Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CLAYPOOL - The Claypool Town Council discussed a potential six-figure stipend the town may be receiving from the Department of Homeland Security during a council meeting Tuesday.
Council said the monies tie into an arrest recently made by Town Marshal Trevor Long, who was on routine patrol when he found an individual with a federal warrant for their arrest. Council also noted the individual could not be taken to the Kosciusko County Jail and that Long brought the person to a federal facility in Fulton County. Council President Benny Stage said Long was allowed to make the arrest since he is a federal marshal.
During the initial discussion, Stage made a motion to create a designated fund to receive the stipend but make no further decisions until questions were answered. The motion was then approved by council until resident and former council member Niki Miller asked several questions about the stipend. As discussion progressed, Clerk-Treasurer Pat Warner said it was a $107,000 stipend. Long was not present at the council meeting to address council or resident questions.
Council member Don Miller said the money is available to local towns through the One Big Beautiful Bill.
"We can use that for funding in police work, as well as equipment, vehicles, that sort of thing," said Don.
Warner asked council about a memorandum of understanding related to the stipend that needs to be signed by council. She said she asked Long to provide her a copy of the MOU but that Long did not do so.
"If he doesn't give that to me, I'm sending that money back," said Warner. "I'm not taking it."
Stage told Warner he had a signed copy of the MOU and would provide it to her.
Warner also asked council if Long had the authority to take individuals to facilities outside of the jurisdiction. Council said he did if it involved an arrest.
Niki asked who gave Long authority to apply for the money.
"He can't do that on his own," said Niki. "You as the council have to approve any monies that he requests, whether it be grant monies, or anything. You guys have to approve that first. He doesn't have the authority to do that without you doing this in a public meeting. If he's already signed an agreement, this is a problem. You've broken Open Door Law. You have to discuss any of this stuff in a public meeting first. This is a lot of money, and this is the first I've heard of this."
Don said the topic was discussed during an administrative meeting on May 18. However, administrative meetings are not advertised to the public.
"If you discussed it in an admin meeting, that is illegal for you to come here and make a decision," said Niki. "You're putting yourselves at risk. What are you doing? I don't feel like this was very open and transparent, especially if the money's already coming."
Council member Gene Warner said no decision was made on the topic and that there was only discussion at the administrative meeting.
Town attorney Rama Sobhani said he hadn't seen the MOU and that it appeared Long had entered into an agreement without his consultation. He told Niki he was unsure if it was an Open Door Law violation and would need to look into that further.
Following Niki's questions and Sobhani's request to take the topic under advisement, Stage withdrew his motion to create a designated fund for the stipend.
For additional discussions regarding the stipend, council said those would occur at a scheduled special meeting, which would be open to the public; or at the next regular council meeting. Council also said they would ensure Long would be present.
In other business, council heard a brief update from Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe on the town's park project. Roe asked for permission to apply for three grants through the Community Amenities Program, K21 Health Foundation and The Dekko Foundation on the town's behalf. Council approved Roe doing so.
Council also:
• Approved State Revolving Fund payments to Crosby Construction in the amount of $645,826 and G&G Hauling and Excavating for $53,953.
• Held a second reading for and approved an ordinance establishing a redevelopment authority for the town.
• Heard the Kosciusko County Freedom Fest will be from June 5-7 at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. Events include a parade, 5K, fireworks, a concert featuring Darryl Worley and more.
• Heard Big Boy 4014, the largest operational steam engine in the United States, will be traveling through Claypool during the afternoon hours of June 5.
• Heard a community yard sale is scheduled for the weekend of June 27-28. Residents can call Michael Russ at 260-267-6103 to confirm their participation.
Council's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 at the Claypool Lions Club building.
