Tippecanoe County

Raises for Tippecanoe Co employees under review

Mike Loizzo — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:50:19 +0000

Tippecanoe County officials are considering the possibility of employee raises in the next budget.

Auditor Jennifer Weston provided the commissioners with cost estimates in increments of 1% with each percent representing $577,529. That includes wages, Social Security and the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF).

Weston says PERF is increasing more than usual.

“It’s been increasing anywhere from a quarter to a half percent lately, and it’s going up 1.2% (next year),” she says. “Yeah, that’s going to be a big hit for us.”

Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service changes

Kristin Malavenda — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:29:41 +0000

A newly formed organization will be running the Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service.

Currently, Tippecanoe County Commissioners provide the ambulances and dispatch center, while Franciscan Saint Elizabeth Health staffs and operates the service. Beginning in July, the hospital group is partnering with IU Health Arnett to run the 24-hour emergency care effort.

Tippecanoe County prepares for reassessment

Mike Loizzo — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:13:35 +0000

The Tippecanoe County Council is buying a new car for the assessor’s office. The money comes from the reassessment fund and totals $16,000.

Assessor Linda Phillips says her current budget can cover the roughly $3,000 more that’s needed. She says buying a car instead of employees using their personal cars makes sense.

Local Red Cross hoping for donations of time, money in March

Kristin Malavenda — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:34:43 +0000

March is American Red Cross Month.

The Tippecanoe County chapter is launching the fifth annual Heroes Campaign.

Development Director Jennifer Edwards says local business people, school, church, and civic groups, and individuals pledge to raise $1,100 each for the effort.

She says that amount is what it costs to feed, clothe and shelter a family of four who has lost everything to a house fire.

Edwards says in addition to monetary assistance, there are other ways to be a “hero” in the community.

Tippecanoe Co. grant coordinator expects less funding in 2013

Kristin Malavenda — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:21:08 +0000

Tippecanoe County is losing federal funding for its anonymous crime reporting hotline. Grant Administrator Laurie Wilson says the grant for the WeTip program is not being offered this year.

She says the prosecutor's office will spend $50,000 from its budget to keep the hotline running. It's just one example of fewer grant opportunities available from federal and state governments.

Wilson expects to be working with less grant monehy over this year. However, she says Tippecanoe County is in a good position to claim whatever funds are available.

County and WL adopt plans to comply with ADA

Kristin Malavenda — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:54:52 +0000

Tippecanoe County and West Lafayette officials have approved “one-stop” documents designed to answer all questions about complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The A-D-A Transition Plans detail regulations for new and renovated structures, as well as provide a grievance process for individuals who feel they are being discriminated against because of their disability.

Tippecanoe County Commissioners adopted their plan yesterday.

West Lafayette Board of Works members approved a similar document today.

Culture, business highlight Chinese delegation visit

Sam Klemet — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Greater Lafayette is looking to further establish a relationship with China.

Leaders from Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County met with a group from the Shandong Province, Thursday.

The goal was to share culture and discuss business opportunities.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski calls the community’s relationship with China the best in the state.

Tippecanoe elected officials sworn in

Sam Klemet — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:36:09 +0000

The only new member of the Tippecanoe County Council says his previous experience is preparing him for his new role.

Bryan Metzger, who won one of three open at-large seats in November’s election, is replacing Kathy Vernon.

He says his time working in the county extension office gives him a solid foundation for working on the council.

"I've observed the County Council and worked with them over the years as County Extension Director, so I've been on the other side of the table," he said. "Now it's time to give back and work ahead."

Local, state child poverty rising

Sam Klemet — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:28:35 +0000

Child poverty locally and around the state is rising.

According to numbers from the Indiana Youth Institute, the percentage of kids living in poverty in Tippecanoe County rose from eleven percent in 2000 to 20-percent in 2010.

And, statewide the increase was from 12 to 22 percent during that time.

Institute President and CEO Bill Stanczykiewicz says there is a combination of factors contributing to the higher figures.

Property taxes due by midnight Tuesday

Mike Loizzo — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:58:37 +0000

This fall's property tax payment deadline was extended for the second installment, since November 10^th was Saturday and county offices were closed Monday to observe Veterans Day.

Payments must be made in person during your county treasurer’s office hours, left in designated drop-boxes, or postmarked with Tuesday’s date at the post office.

Tippecanoe County Treasurer Bob Plantenga says in addition to online payment with credit card, his office is trying out an e-check method this fall.