Department budget OK’d for 2026

Jay/Portland Building and Planning’s budget for next year is ready.

The department’s inter-local joint board approved its 2026 budget and lease agreement Monday.

Jay/Portland Building and Planning — its cost is split evenly between the city and county — proposed a $217,090.90 budget for next year, a $6,872.51 increase from the current year, according to assistant director Pati McLaughlin. She attributed the increase to rising health insurance costs as well as incorporating a 3% raise for employees as suggested by county officials.

Jay County Commissioner Duane Monroe recalled a discussion with Jay County auditor Emily Franks, saying she had felt more comfortable with departments across the board incorporating a 2% raise for employees. (Jay County Council OK’d suggesting department heads incorporate 3% raises into their budgets, with Franks noting the county can advertise the budget higher but not lower than its final amount. Council’s budget review is slated for Sept. 3.) Other questions quickly surfaced about what raises Portland and Jay County were hoping to give employees, with anywhere from 2 to 4% increases proposed by county and city officials.

McLaughlin noted the inter-local board sets its annual budget, and Jay County Council and Portland City Council have the option to either accept or deny it. Discussion turned to disagreements with council members on budget totals in years past. Board member and Jay County Council member Faron Parr talked about how similar departments in surrounding counties have more employees and require a larger budget.

“We’re saving the county $100,000 a year (that) all these others counties are spending, at least,” he said. “It’s a great deal for the city and the county.”

Board members Parr, Monroe, Ron Laux, Mike Aker and Jerry Leonhard approved the budget.

Also Monday, McLaughlin noted there were no changes in the department’s lease agreement renewal with Portland for its office space at Community Resource Center, 118 S. Meridian St.

The one-year contract with the City of Portland divides and charges rent evenly among tenants, coming to at least $350 per month.

It requires Portland to cover maintenance for permanent structures, such the parking lot, heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical fixtures. Tenants are responsible for utilities, small repairs and the cost of shared items such as cleaning supplies.

Other tenants in the building include Jay County community coordinator Darlesia Lee, Jay County Chamber of Commerce, Jay County Development Corporation and Jay County Visitors and Tourism Bureau.

Parr, Monroe, Laux and Aker — Leonhard abstained because he also serves on Portland Board of Works — approved the lease agreement.