Union and municipal speakers told the MUST meeting that public-safety funding (fire, EMS and police services funded today by public-safety LIT) faces risks under the new structure; union leaders cited call volume, pay competition and retention pressures.

Jason Cha, president of IFFF Local 1348, told the MUST meeting that Delaware County's fire and EMS departments face staffing and pay pressures and urged leaders to prioritize public‑safety funding in the task force's recommendations.

Council approved moving to the consent agenda applications and acceptances for several public‑safety grants: a $500,000 PCCD application to expand the GRACE diversion program and acceptance of a $902,000 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant to fund public defender advocates. Councilors asked staff to check grant terms and leases associated with some awards.

Delaware County 911 staff briefed the council on a three‑year, $85,000‑per‑year AI proposal to handle non‑emergency calls. Staff said the statewide 911 fund can cover the cost and a contract will be presented to commissioners.

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 24 approved a balanced 2026 budget that preserves public safety and infrastructure funding and includes a millage reduction estimated to save property owners about $6.7 million next year.

Sheriff Jeff Balzer told commissioners the office has expanded accreditation and training, reported large drug-task-force seizures and the opening of a 24-hour Narcan vending machine, and asked for funding for ballistic helmets and phased jail renovations while acknowledging staffing and training-center cost pressures.

Maintenance and facilities staff reported leaks at the Justice Center and insufficient cooling in the IT room; commissioners directed an independent assessment of the recent roof work and agreed to initiate a formal bid/specification process for repairs expected to exceed $150,000. IT quotes for a larger cooling unit and redundancy were requested for review.

Delaware County commissioners unanimously approved an emergency resolution Nov. 12, 2025 requesting flags on county and public properties be lowered to half-staff to honor Corporal Blake Reynolds, a sheriff's deputy killed while helping a stranded motorist on I‑69. The measure cites Indiana Code 36-2-2-2 and directs county offices to notify local (

Commissioners finalize FEMA-approved multi-hazard mitigation plan for local town adoption.

Board honors local law enforcement and public safety services during Peace Officers Memorial Day.