The Vigo County Council on Monday approved use of $377,783 in opioid settlement dollars for programs that aim to keep those with substance use and mental health issues out of jail by connecting them with needed services.
The funding is for 2026 and would pay for two case managers for the Vigo County RISE program and one case manager for the Vigo County Mental Health Treatment Court.
The funds also would go toward benefits and related program expenses including drug screens and mileage.
RISE stands for Reinvest, Initiative, Support, Educate.
The funding request was made by Vigo Circuit and Superior Courts to be able to continue the RISE program, in which case workers connect those with substance abuse and mental health issues with needed services.
Those services can include transportation to appointments and programs; enrollment in health insurance and treatment programs; or assisting with housing or employment.
The RISE program has had three case managers that have been funded by Health First Indiana, state funding provided to counties. But the state has significantly reduced that funding.
Vigo County received $2.4 million through Health First Indiana in 2025, but it will receive only $660,000 in 2026 and 2027.
Vigo County Superior Court 1 Judge Charles Johnson appeared before the council to request the money.
Quick intervention by those case workers to connect people in the criminal justice system with services can help keep those individuals out of jail, Johnson said.
Rob Roberts, Vigo County chief deputy prosecutor, and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun, also spoke in support of funding for the case workers.
“If we want to continue to impact people and set them up for success, rather than set them up for failure, these are the types of services we need to continue to provide,” Roberts said.
The council approved the funding by a 5-0 vote.
On Wednesday, Superior Court Div. 3 judge Sarah Mullican said, “We’re thrilled and we want to continue the program. We think it’s been a really important program for Vigo County,” she said.
Sakbun, reached Wednesday, stated, “The state Legislature decided to cut Health First Indiana funding by 70%. Now we are seeing first hand just how dangerous of a decision that was.
“Our opioid funds are limited and a Band-Aid fix,” said the mayor. “But the county RISE Program is keeping people out of jail and in the workforce. State cuts once again are hurting Hoosiers. Here at the local level we will do what we can to pick up the pieces.”
During the meeting ,Sakbun said the city also receives opioid settlement funds, and he proposed a joint working group between the city and county to come up with a long-term plan on use of opioid settlement funds.
Public officials’ pay
In a separate matter, the council adjusted pay for elected officials for 2026; the adjustment moves most elected officials to the state midpoint as determined by the Baker Tilly study recommendations for salaries that would compete with employees from other counties.
However, county council members will receive just a 3% increase next year, which is less than the midpoint.
On Wednesday, Council President David Thompson said, “The Baker Tilly study had the council midpoint relatively high. It’s hard to justify for us.”
In 2026, county commissioners will make $93,377 and county council members will receive $22,479. The county assessor, county clerk, coroner, recorder, surveyor and treasurer will make $77,878. The Vigo County sheriff salary would be $183,513.
Warming center funds
In other matters, Sakbun initially requested $30,000 from the county to assist with staffing the Lotus Center warming center for the homeless this winter.
The warming center is a joint effort between Mental Health America of West Central Indiana and the city.
The county approved $15,000 from its rainy day fund.
The city is dedicating $30,000 for the warming center and will use those funds before using county money, Sakbun said.
The warming center has expanded weather criteria on when it will open.