The Marshall County Commissioners reviewed Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel’s contract, but when it came to a vote Monday morning the commissioners voiced some concerns.
The contract is reviewed every year and does not typically change except for the salary amount. The 2021 salary is a fixed amount at $91,125.80. The contract states that any fees for providing meals to prisoners housed in the county and fees collected for tax warrants shall be deposited to the county. It also calls for the maintenance of all required records and reports as directed by the county and the Indiana State Board of Accounts. The contract does not limit the powers and duties of sheriff under Indiana law. He is also afforded insurance and benefits through the county.
Commissioner Stan Klotz presented concerns during the contract discussion.
Klotz stated, “I’m upset with the fact that parents out at Linkville can’t get patrols to protect handicapped children, we can’t get patrols on these county roads to stop the trucks from destroying them, and we’ve heard some things going on…I’m just asking if by law I have to approve this or not.”
County Attorney Jim Clevenger commented that if the contract is not approved, the sheriff will be compensated in terms outside of the contract and what is outlined in state statute as he is an elected official.
Commission President Kevin Overmyer echoed Klotz’s comments and added that Sheriff Hassel has been taken off the emergency winter preparedness plan and the EMA Advisory Council due to lack of input.
Commissioner Michael Burroughs stated the sheriff has not been a team player.
“When the governor of the State of Indiana passes an ordinance during an emergency declaration and the county sheriff says ‘we’re not going to enforce it’, I don’t know how that county sheriff, who has taken an oath to uphold that said order, how does he stay in that office? “
Overmyer added, “It’s just like our local ordinance.”
“Exactly,” replied Burroughs. “That’s what’s disappointing, along with all of the other things that have been mentioned.”
Burroughs made the motion to approve the contract. Klotz stated that he did not like it, but provided the second to the motion. The contract was approved with a vote of 2-1 with Commission President Kevin Overmyer voting against the contract.
