The following Kosciusko County residents attended the AIC annual conference. Kneeling in front from left are HR Director Cathy Reed, and county council member Kathy Groninger. In back are Treasurer Michelle Puckett; council member Kimberly Cates; Scott Clay, Kosciusko County resident representing RQAW vendor in attendance at the conference; council member Sue Ann Mitchell; and Assistant HR Director Cari Williams. Photo provided.

News Release

ORANGE COUNTY — Kosciusko County Councilman Sue Ann Mitchell, North Webster, was elected first vice president, for the Association of Indiana Counties at its annual conference. Over 650 county officials attended the event held Sept. 25-28 in Orange County.

Also attending, representing Kosciusko County included County Treasurer Michelle Puckett; county council members Kimberly Cates and Kathy Groninger; 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.

Continuing Education Awards through the AIC Institute for Excellence were earned by Puckett; Groninger, Cates and Helser.

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.

Breakout sessions were held with each affiliate group. The Indiana County Councils Association 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.

In addition to Mitchell, other officers elected during the annual conference were Nancy Marsh, Hendricks County auditor, being elected president of the AIC board of directors. Mitchell was elected first vice president and 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 AIC 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.

Shown are 100 County Council members who attended the Association of Indiana Counties Annual Conference. Local council members Kimberly Cates, Kathy Gronminger and Sue Ann Mitchell are among those shown. Photo provided.