Vanderburgh County Council Meeting – June 3, 2026: Appropriations, E-REP Report, and Personnel Approvals
Vanderburgh County Council Meeting – June 3, 2026
The Vanderburgh County Council met on June 3, 2026, at 3:05 p.m. in room 301 of the Civic Center Complex, adjourning at 3:47 p.m. Council President John Montrastelle presided. Six members were present (Montrastelle, Hahn, Iaccarino, Shetler, Kiefer, Bassemier); Councilmember Raben was absent, providing a quorum. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation by President Montrastelle (offering prayers for Councilmember Raben’s son who suffered severe burns), and approval of the May 13, 2026 minutes (6-0).
Appropriations
- Riverboat – Commissioners ($54,910): Approved 6-0 for the Coliseum Restoration Project to replace an antiquated water line for the fire suppression system. The Veterans Coliseum Preservation Foundation agreed to fund 50% of the cost.
- Opioid Restricted – Sheriff ($347,590): Approved 6-0 for contractual services for a mental health contract with Southwestern Behavioral, covering the remainder of the year.
- Opioid Unrestricted – Commissioners ($50,000): Approved 6-0 for a one-time grant to United Caring Services (UCS) for its Diversion Center, which serves individuals in mental health or substance abuse crisis. Executive Director Ryan Rigg explained the center currently has capacity for seven people and has served 96 people since opening in July 2025. Discussions addressed the sustainable funding of ongoing expenses; UCS uses ARPA funds and is developing partnerships (e.g., Sheriff’s Department MOU, E3 Initiative) to maintain the center. Councilmembers expressed support, noting that about 35% of jail inmates have mental health issues. The opioid unrestricted fund receives sporadic payments (last in July 2025) and is expected to dwindle, but payments may continue through 2038.
Transfers
All five transfers were approved en bloc 6-0:
- Circuit Court: $3,402 (Bailiff to Court Administrator)
- Weights & Measures: $470 (Communications to Travel/Mileage and Training)
- Health Department: $50,000 (Insurance to Laboratory)
- Highway: $16,365 (Materials to Road Foreman, PERF, FICA)
- Superior Court: $1,000 (Bailiff to Other Pay)
New Business
Board Appointment to Economic Development Commission: Commissioner Justin Elpers recommended Pepper Mulherin for appointment to the revived Vanderburgh County Economic Development Commission. Mulherin previously assisted with AT&T broadband expansion using ARPA funds. Approved 6-0.
E-REP Quarter 1 Report: Economic Development Director Patrick Hickey presented. Key highlights:
- Taylor Made Golf: A $60 million expansion retained 150 at-risk jobs and will leave a 300,000 sq. ft. modern facility, now the county’s most marketable property.
- Business Attraction: 46 prospective opportunities year-to-date, but only five had suitable unincorporated county sites/buildings meeting requirements. Reinforced need for site development.
- Business Retention & Expansion: 30 company visits conducted, identifying barriers and opportunities.
- Old Farm Reserve: A $130 million mixed-use development near University Parkway (110 acres) featuring 400 housing units (163 single-family, 240 apartments), a hotel, and retail. E-REP facilitated a $4 million READI award. Councilmembers noted that TIF-funded sewer/water lines installed years ago will now see returns.
- Talent Attraction (Belong Here program): In Q1, 10 households (30 people) relocated to the region with an average annual salary of $110,000. High retention rates noted.
- Small Business Development Center: Served 130 county residents, facilitated $750,000 in capital, supported 6 new business launches, sustained 301 jobs, and created 16 jobs.
- Discussion: Councilmembers Shetler, Kiefer, and Iaccarino raised concerns about the lack of speculative buildings and the need for a more aggressive site development strategy to compete with other regions along the I-69 corridor. Hickey agreed on the importance of improving site readiness.
Personnel Requests
Councilmember Kiefer moved to approve all seven personnel requests (A–E). Approved 6-0.
- Circuit Court: Fill vacancy for Probation Officer (21010000-210126).
- Area Plan Commission: Reclassify and fill vacancy for Assistant Zoning Administrator (10001240-124124). Area Plan Director Ron London noted the reclassification follows a staff move and will be advertised.
- Sheriff: Fill two vacancies for Deputy Sheriff (10001050-105085 and 105086) and one PT Paper Server (10001050-199000).
- Sheriff & COPS Grant: Split salaries for the two Deputy Sheriffs between the General Fund and COPS Grant (81150000-811501, 811502).
- Jail: Fill vacancy for Clerk III (10001320-132115).
Amendments to the Salary Ordinance
Approved 6-0 without discussion.
Key Outcomes
- All appropriation requests and transfers approved unanimously (6-0).
- Board appointment to Economic Development Commission approved.
- Personnel requests and salary ordinance amendments approved.
- No public comments were offered.
- Upcoming meeting: County Council P&F Meeting on June 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.; next regular meeting July 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everyone. Are we ready to go? Thank you so much for joining us on our county council meeting dated June 3rd of 2026. We will start by doing an attendance roll call, please. Councilmember Yaccarino. Here. Councilmember Shatler. Here. Councilmember Kiefer. Here. Councilmember Bassmeyer. Here. Councilmember Raven. Councilmember Hahn. Here. President Montrostal. Here. We have a quorum. Before I start, I usually say this. Those that are watching the meeting, streaming it via uh granting us, we welcome you to our meeting as well. Next, we'll do Pledge of Allegiance. I'll ask Councilmember Hahn to lead us in that, and then I'll do the invocation. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which we stand. One nation, under God, indivisible. With liberty and justice. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts for the opportunity to serve our community. We ask for your wisdom and guidance as we conduct the business of this council. Help us make decisions with integrity, fairness, and steadfast commitment to the greater good of all those we represent. Today we lift up Jordan Rabin, the son of fellow council member. He's suffered some severe burns. And we're grateful for the progress he's made. He suffered severe burns over the weekend. We're hopeful his recovery is gonna go well. Uh we know there is still a long and challenging road ahead, as Father James tells us. We ask that you continue to watch over him, ease his pain, strengthen his body, and guide his hands of the doctors and nurses and caregivers entrusted with his treatment. Grant Jordan courage, patience, and peace throughout his healing and rehabilitation. Surround him and his family with comfort, encouragement, unwavering support as they walk this journey together. May they find strength in their faith in one another, and in the love and prayers of family and friends and community. We ask Lord that you bless this council, our county employees, our first responders, all those who work each day to make our community a better place. Help us to serve with humility, compassion, and the spirit of unity in all that we do. We ask this in your holy name. Amen. Okay, next up is uh approval of our minutes dated May 13th of 2026. Can I get an approval, please? Second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Motion carries. Uh we're gonna mix up the agenda just a little bit.
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