New hires & salary adjustments top list of expenditures
The Hamilton County Councilors, financial stewards of Hamilton County government, have finalized and adopted the 2025 budget.
The proposed budget, totaling over $312 million, includes funding of major capital projects and salary adjustments for deputies and correction officers at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, in addition to 16 new positions to help manage county growth. Councilors approved the hiring of two additional sheriff’s deputies, a deputy coroner, three deputy prosecutors, an assistant county attorney, a staff attorney, and a court administrative assistant.
“We are investing in the safety and well-being of our community,” Council President Amy Massillamany said. “Hamilton County is one of the fastest growing counties in Indiana, requiring additional manpower to litigate and try the additional caseloads that our growth creates while still maintaining the high standard of service our residents deserve.”
The council also approved the creation of three new positions: Director of Jail Programs, Maintenance Supervisor, and Procurement Director.
“With increased projects and demands on our resources, a dedicated procurement professional will streamline our purchasing processes, ensure fiscal responsibility, and enhance efficiency,” Massillamany added.
“The Council made some difficult decisions, but working together we were able to adjust the budget to both meet revenue forecasts and fulfill operation funding for our growing County,” Council Vice President Sue Maki said. “We did this while also adding over nine million dollars to the county’s Rainy-Day Fund.”
The budget has been sent to the State of Indiana for approval. Once approved, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.