County officials attend legislative conference

Dubois County Commissioner Elmer Brames, County Treasurer Kitty Merkley, County Recorder Jackie McPherron and County Clerk Amy Kippenbrock recently attended the Association of Indiana Counties’ 2020 Legislative Conference.

Nearly 300 county officials from around the state met with legislators to express their concerns about local government issues at the two-day event in Indianapolis.

The AIC briefed county officials about legislation being discussed in the Indiana General Assembly that would have an impact on counties. Attendees also heard from Gov. Eric Holcomb, as well as several other state elected officials.

An opening session featured Dr. Michael Hicks from Ball State University. He discussed tax increment finance and nonprofit hospital issues. Jill Carnell from the Indiana Department of Administration also discussed the importance of an accurate census count in 2020.