The Miami County commissioners Jan. 3 approved paying a company to provide digital law enforcement policy manual management, policy updates and briefing trainings to the sheriff's office.
The Lexipol subscription through Lexipol LLC will cost up to $23,854 in the first year, including implementation training. The department previously used a consulting company.
The commissioners were told public safety and legal professionals who monitor court decisions, legislation and trends in the industry write the Lexipol policy manual.
"This gives them the training they need. That is always a good thing," Commissioner Jack Evans said.
In other business Jan. 3, the commission OK'd the purchase of office furniture for the department of development's chief building official. The furniture will be bought from Brower Stationers in Troy for a maximum of $5,605.
The Jan. 3 meeting was the first of the year for the commission, which welcomed new member Greg Simmons.
The commission on Jan. 5 approved a new contract with First Transit Inc. to operate the county Public Transit System. The contract is effective Jan. 2, 2017, and will continue through 2019. It includes provisions for renewal of up to two additional one-year terms.
The commissioners also accepted the fiscal year 2017 Urban Transit Program grant of $46,322 for use for expenses including operating costs.
Regan Snider, county transit director, said First Transit was the incumbent service provider. "We have had a great relationship in the past. We look forward to continuing that relationship in providing efficient, effective public transit for our community," she said.
The commission approved the 2017 wage scale for the commissioners' compensation plan (including Job and Family Services employees and non-union Communication Center employees). The new minimum and maximum rate is 2 percent higher than the previous wage scale. As part of this year's appropriations, the commission in December approved 2 percent increases in salary accounts for non-union employees paid through the general fund.
The commissioners last week also approved public official bonds for county Prosecutor Tony Kendell, Recorder Jessica Lopez, Commissioner Evans, Commissioner Simmons, Engineer Paul Huelskamp and Coroner Dr. William Ginn.