FULTON COUNTY – The Library Board of the Fulton County Public Library (FCPL) presented a resolution to perform renovations to the library. The Board was granted up to $2.8 million for the renovations. Councilwoman Phyl Olinger abstained from the vote due to her affiliation with the Library Board. The resolution was approved.

A representative from the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation Board discussed their recent activities, including water sampling at Lake Manitou and their attendance at the county fair. They expressed a desire to acquire an educational trailer under the Clean Water Indiana initiative and reported a recent 3% cost of living adjustment for the area.

The Fulton County Highway Department provided updates on several key projects. Comcast is conducting boring under US 31 to install fiber optic cables. The department is installing a new roof on the salt building, funded out of pocket and from next year’s budget. Additionally, they are selling a backhoe with 6,000 operational hours for $24,000. Concerns were raised about Bridge 106’s poor condition, with a $34,000 hydraulic study approved to analyze fees and design, and future construction planned for 2026. To address unexpected expenses, the council approved up to $34,000 from the Rainy Day Fund. The council also approved a request to sign a $42,965 contract for installing a new roof on the Highway Department’s Salt Building in Kewanna. The Highway Department Commissioner discussed the need for overall repairs to their main service shop, including fixing roof leaks and structural issues. The council approved using the Rainy Day Fund to completely re-side the building and address various structural concerns for $29,500 plus an additional cost for window repair.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Department reported an increase in the average daily inmate population, totaling 140 inmates, including those from surrounding counties and federal detainees. This generated $114,000 in invoicing for out-of-county housing. The department is outfitting K-9 Tahoes, expected to be ready in three weeks, and highlighted upcoming training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in August. Despite recent weather challenges, department staff attended the county fair. Additionally, they are working with dispatch and IT to update geolocation software for improved dispatch routing.

The council approved the minutes from the June 18th meeting and made several significant appropriations:

• $800,000 for Parkview EMS coverage in Fulton County.
• $19,580 to pay for legal counsel for EMS services.
• $100,000 for the construction of a maintenance building for the Fulton County Jail.
• $36,372.25 for the purchase and setup of a new transport vehicle for the Fulton County Jail.

Looking ahead, there are several community events planned. On Saturday, July 20th at 4 PM, there will be an Honor Guard Benefit at the Fulton County Museum. The benefit will pay off a short-term loan used to purchase a new transport bus. Additionally, there will be a Motorcycle Ride for the benefit, with sign-up starting at 9:30 AM at the American Legion and concluding at the museum at 4 PM.