WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County officials are weighing several requests as they move forward with deciding how to spend nearly $12 million in federally issued funds.
During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, commissioners fielded requests from various county officials in hopes their proposal makes the cut. St. Joseph County last year received a one-time payment of $11.8 million through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Equalization director Josh Simmons explained the benefit of an online, visual program called Eagleview Oblique Imagery. He said it incorporates aerial photography that captures structures on the ground at a 45-degree angle. The $200,000 cost includes two aerial flights.
Emergency Services Director Erin Goff asked for a mobile-command center and a tow vehicle. Goff said she is working with county grant writer James Hissong to potentially secure grant money toward the purchase of a new mobile-command center.
Goff said she has a lead on a $48,000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 featuring an industrial tow package.
Next, county clerk Lindsay Oswald said the clerk’s office is in need of a niche service that preserves documents. The company Oswald would like to work with collects, transports and follows through on the preservation process before returning the documents. The service is $126,000.
Meanwhile, Doehring said the county is in need of a building and grounds vehicle. The current vehicle is a 1992 pickup that should be replaced. A Silverado 2500 Crew Cab being eyed by the county is available for $33,000.
Also, Doehring said the county needs an additional fleet car for use by various county staff members.
Doehring said the county has a chance to buy a Chevy Traverse SUV for $26,000.
County commissioners will take the requests under advisement and likely render their decisions at Tuesday’s board meeting.
