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Association of Indiana Counties Inc. PRESORTED
STANDARD
101 West Ohio Street, Suite 1575 U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2051 TWG, INC.
ISSUE
BUDGET
the
Volume 26 Number 2 March/April 2020
INDIANA NEWS 92
Heavy responsibilities. Plenty of pitfalls.
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AIC-8x11-PRESS v2.indd 1 1/19/16 3:49 PM
What’s Inside
Vol. 26 Number 2 March/April 2020
the
BUDGET
ISSUE
Features Extras
3 History Will Note This Moment in Time, and Speaking 5 Knox County Surveyor Richard
for County Government, ✔ That! Vermillion Honored
By David Bottorff
14 Spotlight on the AIC Board
4 2020 Legislation Wrap-Up 16 AIC Scholarship Applications
18
By Ryan Hoff
AIC 2020 Award Applications
6 Getting Set for the COVID-19 Impact to County
Budgets
By Greg Guerrettaz
9 Tax Anticipation Warrants: An Option to Mitigate
Short-Term Cash Flow Shortages
By Paige E. Sansone
10 Legislative Update: Election Issues indianacounties.org
By Christine Traina
12 ERIT Adds New Features to Support Midwest Stay Connected.
Communities’ Resilience Follow the AIC on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube!
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 1
INDIANA NEWS 92
U.S. Counties The official magazine of
Association of Indiana Counties, Inc.
101 West Ohio Street, Suite 1575
FREE for NACo Member Counties Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2051
(317) 684-3710
Be a Live Healthy county with health www.indianacounties.org
discount programs for residents Elizabeth Mallers, Editor
OFFICERS
Help your residents save on everyday prescription, President: Anton Karl Neff, Owen County Council
First Vice President: Ken Paust, Wayne County Commissioner
dental and health costs.
Second Vice President: Kent Ward, Hamilton County Surveyor
Prescription Discounts at Dental and Health Discounts Third Vice President: Mendy Lassaline, Perry County Assessor
more than 68,000 pharmacies at a national network of Treasurer: Nancy Marsh, Hendricks County Auditor
nationwide. providers.
STAFF
• Free to residents – they can • Low-fee programs save
save an average of 24%* off residents 15% to 50% on David Bottorff, Executive Director
retail prices dental and health costs dbottorff@indianacounties.org
Jacque Clements, Director of Professional Development &
The Live Healthy program is offered at no-cost to our member Corporate Relations
counties – and we’ll provide everything you need to market jclements@indianacounties.org
these savings to your residents, including: Pam Coleman, Director of Finance
• Customizable posters pcoleman@indianacounties.org
• Customizable free prescription discount cards Ryan Hoff, Director of Government Relations & General Counsel
• Dimensional counter display rhoff@indianacounties.org
• Press releases and more Elizabeth Mallers, Director of Communications
emallers@indianacounties.org
Become a Live Healthy county – it’s free! Visit Christine Traina, Director of Planning and Government
Relations Associate
www.naco.org/health or call toll-free 1-888-407-6226. ctraina@indianacounties.org
The Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. (AIC) was founded
The Live Healthy discount program is NOT insurance.
* Savings may vary by drug and by pharmacy.
in 1957 for the betterment of county government. Each
The Prescription Discount Card is operated by CVS/caremark®. The Discount Medical of Indiana’s 92 counties are members of the AIC. The AIC
Organization for NACo Health and Dental Discounts is Alliance HealthCard of Florida, Inc.
All rights reserved. ©2015 CVS/caremark. 106-35891b 100515 Board of Directors is made up of elected county officials and
is responsible for overall AIC policy and management. AIC
serves its members through lobbying, education, publications,
research, and technical assistance.
Indiana News 92 is published bi-monthly by the AIC at 101
W. Ohio St., Suite 1575, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2051. It is
distributed to county elected officials, county employees,
state and federal legislators, state agency personnel, National
Association of Counties (NACo), universities, non-profit
associations, media, and organizations interested in the
Stay
betterment of county government. For advertising rates and
other information, please contact Elizabeth Mallers, Editor.
All county members receive annual subscriptions to
Indiana News 92 magazine through payment of county dues.
Connected.
Subscription Rate: $25.00 per year.
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2 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.The Director’s Chair
History Will Note This Moment in Time, and
Speaking for County Government, ✔ That!
By David Bottorff, Executive Director | dbottorff@indianacounties.org
Speaking on behalf of the AIC Board of Directors and staff, we have County government, which proved its services are essential, adjusted
never been prouder to be working with community leaders who quickly to the challenge of the pandemic.
pivoted from the daily activities of operating county government to
confronting a pandemic that was spreading throughout the community ✔ County government, immediately change how you conduct
causing an economic calamity, illness and death. public meetings.
✔ Provide information to the public on how to protect themselves
This “moment” in history, beginning in March of 2020 for Indiana, may
from a global pandemic.
last for weeks or months and the effects will be felt for years. For data
trackers, this moment in time is such an anomaly, it may change the ✔ Provide essential services to the public while maintaining social
design on graphs that track unemployment, income, the number of distancing standards.
business closings and other economic factors. ✔ Increase funding for county health departments.
Many thought the attacks of September 11, 2001 would be the most ✔ Design a plan to keep the county offices open and protect
significant historical moment in their life or the collapse of the real county workers.
estate market in 2008. Would those events still be the biggest societal ✔ Prepare for delayed property tax collections and cash flow
changes they witnessed? This global pandemic, COVID-19, has issues.
become the biggest interrupting event of our lives.
✔ Change the Primary Election Day.
COVID-19 immediately changed current business activity. Remote ✔ Keep the real estate market functioning while limiting access to
working and remote learning have never been more prevalent and may the courthouse.
change working environments forever. Will businesses feel the need
✔ Manage your jail population.
to have their employees congregate in offices? Will remote business
activity replace office buildings? ✔ Learn how to use Zoom, Webex and other conference
applications.
The ramifications of the spike in unemployment will be felt for years. ✔ Participate in a dozen or more conference calls per week.
Some businesses will not survive even with all the federal assistance.
County government budgets will need to be cut, reduced or frozen ✔ Learn the intricacies of federal legislation like CARES Act and
depending on how long social distancing continues and the effect on the Families First Act.
the economy. County government officials immediately changed their ✔ Help your community get on the road to economic recovery!
priorities to address new challenges.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 3Politics & Policy 2020 Legislative Wrap-Up By Ryan Hoff, Director of Government Relations & General Counsel | rhoff@indianacounties.org 4 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.
The 2020 session of the Indiana General Assembly seems a
million miles away, yet it adjourned only a few short weeks ago.
With revenue losses and other outfall from the
The legislature adjourned their session on March 11th, beating COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 legislative
the statutory deadline for this short session of March 15th by a
couple days. That day, college basketball was still being played
session will take on even more meaning.
in Indianapolis, schools were still in normal operation, and social
distancing was not being practiced in the halls of the Statehouse. Finally, House Enrolled Act 1065 contained many local government
Within a day of adjournment, however, that was all changing, and the finance changes, with potentially the first signal toward larger local
work done this session may seem trivial in hindsight. finance shifts to come. This bill provides that a local income tax (LIT)
council for a county with a single voting bloc must vote as a whole
We are proud of our accomplishments working on behalf of our
in order to exercise its authority to increase (but not decrease) a LIT
membership this session. While we are producing a separate, more
rate in the county. The bill defines a “county with a single voting bloc”
detailed presentation of changes to Indiana laws impacting counties,
as a county in which one city or one town that is a member of the
I would like to highlight a couple of the most important changes
LIT council is allocated more than 50% of the total votes allocated
for county government. First, House Enrolled Act 1113 contained
to the members of the LIT council. So, in a county where one city
several items of interest for local finances. This bill had 87 sections in
controls the LIT Board, any increase in taxes must be undertaken
its final version, including closure of a business property tax appeals
with a broader vote of the LIT council. This section affects a handful
loophole, extended repayment options for refunds of large taxpayer
of counties currently, but may have broader implications for control of
appeals, and strengthening prohibitions on tax avoiders from bidding
LIT taxes going forward. Historically, the legislature was constrained
at tax sale. While AIC is always promoting new and beneficial laws
as to the allowable LIT controls by limited functionality of the
for our members, one of our most fundamental tasks is protecting
state’s income tax collection software. As the State Department of
the functionality of county processes and I am pleased to report this
Revenue’s new tax collection software is implemented, it is likely we
legislation made many strides in that regard.
will see changes to local income tax authority taking into account the
Next, Senate Enrolled Act 229 was legislation sought by the Indiana expanded functionality of that system, and HEA 1065 may be the first
County Surveyors Association which will allow some maintenance step toward that direction.
activities on existing drains to be completed without permits from
The 2021 legislative session was already likely to be one of great
IDEM. While federal wetland and jurisdictional requirements remain in
intrigue, with focus on the state budget, hospital charges, teacher
place, we believe this legislation will streamline the permitting that is
pay, renewable energy, and a host of other topics to undertake during
necessary for some of the basic maintenance tasks that Surveyors
a longer session. With revenue losses and other outfall from the
and Drainage Boards undertake as drainage infrastructure across the
COVID-19 pandemic, it will take on even more meaning.
state becomes older and requires more attention.
Don’t forget to UPDATE
your AIC contact info!
Visit www.IndianaCounties.org to update your
contact information www.grwinc.com
Email your contact information to Elizabeth
Mallers at emallers@indianacounties.org Office locations:
IN, KY, TN, & WV
Scan this QR Code
and get right to the
update form on
smartphone or tablet 9001 N Wesleyan Rd, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46268 | (317) 347-3650
indianacounties.org
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 5County Budgets GETTING SET FOR THE COVID‐19 IMPACT TO COUNTY BUDGETS By Greg Guerrettaz, Financial Solutions Group Inc. Where are we today? the project. How will the project be affected? Will funds still be As I sit here developing this for the Association of Indiana Counties, available to pay for the project? the Governor’s mandated shutdown is in full force. County governments are doing their best to preserve the economic progress On the other hand, there have been other effects. We now have had we had been experiencing until recently, before this challenging time. multiple counties, still moving forward with projects, receiving some of Not only has the virus disrupted our personal lives, but it has also the most reasonable construction bids that we have seen in the 25+ impacted the economy, business and all levels of government at an years of doing county finance. Even during these challenging times, unprecedented pace. This has left many of our clients concerned these counties are trying to capitalize on this terrible and unfortunate and asking questions. For example, one of our clients is in the middle situation to cautiously proceed with some necessary and large capital of the largest ever capital improvement for law enforcement for their projects. But how can they do that at a time like this? county. The current situation has left them with questions regarding 6 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.
The answer is: Financial forecasting is now at the forefront of every municipality. Having an accurate forecast for the next three years allows the county to continue to operate and provide for its taxpayers within its means. Currently, with Executive Order 20‐05, penalties are being waived for 60 days on property taxes. The rating agencies are using the COVID‐19 as a real‐life stress test and Morton Marcus is predicting a recession. If there is a global or countrywide recession, no one knows how long or how deep the recession will be. What we do know is that local income taxes will be affected now and in the future. Your financial package needs to be fluid enough to adapt and guide your community. Recommended Immediate Action: • Prepare monthly cash flows for the remainder of 2020 • Identify all controllable expenses • Review planned capital improvements and necessities • Review revenue Next Step – Start with the 2021 Budget and Three-Year Cash Flow Projections: Taking a look at the 2021 Budget, the 1782 Notice “16‐Line Statement” (for the newcomers reading this) is what is known as the “Form 4B” in the Gateway budget module. Municipalities need to be taking their budget several steps past the Form 4B and taking the real 12‐month budget and projecting out cash flow 3‐5 years for the key major funds of the County. This leads to the question, “What are the key funds?” The answer is that each county is different. Generally, the most important funds are the General, Highway Restricted and Non‐Restricted Funds, all LIT funds, and of course, the more important than ever, Rainy Day Fund. This list could easily add up to be over 10‐20 funds, depending on your county. How do I get started projecting out 3‐5 years? Done correctly, this process can be complex, even without today’s implications. It is important to take into account all factors and influences that can change each and every revenue and expense, line by line. Remember, the goal is a forecast of the revenue and expense, ultimately giving you an “accurate as possible” ending cash balance in each fund for each year. While performing the projections, you should be asking yourself, “How will the current economic conditions affect my county?” To start the process, you should analyze the revenue and expense coming into the General Fund. Now and into 2021, at the beginning, the most important point will be the revenue forecast for the second half of 2020. The first half (as of the day this is written) will not be a reflection or a baseline to be used for the third or fourth quarter. Let’s look at some key revenue in the General Fund. Property taxes www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 7
County Budgets
will be delayed and non‐payment will likely occur. We estimate that and/or reduced in 2020. But, working with one of the fastest growing
property taxes could be as much as 2‐5 full percentage points lower, cities in the State of Indiana, Westfield, we believe that, in some areas,
in collection rates, for 2020. The annual growth quotient is likely to be there will be little to no long‐term impact, just a slowdown at this point
4.0% and, depending on the growth of assessed value, may only yield in the first six months.
additional property taxes in your Cumulative Capital Fund.
Interest income is expected to decrease, in 2021, with interest
The second biggest revenue for the county is Local Income Tax rates now hitting new lows. This income factor, in one county alone,
(LIT). LIT is going to be affected by the employment slowdown from we project, is likely to go down as much as 50% from the current
COVID‐19. We believe that the best estimate is a 10% reduction and projected amount of $600,000.
the effect would not occur until 2021 or maybe even 2022, given that
LIT in Indiana is collected and distributed on a lagging basis. Next, we Being Ready for The Future:
believe the Motor Vehicle Highway (MVH) tax revenue will be reduced We believe one thing is for certain, and that is LIT changes are
in 2021, as the State reflects lower revenue in 2020 from lower sales going to happen in the future. There are many indications of this.
of fuel. For example, at the end of last year, one of our county clients
contemplated changing the formula for the allocation of the LIT
Other Considerations to Take into Account When between various taxing entities. Setting up and maintaining your cash
Creating Your Cash Flow: flow projection model will help your county determine the potential
Another complication is that court revenue into the General Fund will impact as proposed legislation changes. Taking all of this into
likely be affected now, and in the next six months, with little to no consideration, the most important thing in the coming future will be the
growth in 2021. FSG Corp. would like to see the re‐establishment of ability of your county to be able to understand the potential impacts
the “new court annexation appeal,” which was available many years and best responses to future changes. Having strong cash balances
ago. It helps assist counties in consolidation or establishment of new and a stout Rainy Day Fund will be very Important, in the coming
courts. The appeal allowed the county to increase the maximum levy months, to maintain the greatest flexibility and ability to respond to the
for the cost of a new court. Currently, we have heard several counties developing situation. Using a blend of cash (if available) for debt in the
express that they will need additional revenue as a new court costs future is something you really want to plan for and plan very early.
approximately $100,000 to $350,000 in the next few years.
In Conclusion:
Level 6 inmate revenue should be one source of revenue that will not As we navigate through these uncertain times, a strong financial
vary in 2021. It is our understanding that the number of inmates will be forecast, Strong Rainy Day Fund, knowledge of possible financial
reviewed, after the initial three‐year period, and may result in possible impacts and means of mitigation, as well as keeping a keen eye on
legal changes that could impact revenue for your county in 2022. the overall situation, will contribute to the county’s resiliency for the
future.
Planning and Building revenue, in some counties, will be delayed
Knox County Surveyor Richard Vermillion Honored at
the 106th Annual Purdue Road School
Richard Vermillion received the 2020 President’s Award from the County Surveyors Association of
Indiana on March 9th. The Surveyor’s Association is an affiliate of the Association of Indiana Counties.
Jarrod Hahn, Wells County Surveyor and the current president of the Surveyor’s Association,
presented the award to Mr. Vermillion at the Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center.
“Richard’s dedication to the Office of County Surveyor, and continued support of the Association
made this an easy choice” said Hahn. “It’s so very important to have strong leaders like Richard who
takes time to serve on Professional Association Boards, participate in legislative issues and mentor
young professionals.”
8 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.County Taxes
Tax Anticipation Warrants:
An Option to Mitigate Short-Term
Cash Flow Shortages
By Paige E. Sansone, CPA, Partner, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors | paige.sansone@bakertilly.com
The waiver of late payment penalties for property taxes paid after the achieving 80 percent of collections is somewhat of a concern in these
May 11, 2020 deadline is expected to result in a reduction of property challenging times, historically it is rare for collections to be less than 90
tax collections and a lower tax draw in June to local government percent.
entities. This will likely have a negative impact on cash flow for
operations. Even more concerning is the impact the reduced property The credit analysis for a tax anticipation warrant generally includes
tax collections will have on debt that is paid primarily with property tax current financial information, the assessed valuation in your taxing
or tax increment finance revenue. In the longer term as businesses district, the percentage of property tax collections in recent years, and
close or limit service we could see a reduction in other revenue sources a list of the largest current taxpayers in the taxing district. Growth
such as local income tax, vehicle excise tax, casino revenue sharing, projections and fund balances are not relevant since the warrant is a
food and beverage tax, innkeeper’s tax, and gas tax. first lien on the distribution of property taxes.
Unless you can draw on cash reserves or temporarily borrow from other Typically, a warrant must mature in the same year it was issued;
funds, you may need to borrow externally to meet cash flow needs however, some exceptions may apply. If property tax collections will be
using tax anticipation warrants. A Tax Anticipation Warrant (“TAW”) is a later than December 31, it will be necessary to issue warrants initially
way to borrow against future property tax draws. A warrant is specific to with a December 31 maturity, and refund them later with a new maturity
a particular fund. Taxing units normally borrow against the collections for date.
the General and Debt Service funds, but may also borrow against other
If your Governmental unit needs tax anticipation warrants to fulfill
property tax supported funds. The principal and interest of the warrant
financial obligations due to temporary cash flow shortages, contact
is payable from the designated fund.
your Municipal Advisor. A Municipal Advisor can help with preparing
Generally, a warrant is limited to 80 percent of the certified or estimated monthly cash flow projections, preparing term sheets to explain the
semiannual property tax distribution unless a state law indicates loan terms, preparing a bid form and sending to potential purchasers,
otherwise. The limitation is primarily to ensure that the warrant holder and coordinating and hosting a competitive sale. The process can take
will be repaid if there are delinquencies. For example, if 80 percent of as few as 30 days. For more information on this topic, contact paige.
property taxes are collected, the warrant holder will be repaid. Although sansone@bakertilly.com.
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 9Election Issues
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Election Issues
By Christine Traina, Director of Planning and Government Relations Associate | ctraina@indianacounties.org
It has been expected that 2020 would be an exciting year for elections in Indiana or suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for at least
given the presidential election; however it has been full of surprises 30 days. Ultimately the election matters were removed from this bill
from the start of the legislative session to the postponed primary due to and added to Senate Enrolled Act 334 during conference committee,
COVID-19. and SB 178 became known as the attorney general bill. SB 178
subsequently was never called for a vote in either chamber.
The 2020 Legislative Session was full of twists and turns for the House
and Senate elections committees. The first election bill heard was in Senate Enrolled Act 334 saw the voting by straight ticket topic rise
House Elections & Apportionment. HB 1051 would have eliminated the again, but this time in the form of instructions. The bill requires each
option for straight ticket voting. Although testimony was taken, a vote ballot or voting system to include language telling the voter that it is not
was never held. However, the issue remained a topic for the House a requirement to vote a straight party ticket. It also calls for the Indiana
Elections committee. The committee amended it into SB 178, and then Election Division to establish best practices for election officials to
the bill was quickly reassigned to the House Rules committee where answer voters’ questions about the process of voting and how straight
the language was removed. This wasn’t the only piece of controversial ticket voting works.
legislation added to SB 178. During second reading amendments on
the House Floor, language was added that would require the individual Also, within Senate Enrolled Act 334 is the establishment of the
holding the office of attorney general to resign if the person is disbarred Indiana Data Enhancement Association (IDEA) to administer voter list
10 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.maintenance programs and the removal of Indiana from the Kansas
Cross Check Program.
Election cybersecurity was a key issue during this session as well.
Senate Enrolled Act 179 requires counties to enter into an agreement
with the Secretary of State to use a threat intelligence and enterprise
security company called FireEye. The Secretary of State has secured
funding for FireEye through 2022, and this bill provides a sunset for
this provision in conjunction with that funding. This bill also requires
any USB-drives used to upload unofficial precinct election results to
have malware protection and adds requirements to check on election
equipment batteries and battery backups.
Unfortunately during the final days of session, the legislators could not
come to an agreement in conference committee and HB 1222, which from May 5 to June 2. However under current election laws, early in
was election legislation sought after by the Clerks’ Association, did not person absentee voting would begin on May 5, and this is leaving
progress. many wondering if the Indiana Election Commission will suspend early
in person absentee voting. With courthouses closed across the state
Now in the wake of a global pandemic, county clerks across Indiana and social distancing requirements, many clerks are spearheading
are diligently working to protect the health and safety of their staff, the grassroots campaigns to encourage voters to vote absentee by
citizens of Indiana, and poll workers all while defending the integrity mail and are thinking outside of the box to ensure a safe and secure
of our election. The Indiana primary election has been postponed election.
ADVERTISE HERE
Contact: Elixabeth Mallers
emallers@indianacounties.org
317.684.3710
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 11Environmental Resilience
Adds New Features to Support
Midwest Communities’ Resilience
By Andrea Webster, Environmental Resilience Institute
Local governments need access to relevant data and resources to ERIT is the first localized version of ARC-X, a resource created by
plan for climate change. That’s why the Environmental Resilience the US Environmental Protection Agency that provides customized
Institute launched the ERI Toolkit (ERIT) in 2018. Since then, ERIT has strategies to build resilience to climate change. With a focus on
been updated and expanded to include even more relevant planning Indiana and the Midwest, ERIT has become a model that other states
information for decision-makers in Indiana and the Midwest. are following to provide region-specific information and resources to
communities.
Most recently, ERI staff have made it easier for community leaders to
access climate adaptation strategy resources, which provide tangible
actions local governments can take to prepare for anticipated and “Local governments need this kind of information
experienced climate change impacts, such as more hot days and because we know the effects of climate change
extreme rain events.
are only going to get stronger in time.”
“To help ERIT users find the information they’re seeking, we simplified
our adaptation strategies resource to make it more relevant to Midwest Additional features supported by ERIT include continuously updated
governments,” said Andrea Webster, ERI’s implementation manger. “We funding opportunities for communities across the Midwest that want to
also added new content that covers energy, transportation, ecosystem conduct resilience projects, more than 25 new case studies detailing
planning, and food and agriculture. Local governments need this kind how local governments have executed projects, and additional
of information because we know the effects of climate change are only resources in the library and tools section.
going to get stronger in time.”
12 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.AIC
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Stay Connected. www.indianacounties.org
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www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 13Spotlight on the AIC Board
Sue Ann Mitchell Jarrod Hahn Dennis G. Eaton Jennifer Hayden
Title: Title: Wells County Surveyor Title: Daviess County Assessor Title: Hamilton County Recorder
Kosciusko County Council
Member Number of years involved Number of years involved Number of years involved
with the AIC: 15 with the AIC: 21 with the AIC: 6
Number of years involved
with the AIC: 25 Years in public service: 15+ Years in public service: 35 Years in public service: 36
Years in public service: 44
Occupation: County Surveyor Occupation: County Assessor Occupation: Hamilton County
My county is an AIC member Recorder
because: Kosciusko County My county is an AIC member My county is an AIC member
maintains membership because of because: I think that most of because: We are interested in My county is an AIC member
educational opportunities provided,
our officials value the training the betterment of all counties because: One reason Hamilton
assistance when special issues arise that
impact county government, prescription
and education that you receive and enjoy working with our County is a member of the AIC is
card reimbursement program, legislative being a part of the association. peers. to network and learn from other
impact benefiting county government Having people at the statehouse counties that may be facing
and TRECS program. Kosciusko County with our interests in mind is also Why do you serve on the AIC similar issues or events.
has been able to implement many ideas invaluable. board? I’m President of the
because of the AIC relationship. County Assessor’s Association Why do you serve on the AIC
Why do you serve on the and consider it an honor to board? I like to serve on the AIC
Why do you serve on the AIC
board? Avis Gunter, prior President AIC board? I think that represent all county assessors. Board to keep abreast of issues
of the AIC, instilled in me the impact having a number of different that are important to county
AIC has on county government. I love perspectives on the board is a government as well as being a
the interaction of the various elected good thing. Every office has their Share a fun fact about your representative to the 92 county
officials serving on the board and their
own challenges and interests, county: We are the host of the recorders statewide.
commitment to the AIC as we come Daviess County Turkey Trot and
representing the interests of a
together for the good of all members.
small county surveyors office is the White River Valley Antique Share a fun fact about your
I believe no one of us is as smart as all
of us. why I serve. Association Show annually county: Hamilton County
during the month of September. has more roundabouts than
Share a fun fact about your Share a fun fact about your any other county. Out of
county: Kosciusko County, in addition county: At one time, there were approximately 150 roundabouts,
to being the “Orthopedic Capital” of the
2 Indian reserves in our county, the City of Carmel has 125.
world and boasting 101 lakes with one of
there is still some evidence of
them being including the largest natural
lake in Indiana (Wawasee) and one of these reserves today.
them being the deepest natural lake in
Indiana (Tippecanoe). We are also home
to Maple Leaf Farms, one of the largest
commercial duck farms in the US.
14 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.AT THE HEART OF
COMMUNITY
GROWTH
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www.indianacounties.org
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 15Scholarship Applications
2020 INDIANA COLLEGE
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Sponsored by Association of Indiana Counties & SRI, Inc.
ELIGIBILITY
SRI is awarding $500 scholarships to four students. To be eligible for this $500 scholarship, the applicant must be a spring 2020
graduate of an Indiana high school and plan to start attending a school of higher edu-cation in Indiana in the fall of 2020. The
applicant must be an employee of county government or the child or grandchild of an Indiana county employee or an elected
official of an AIC Affiliate Office or department ap-pointed by an AIC Affiliate Office. Applicant must write a 500-800 word essay
using the following criteria as a guideline and include this completed application or all information included in this application
in your cover letter.
CRITERIA
• Community or school involvement and/or achievements • Demonstrated leadership
• Financial need. Are you receiving any other scholarships that cover tuition? • Clear goals
• Writing skill and essay presentation
Applicant must complete this application and return with essay by June 10, 2020 to:
Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. (AIC) Attn: Awards Committee
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1575 • Indianapolis, IN 46204
The winner(s) will be announced this fall at the AIC Annual Conference and at a County Commissioner’s meeting in the winner’s
home county. Each $500 award will be presented to the winners at the AIC Annual Conference this September. If selected as a
winner, please email a digital photo (headshot) and brief bio (50-70 words) for inclusion in AIC announcements to
emallers@indianacounties.org no later than September 4, 2020.
Student’s Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Address _________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Phone Number _______________________________ Student’s email address________________________________
High School She/He Attends_________________________________________________________________________________
College or University She/He Plans to Attend____________________________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) Name(s) __________________________________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) email address______________________________________________________________________
Name of County Government where parent is employed__________________________________________________________
Job Title & AIC Affiliate Office where qualifying parent is employed__________________________________________________
16 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.Scholarship Applications
2020 INDIANA COLLEGE
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Sponsored by Association of Indiana Counties & Nationwide Retirement Solutions
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for this $1,000 scholarship, the applicant must be the graduate of an Indiana high school and plan to enroll in a
school of higher education in the fall of 2020 for undergraduate studies. Previous winners of this scholarship are not eligible to
apply. The applicant’s parent, grandparent or legal guardian must be an Indiana county employee of an AIC Affiliate Office or
department appointed by an AIC Affiliate Office. NOTE: the parent, grandparent or legal guardian must be enrolled in
and contribute to the NACo 457 Deferred Compensation Plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Applicant
must write a 500-800 word essay using the following criteria as a guideline and include this completed application or all
information included in this application in your cover letter.
CRITERIA
• Community or school involvement and/or achievements • Demonstrated leadership
• Financial need. Are you receiving any other scholarships that cover tuition? • Clear goals
• Writing skill and essay presentation
Applicant must complete this application and return with essay by June 10, 2020 to:
Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. (AIC) Attn: Awards Committee
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1575 • Indianapolis, IN 46204
The winner will be announced this fall at the AIC Annual Conference and at a County Commissioner’s meeting in the winner’s home
county. The first $500 installment will be presented to the winner during the first semester of the 2020-2021 college year and the
second $500 installment will be awarded during the second semester in early 2021. The winner will be recognized at the 2020
AIC Annual Conference. If selected as a winner, please email a digital photo (headshot) and brief bio (50-70 words) for
inclusion in AIC announcements to emallers@indianacounties.org no later than September 4, 2020.
Student’s Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Address _________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Phone Number _______________________________ Student’s email address________________________________
High School Name____________________________ High School location _____________________ Graduation Year________
College or University She/He Plans to Attend____________________________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) Name(s) __________________________________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) email address______________________________________________________________________
Name of County Government where parent is employed__________________________________________________________
Job Title & AIC Affiliate Office where qualifying parent is employed__________________________________________________
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 172020 COUNTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD APPLICATION
The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) recognizes the many valuable innovations and improvements are taking
place in Indiana county government through the awarding of the annual County Achievement Awards. The award
winners chosen are those counties that have demonstrated problem-solving capabilities above and beyond day-to-
day operations. The County Achievement Awards will be presented at the AIC’s Annual Conference Awards Banquet
this fall. To view videos of previous award winners visit http://www.youtube. com/aoinco.
CRITERIA
• The improvement required substantial leadership and perseverance on the part of county elected officials
• Recommended that it can be utilized by other counties but in some cases the project cannot be duplicated
• It resulted in cost savings or increased efficiency and effectiveness of county government
• It required cooperation with other county offices, departments or other units of government
• It was a creative approach to solving a difficult problem
GUIDELINES
Nominations should be made using the application form below. Nominations must be submitted by an elected
county official. A narrative of the county improvement must be included; please limit to three pages. The
deadline for nominations is June 10, 2020. Judging will be conducted by a special committee appointed by
the AIC president.
NOMINATION FORM
• MUST complete this form and send with any supporting documents. This form MUST be signed by a current
county elected official from the nominated county.
• Attach a narrative of the county improvement/project/program (Recommended 3 page limit).
• May also include other supporting text or video documents on CD.
• Nominations must be postmarked by June 10, 2020 to:
Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. (AIC)
Attn: Awards Committee
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1575, Indianapolis, IN 46204
County Nominated ______________________________________________________________________________
Type of Improvement/Project/Program______________________________________________________________
(MUST INVOLVE ONE OR MORE AIC AFFILIATE OFFICES)
Nomination Submitted by_________________________________________ Title ___________________________
(MUST BE A CURRENT, ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIAL FROM THE NOMINATED COUNTY)
Address________________________________________________________________________________________
Email Address___________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone__________________________________________________ Date_______________________________
18 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.2020 ARTHUR R. HIMSEL AWARD APPLICATION
Since 1983, the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) has honored an individual for contributing significantly
to county government through her/his involvement in the AIC. The Himsel Award is given in memory of AIC’s
founding member Arthur R. Himsel.
CRITERIA
• Current service in a county elective office
• Participated in AIC’s programs, activities and/or committees
• Demonstrated substantial and consistent leadership with AIC
• Provided exceptional service to a county
GUIDELINES
Nominations should be made by using this application form. Nominations must be submitted by an elected
county official. The deadline for nominations is June 10, 2020. Additional supporting information is
encouraged, particularly a brief biography and a current photo, if available. Judging will be conducted by a
special committee appointed by the AIC president.
NOMINATION FORM
• Attach a narrative of county service, participation, leadership, etc. (limit to 3 pages).
• Nominations must be postmarked by June 10, 2020 to:
Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. (AIC)
Attn: Awards Committee
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1575, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Nominee's Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Nominee’s County__________________________________ Nominee’s Elected Office________________________
Years of Service and Offices Held____________________________________________________________________
Nomination Submitted by__________________________________________ Title __________________________
(MUST BE A CURRENT, ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIAL)
Address________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone______________________________________________________________________________________
Email Address___________________________________________________________________________________
Date __________________________________________________________________________________________
www.IndianaCounties.org March/April 2020 INDIANA NEWS 92 192020 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COOPERATION
AWARD APPLICATION
This award was created to encourage cooperative relations, to improve productivity and efficiency, and to
reward such actions between and among local units of government. Those local units of government include
county and municipal governments and their subordinate units. One nominee must be a member of the
Association of Indiana Counties (AIC). Awards will be presented at the AIC annual conference. To view videos
of the previous award winners visit http://www.youtube.com/aoinco.
CRITERIA
• Demonstrate cooperation between one or more municipalities and county(s) and include a high level
of positive collaboration
• Innovation
• Positive impact on the community and the participating governmental units
• Potential for the activity to serve as a model for other local governments
GUIDELINES
Nominations should be made by submitting this application form to the AIC. Entries must be signed by an
elected county official. The deadline for nominations is June 10, 2020. Please include a narrative explaining
the project and addressing the criteria above, not to exceed 600 words. Supportive documentation of up to five
letter-sized pages may be included. Video not to exceed 15 minutes and up to five still photographs may also
be submitted with the nomination. Judging will be conducted by a special committee appointed by the AIC
president.
NOMINATION FORM
• MUST complete this form and send with any supporting documents. This form MUST be signed by a county
elected official from the nominated county.
• Attach a narrative of the county improvement/project/program (Recommended 3 page limit).
• May also include other supporting text or video documents on CD.
• Nominations must be postmarked by June 10, 2020 to:
Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. (AIC)
Attn: Awards Committee
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1575, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Local Governments Nominated _____________________________________________________________________________
Type of Programs/Activities/Projects_________________________________________________________________________
(MUST INVOLVE ONE OR MORE AIC AFFILIATE OFFICES)
Nomination Submitted by_________________________________________ Title ____________________________________
(MUST BE A CURRENT, ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIAL FROM THE NOMINATED COUNTY)
Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Email Address____________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone______________________________________________________ Date____________________________________
20 INDIANA NEWS 92 March/April 2020 Association of Indiana Counties Inc.CHAMPIONS FOR PUBLIC
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