Security upgrades to Allen County District Court will force general operations to cost more, county commissioners learned Tuesday morning. IN OTHER business, commissioners:
Court Service Officer Dina Morrison and Judge Dan Creitz met with commissioners to propose a budget of $357,000 for fiscal year 2016, an increase of slightly less than $5,000.
The budget does not include salaries of judges and court staff, which are the responsibility of the state.
Security upgrades will cost $19,500 and will include installing bullet-resistant materials between court workers and the public. Other items are three security cameras and door-locking hardware that will use cards for access.
Court security, pegged at $15,000 this year, will cost $2,100 more in 2016.
The lion’s share of the budget is $250,000 for legal defense. In 2014 that cost $307,011, with $250,000 earmarked this year as well as in 2016. Printing and office supplies, computer services and miscellaneous district expenses are nearly $50,000 for 2016.
Commissioners made no comment other than to thank Creitz and Morrison for bringing a budget that projected a minuscule increase for 2016. The county will put together its overall budget in July and schedule a public hearing about the middle August.
— Appointed Loren Korte to the Allen County Regional Hospital Board of Trustees, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Glenn Buchholz.
— Bill King, director of Public Works, said the new bridge over Owl Creek two miles west of Humboldt legally should be opened to traffic no later than early July. Local motorists have moved barricades to use the bridge, which is complete save installation of guardrails. “I hate it isn’t open yet,” King said. “I get calls about it every day. We’ll announce the minute it is open.”
— On a 2-1 vote, they appointed Jason Trego, a 911 dispatcher, to direct Emergency Management Services. In recommending Trego, County Counselor Alan Weber said Trego was trained as a first responder and in emergency medical procedures. He will continue to dispatch part time. Commissioner Jerry Daniels was the lone dissenting vote. “I’m not opposed to him (Trego), but I think we should have advertised the position,” Daniels said in regard to his vote.
Security upgrades force budget increase
