Marshall Council Supports EMA Assistant Position

Marshall County Council
Marshall County Council

Marshall County plans to expand its Emergency Management Agency Department for added security at the county building.

The matter was discussed last week by the County Commissioners, but funding the proposal was addressed by the County Council on Monday morning. Currently there is a single EMA Director, but a deputy director could be used to not only help with regular duties in the office, but also provide security in the building. Continue reading

Caucus To Take Place for Marshall County Council Seat

Plans are now being laid for a new caucus in Marshall County following the resignation of Council President Matt Hassel.

The resignation follows Hassel’s election as Marshall County Sheriff on Tuesday night. His swearing-in took place on Wednesday. Prior to being able to officially serve as Sheriff, Hassel was required under state statute to first leave his post on the Council.
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Marshall County Health Department to Implement Breastfeeding Education Programs

The Marshall County Health Department will be doing more to promote breastfeeding programs and support in the community due to a state mandate.

Annette Osborn from the health department explained to the Marshall County Council this week that a part-time WIC employee will need to increase work hours by four hours per week due to the new mandate for breastfeeding education.

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E-Poll Books to be Used in November Election

E-poll books will be used in this November’s Municipal General Election in Marshall County.

The county council Monday morning approved an additional appropriation for the purchase of 15 iPads at a cost of $35,010. The appropriation was advertised prior to the council’s unanimous approval. The iPads will be outfitted with the necessary software to be used for voters to sign in at the polls.

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Marshall County Council Does Not Act on LOHUT Recommendation

The Marshall County Council has decided to step back and gather more information before moving forward with a Local Option Highway User Tax (LOHUT).

The LOHUT contains a surtax of the vehicle excise tax as well as a wheel tax. That money can be used to reconstruct, construct, repair or maintain streets under county, city or town jurisdiction.

Highway Administrator Laurie Baker and Supervisor of County Highways Jason Peters Monday morning spoke to the council about the funding they currently have for road projects this year. Of the $1.2 million available, the county plans to pug 13.5 miles of road and pave at least five miles of road that totals just over $500,000. The rest of the funds will be used for materials, dust control, and other actions conducted by the highway department.

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Plymouth Councilman Predicts Return of Highway Tax Talks

At least one elected official in Marshall County believes the controversial topic of vehicle excise and wheel taxes to pay for road repairs will return. Plymouth Common Councilman Mike Delp says taxpayers need to keep the proposed user fees in perspective. He told his fellow council members last night people are concerned about paying $25 per vehicle but are willing to pay an average of $71 per month for cell phone service or $86 per month for cable TV and Internet service. Continue reading

Marshall County Council to Consider LOHUT Recommendations

The Marshall County Council members will review a recommendation by the commissioners to implement a Local Option Highway User Tax (LOHUT) to gather revenue for the county for local roads.

State revenue for motor vehicle highway budgets has flatlined. Expenses continue to rise which has left Marshall County with an option to implement a LOHUT. A LOHUT contains a vehicle excise tax and a wheel tax that is payable at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when registrations are due. The revenue generated, which will double what the county highway department currently has available, can be used to construct, reconstruct, repair or maintain streets under county, city or town jurisdiction.

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Marshall County Commissioners to Discuss LOHUT in Today’s Meeting

A local resident will be giving her opinion about a wheel tax to the Marshall County Commissioners when they meet this morning.

The Culver Town Council and the Plymouth Common Council have approved letters of support to the Marshall County Commissioners and the council for a proposed Local Option Highway User Tax (LOHUT). A LOHUT includes a vehicle excise tax and wheel tax that is payable at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when vehicle registration is due. Those fees will be distributed to the county for use to construct, reconstruct, repair or maintain streets under county, city or town jurisdiction.

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Marshall County Government Leaders Discuss Road Funding with Possible Tax

Government leaders from Marshall County and Pulaski County, along with the City of Plymouth and town council representatives attended a joint meeting of the Marshall County Commissioners and Marshall County Council Wednesday night to learn how to generate funding for local roads and streets.

Pat Conner, Research Manager at the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program through Purdue University, explained how counties can use the Local Option Highway User Tax (LOHUT) to generate funds for road projects. The combined bodies of government are concerned that the state will not be giving counties any more funding for roads in the proposed biennial state budget.

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