Ten nonprofit organizations in Hamilton County will share nearly two million dollars in public funds next year. The County Council has approved the grants and County Commissioners will approve Monday when they meet in regular session.
Funds are disbursed annually to organizations that provide services to the public. The money is granted in the belief that most of these services would have to be directly provided by local government were it not for the organizations that take on the tasks. The money is included in the 2018 county budget.
The largest grants will go to Janus Developmental Services, $725,000, and the Janus Hamilton County Express bus service, $431,601. Next largest amount goes to Primelife Enrichment, $240,000.
Prevail will receive $180,000, the Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation, $175,000, Hamilton County Humane Society, $111,337, The Cherish Center and Chaucie’s Place, $25,000 each, Trinity Free Clinic and Conner Prairie, $15,000 each.
Organization representatives expressed appreciation to county officials for the money which in most cases is seen as essential to continuing the current level of services. County officials have said they are pleased that the county’s healthy financial condition allows such disbursements.
In their meeting Monday, commissioners are also expected to consider hiring a county public relations officer. Creation of that position was announced earlier and will be done on a contractual basis. Commissioners will also likely approve two bridge projects on Strawtown Avenue. The White River bridge west of Strawtown will be rehabbed and a smaller structure over Dyer Creek east of Strawtown will be replaced. Work will likely be done next year.
Likely in a November meeting, commissioners will receive a recommendation from the County Emergency Management Board on hiring a new director for the agency. The commissioners’ Executive Director Dan Stevens said there are 13 applicants being considered for the position which is currently vacant. Carl Erickson is acting director.