Over 650 county officials attended the Association of Indiana Counties’ (AIC) annual conference Sept. 25-28 in Orange County, Ind.
Representatives from Kosciusko County included County Treasurer Michelle Puckett; County Council members Kimberly Cates, Kathy Groninger, Sue Ann Mitchell; and Human Resource Director Cathy Reed and Assistant Director Cari Williams.
The 65th annual conference offered county officials a wide variety of professional development courses as well as opportunities to network with their peers. State officials provided updates on pertinent issues facing county governments.
The AIC’s annual conference is the largest gathering of county officials in the state. Representatives from public agencies, private entities and local elected officials addressed issues such as public access laws, budgeting best practices, technology, human resources challenges, road funding, public and mental health, regional tourism and natural resource matters. AIC’s members also discussed the 2024 legislative platform covering key issues facing counties such as local taxation, criminal justice, public safety, the environment and economic development.

    Shown are 100 ICCA members in attendance at the Association of Indiana Counties Annual Conference. Photo Provided.
  

Breakout sessions were held with each affiliate group. The Indiana County Councils Association (ICCA) had 100 council members in attendance. Discussions were held on budget challenges, 2024 ICCA legislative goals, opioid funding, establishing district leaders, IT technology briefing and review of local income tax changes.
Continuing education awards through the AIC Institute for Excellence were earned by Puckett, Groninger, Cates and auditor Rhonda Helser.
In addition, the AIC annual election of officers was held with Nancy Marsh, Hendricks County auditor, being elected president of the AIC Board of Directors. Mitchell was elected first vice president; Barb Hackman, Bartholomew County treasurer, was elected second vice president. Mike LePay, Lake County commissioner, was elected secretary and Paul Sinders, Clay County commissioner, was elected treasurer. Their terms will start Nov. 1.
The Association of Indiana Counties Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1957 for the betterment of county government. The various functions of the AIC include lobbying the Indiana General Assembly on behalf of counties, serving as liaison among counties, state and federal agencies as well as providing technical assistance and training to county officials and employees.