currently in his third term as Wayne County Commissioner. The award was announced last month during the AIC’s annual conference in Switzerland County.

The AIC’s Annual Conference is the largest gathering of county officials in the state. Representatives from public agencies, private entities, and local elected officials addressed issues such as: the role of counties in combatting the opioid crisis, cyber security, social media best practices, ways to strengthen a county’s long-term financial standing, and so much more.