Prosecutor Office Continues Trying To Help Drug Offenders

(BEDFORD) – During the Lawrence County Council meeting Tuesday night, Deputy Prosecutor Bob Cline provided the Lawrence County Council updates on programs the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s office is working on.

Deputy Prosecutor Bob Cline

In his presentation, Cline noted that more than 67 percent of those on probation are unemployed. His office is identifying offenders who can be offered training at the North Lawrence Career Center in skills such as Welding and CNC (machinists work).

“Those offered the program are offenders who are more self-destructive in their behaviors and are not a threat to the community. We are trying to give them the ability to change their lives through work and there is no cost to the defendant to be a part of the program,” Cline stated.

Jerry Hill spoke that he is thankful for Prosecutor Samuel Arp and Deputy Prosecutor Bob Cline, and Public Defender Bruce Andis for helping them with their addiction issues, obtaining their HSE, and are now helping them with obtaining their driver’s license, and skills needed to become productive citizens.

” This gives hope, and get the offenders clean, and sober,” added Jerry Hill.

In other business:

Lawrence County Council members elected their officers for the new year. David Flinn will serve as president and Scott Smith as Vice-President in 2020.

Jody Edwards

Jody Edwards requested approval to move 2019 funds to another account to pay bills. A total of $398,245 will be carried over into 2020.

Jim Crane requested a budget allocation to help fund programs to fight drugs in the county. This is grant money from the State of Indiana funded by substance abuse fees. The request was approved.

Bob Cline’s budget request of $56,000 was approved. The funding comes from the Stop Grant to stop domestic violence.

April Stipp Collins

Assessor April Stipp Collins requested an additional appropriation for the assessor’s office. This is to fund a deputy position $31,729 for salary, $4,600 for retirement, and $2,500 for FIFA/Social Security. There are no insurance benefits for this position.

David Holmes Lawrence County Highway Department

David Holmes requested an appropriation of $597,511 local bridge fund. This Community Crossing Grant will be used for the bridgework on Bridge 121 over Indian Creek near Silverville.

Holmes also requested to include additional revenue generated by the wheel tax into the budget. Each year the county budget is set at $800,000 a year. The revenue from the wheel tax came in at $990,710.

The following budget transfers or additional appropriations were approved:

  • Landfill – $1,000
  • Reassessment – $38,829
  • Drug-Free Community $49,216
  • Prosecutor Office – Stop Grant ( Domestic Violence) – $56,000
  • Motor Vehicle Highway – $190.710
  • Local Road and Bridge Match Grant – $597,511
  • Motor Vehicle Highway – $952,535