Article submitted by Jamie Fleury, The Pilot News Staff Writer
MARSHALL COUNTY — The Marshall County Holding Corporation held their annual meeting Monday. The board approved new member Marty Oosterbaan to fill a vacancy. The board approved the continuation of each office holder with President Carol Brown, new member and Vice President Oosterbaan, and Secretary – Treasurer Kent Borggren.
Marshall County Attorney Jim Clevenger explained the entity as a unique corporation set up primarily by statute to have one function which is to serve as a funding mechanism for jail construction and maintenance. It abides by the corporate rules set forth by the State of Indiana. Since it is a public corporate entity, they hold an annual meeting.
Marshall County Auditor Julie Fox presented a report of good standing to the board with an ending cash balance for the Local Income Tax (LIT) Special Purpose of $9,451,168.21 as of May 7, 2022.
Sheriff Matt Hassel’s budget relies upon funding from the LIT. Maintenance expenses alone at the jail total over $2M annually. The current jail was built in 2008. Sheriff Hassel updated the board that several important projects have been completed.
Current and future projects include upgrades to the four radio consoles from the former XP system to System 10.
The computer room at the Marshall County Correctional Facility will provide backup to all of Marshall County; which is part of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). A full console will also be placed in the Emergency Management Agency office for backup.
All the computers at the consoles are being replaced with new ones and will be placed on towers as opposed to under the desks.
The video system at the jail will also be replaced and upgraded. The company that has been approved to upgrade that video system recommended an upgrade to the intercom systems. Sheriff Hassel will be requesting an additional appropriation.
Future Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) upgrades and replacements are also future projects; one for the kitchen and the other for booking and medical.
Supply chain issues and rising costs continue to burden the existing budget. Sheriff Hassel said that it is not efficient to wait for something to break down; they must take a pro-active approach to maintenance.
The board approved and ratified the completion and filing of the Certificate of Compliance.
