COUNTY COUNCIL: Farm bill fears affect low-income families locally

Sep. 20—GOSHEN — Elkhart County's WIC program is at risk.

Elkhart County Council on Thursday discussed the future of the federally subsidized program.

Councilman David Hess said he didn't believe the farm bill that funds the program would be passed before it sunsets on Sept. 30, and asked what happens if the money doesn't come in. Currently, the farm bill, which first expired but was extended in 2023, has not been extended for 2025.

"If those funds get cut federally, then our funds get cut locally," said Elkhart County Health Officer Melanie Sizemore.

She explained that the contract comes through the state, which receives and distributes the federal funding.

The board voted to approve both the $1.3 million for the WIC program, and $129,000 for the WIC breastfeeding peer counselors, with the understanding that the state would renew some of the expenditures, but if the bill isn't renewed, the WIC program would end.

The peer counselors who educate and support breastfeeding initiatives for the health department's program would also be let go.

—Cassandra Weaver was appointed as trustee for the Nappanee Public Library Board of Trustees. Her term expires Oct. 1, 2028.

—The council approved a transfer from the general fund of $130,000 to pay a subtractor who was inspection construction at the new county courts complex.

—The C.R. 10 and C.R. 17 signal camera detection system will be undergoing replacement. The council approved $40,000 from the EDIT fund to pay for the repair.

—The council approved a transfer for the Highway Department to begin repairs to Bridge 332. In August, it was determined that the bridge along C.R. 142, west of C.R. 29, was suffering from a critical failure. The council approved $250,000 to United Consulting to begin engineering design. The council also approved $226,000 for design fees for the replacement of Bridge 410 at College Avenue and Horn Ditch. The county will be working alongside the city of Goshen which is also working on a project nearby.

—The council approved a transfer from Economic Development Income Tax fund of $300,000 for continued upgrades and maintenance including chiller problems at the jail.

—The Elkhart County Highway Department Steury Avenue location will be receiving a new and improved garage door. Priced at $20,000, the new wash bay door will replace the basic overhead door on the building, in the hopes that having the correct door will ensure the life of the door.

—The council approved $75,000 from the C.R. 6 & 17 North East Tax Increment Finance District to pay for preliminary design for Beech Grove, a property near the southeast corner of C.R. 17 and C.R. 20 that may one day become a county park.

—The council approved an amendment to the agreement for the gas rights for the county landfill project with Northern Biogas. The due diligence period agreement was extended to Oct. 1 for the company to obtain financing, bonds insurance, and other accommodations but does not extend the length of time to complete the project.