Blackford County Budget Workshop Brings Major Requests: Deputy Pay, New Inspector, Probation Merger, Jail Nursing

From the Blackford County Council Budget Workshop #1 on August 3, 2026

The Blackford County Council held its first 2027 budget workshop on August 3, hearing department requests in a marathon session. No votes were taken — this was informational only. Budget Workshop #2 is scheduled for August 5, with the public appeals hearing on August 19.

Sheriff's Department — Pay Increases for Deputies and Jailers

Sheriff Heflin is requesting that the deputy salary base increase from $56,000 to $60,000 to match comparable counties. Jailer base pay would rise from $42,000 to $44,000. Blackford County is reportedly the lowest-paying county in Indiana for jailers. To offset costs, the sheriff removed an unfilled 11th deputy position from the budget, cut the vehicle budget in half by switching to a three-vehicle loan, and reduced equipment spending from $50,000 to $20,000. A federal task force partnership could bring in $120,000.

Blackford County Area Planning Commission — New Full-Time Inspector Requested

The APC director is requesting a new full-time building inspector and code enforcement officer at $50,000 per year, plus part-time office help at $16,200 per year. Building permits have surged 61% — 240 permits issued through July 31, 2026, compared with 149 for all of 2025. Wind and solar permits are contributing to the increase. The current building inspector is a part-time contractor who cannot issue stop-work orders. The position would also require a new vehicle at $50,000. The council discussed requiring certification for the role.

Circuit Court — Probation and Community Corrections Merger

The judge announced plans to merge the probation department and community corrections effective January 1, 2027, coinciding with the chief probation officer's retirement. The request includes a new full-time compliance and field officer to handle compliance checks, curfew verification, and warrant assistance. State formula says Blackford County needs 3.5 probation officers; this plan would put them at three plus the field officer.

Public Defender — Second Full-Time Position

Public Defender Aaron Henderson is requesting a second full-time deputy public defender at $73,920 per year. Henderson argues a full-time employee can take on cases reimbursed at 40% by the state, whereas overflow cases currently go to contracted attorneys at hourly rates — potentially $90,000 to $100,000 annually. Henderson is expected to present detailed figures at the August 5 workshop or August 19 hearing.

Jail Medical — More Nursing Hours Requested

Sheriff Heflin is requesting jail nursing hours increase from 18 to 30 hours per week through provider Quality Correctional Care at a cost of $190,000 per year. The jail averages 65 inmates daily. Comparable counties with similar populations provide significantly more nursing hours. The increase would also add weekly mental health visits, currently biweekly. The sheriff is meeting with two other medical providers for competing quotes.

Highway Department — Foreman Raise

Highway Superintendent requested a raise for the highway foreman from $28.39 to $29.80 per hour, approximately 5%. The foreman was kept at a flat rate during a transition year when a predecessor retired, and the superintendent wants to make up for that initial shortfall.

Purdue Extension — Regionalization Saves $31,000

Purdue Extension's regionalization pilot reduces Blackford County's contractual services from $131,000 to $100,000 — a $31,000 savings based on the new population-based funding model. Purdue is also internalizing travel and training costs. An intern program is offered at $20,000 for 1,000 hours of work by a local youth on community priorities. Net savings even with the intern: approximately $11,000. The council appeared favorable.

IT Services — In-House Option Explored

The county's current IT contract with Meriplex costs approximately $79,000 per year and runs through June 2027. Total IT spending including hardware and software is approximately $229,000 annually. Multiple council members expressed interest in hiring an in-house IT director at roughly $80,000 to $85,000. The decision was deferred since the contract runs through next year.

Other Requests

The coroner's autopsy budget would increase from $20,000 to $25,000. The EMA director reported the Emergency Operations Center generator has not been serviced in several years and needs maintenance. The courthouse annex's north-side ADA ramp needs tear-out and replacement for code and safety compliance — cost estimates are pending. The county's 4-H insurance request increased from $20,000 to $25,000 due to rising premiums. Animal shelter funding was held at $40,000.

Source: Blackford County Council Budget Workshop #1 transcript, August 3, 2026 (YouTube)

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.