Plan Commission Board

The Plan Commission meets once a month at 6:00 PM in the Commissioner's Room.

Members include: Lynn Bowen (President), Tyler Young (Vice President) Jeff Campos, Darci Gaff, Zachary Holsinger, Kevin Myers, Ethan Prough, Shannon Schrock, Paul Yoder, Robbie Miller (Zoning Administrator) and Christa McCormick (Secretary to the Board).

Real Property

• Cyclical Reassessment
• Real Estate (new construction, change to or removal of improvements)
• Appeals (https://www.in.gov/dlgf/2508.htm)
• Sales Disclosures/Transfers

Assessor's office can provide the following:

• Aerial maps of county with soil type identification.
• Photographs of Dwellings.
• Property Record Cards
• Copy of Sales Disclosures

Traffic Violations

Motorist: You have been issued a Traffic Complaint & Summons. You should either PAY or DENY the citation before the appearance date located at the bottom of the citation.

Denying the Ticket

You must send your written denial to the court, a trial date will be set. If you fail to appear at trial a default judgment will be entered & will result in license suspension.

Admitting/Payment Ticket

Mail a MONEY ORDER for the amount listed on the charge. Send ticket copy or write the ticket number on the Money Order. Should you require a receipt please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to:

LaGrange County Traffic Violation
105 N. Detroit Street
LaGrange, IN 46761

**NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL**

Pay Violation by Credit/Debit card

Call PayGov at 1-866-480-8552 24 hours a day

Visit the State of Indiana Online Court Payment System.

FAILURE TO PAY judgment and costs within 30 days will result in Failure to Appear to Pay notice sent to BMV and YOUR LICENSE WILL BE SUSPENDED until payment is made.

Deferral Program

LaGrange County has a deferral program for traffic tickets. If you are eligible, you will receive written notice within thirty (30) days. Please hold payment of tickets for at least 20 days to see if deferral information arrives. Payment of violation prior to receiving deferral information will eliminate you from this program. If you have questions regarding the Deferral Program contact the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at 260-499-6326.

*Federal law prohibits CDL licensed drivers from qualifying for deferral program.

Any other questions you may have regarding your Ticket (Complaint & Summons), please contact the Clerk’s Office at 260-499-6375.

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm. (Eastern Standard Time)

Schedule of Judgment and Costs

Amount Due: Amount is figured by adding a one-time fee of $139.50 to the fine(s) listed below. If you received two violations during the same stop, you add $139.50 plus the fine amount for each violation.

Engineering

Drainage Board

Mission Statement

The mission of the LaGrange County Drainage Board is to maintain and repair county drains/tiles in compliance with State and County laws and professional drainage standards; to work so that all drains/tiles are adequately functioning; all while working with the public and landowners to build strong relationships.

The LaGrange County Drainage Board will consist of one County Commissioner and four citizens. The LaGrange County Surveyor will serve as ex officio as a non-voting, non-officer member of the Board. The Surveyor’s secretary serves as the Board secretary.

The following are reasons to petition the Drainage Board:

• Reconstruction of a county regulated drain and/or tile system
• Requesting a new county regulated drain, tile system or lateral
• Adding a culvert/bridge to a county regulated drain
• Construction in the right-of-way of county regulated drain/tile system
• Less than 75’ from top of bank of an open ditch or center of tile
• Maintenance of county regulated drain and/or tile system

Board Members

• Ben Taylor, Chair, 2021
• Todd Perkins, Vice Chair, 2021
• Freeman Miller, Member, 2022
• Eric Knepp, Member, 2022
• Kevin Myers, Member/Commissioner
• Samantha Emrick, Secretary

Meeting Schedule

The LaGrange County Drainage Board meets the first Tuesday of the month at 8:30 A.M. in the Commissioner’s Room, 114 W. Michigan St., LaGrange.

*Meetings are subject to change due to public hearings.*

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The LaGrange County Emergency Planning Committee is a state entity created pursuant to SARA Title Ill, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. The committee has been appointed by the Indiana Emergency Response Commission.

The primary purpose of the Committee is to implement SARA Title Ill in Indiana, but its broader purpose is to enhance environmental protection and public health and safety as these are affected by chemical hazards in LaGrange County.

Member List:

• Terry Martin – Chairman (Local Government)
• Jim Young (Local Government)
• Harold Gingerich (Local Government)
• Mark Eagleson (Local Government)
• Tad Hite (Local Government)
• Tracy Harker - Vice Chairman (Law Enforcement)
• Juan Arroyo (Law Enforcement)
• Martin Franke (Environmental)
• Kyle Burchett (Environmental)
• Stewart Bender (Firefighting/Local Government)
• Tyler Terry (Firefighting)
• Jeremy Hoover (Hospital)
• Delbert Miller (Industry)
• David Billows (Community Groups)
• Denise Landers (Community Groups)
• Logan Ison (EMS)
• Julie Johnston (EMS)
• Bill Morr - Secretary (Emergency Management)
• Alicia Milliman (Health)
• Jessica Price (Health)
• Aaron Fugate (Transportation)
• Tharon Morgan (Transportation)
• Amy Oberlin (Media)
• Patrick Redmond (Media)

Parks & Recreation Board

The Park Board is responsible for:

• General supervision and rulemaking for the County Parks Department. 
• Governing the use of all County Park Department facilities and rental rates by the public. 
• Appointing administrative officers and fixing their duties.
• Establishing standards and qualifications for County Park Department personnel.
• Preparing an annual budget for the department and reporting its recommendations to County Commissioners.

Meeting Schedule:

• Monthly on the third Thursday at 7 pm at Maple Wood Nature Center. 
• The schedule and location are subject to change. You may call or email the park office to confirm.

2024 Board Members:

• John Egli, President
• Eric Maginn, Vice President
• Julia Wolheter, member
• Paul Baker, member
• Perry Miller, member
• Michael Holcomb, member ex-efficio appointed by LaGrange County Soil & Water Conservation 

Property Tax Deductions

A variety of deductions are available on property taxes. Applicable information to the process includes:

• Instructions for Completing Deductions
• Insurance Specifications Request Form
• Ordinance 2013-04-15C
• Public Records Request Form

Forms to complete the applicable deductions include:

• Blind-Disabled Deduction
• Building Constructed of Coal Combustion Products Deduction
• Disabled Veteran Deductions
• Economic Revitalization Areas
• Fertilizer Storage Deductions
• Geothermal and Solar Deductions
• Heritage Barn Deduction
• Homestead Deduction Change of Use
• Homestead Deductions
• Model Residence Deduction
• Mortgage Deductions
• Over 65 Deduction
• Real Property Vacant Building Deduction
• Rehabilitated Property Deduction
• Rehabilitated Residential Property Deduction
• Residence in Inventory Deduction

Victim Assistance

Payroll

Technical Review Committee

Personal Property

Unlike Real Estate assessments, Personal Property is a self-assessment system. The taxpayer is responsible for reporting all tangible personal property that is used in their trade or business, used for the production of income, or held as an investment that should be or is subject to depreciation for federal income tax purposes.

 Per IC 6-1.1-2-1.5, the assessment date for Personal Property is January 1st beginning in 2016 and the filing is due May 15th each year.  Amended returns are allowed within twelve months from the date of original return. Only timely filed original returns can be amended per IC 6-1.1-3-7.5.

.If your total Acquisition is less than $80,000, you are not required to file Personal Property. 

Ways to file Personal Property:

-mail them in or drop off at our office

-email them to personalproperty@lagrangecounty.org

-file online at ppopin.in.gov (see useful links below) 

Friends of LaGrange County Parks

MISSION The Friends of LaGrange County Parks will support the mission of LaGrange County Parks through: fundraising and receiving contributions in support of LaGrange County Parks, promoting the activities of the Friends and the Parks Dept.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JOIN US! For walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. We encourage families to enjoy all that the park has to offer. Plan on enjoying some goodies with us around the campfire afterward. And tour through the sugar shack before you leave. Event is limited to the first 100 participants. $30 ticket includes: registration fee, event neck gaiter, a pint of pure maple syrup, and a coupon for a bag of maple kettle corn OR maple cotton candy at Maple Syrup Days on March 16 & 17. $15 ticket includes: registration fee and a coupon for a bag of maple kettle corn OR maple cotton candy at Maple Syrup Days on March 16 & 17. Eventbrite Online Registration  Printable Registration - must be mailed with payment.     We welcome event sponsors! Sponsorship Form

About

• The Friends of LaGrange County Parks began in 2011 to support the LaGrange County Department of Parks & Recreation through financial assistance and volunteer projects.
• Received grants to further enhance our parks, most notably a $250,000 grant for the restoration of Mike Metz Fen at Pine Knob Park.
• Participate in various events such as: Maple Syrup Days, Not-So-Spooky, LaGrange County Connecting with Youth, and other programs in support of the Parks Department.
• Sponsor fundraising activities such as an annual Sap Run & Syrup Stroll which is held the Saturday before Maple Syrup Days.

2024 Board Officers

• President, Kathy Hopper
• Vice-President, Eric Maginn
• Secretary, Elma Chapman
• Treasurer, Trenia Bowman

Meetings

• Monthly meetings, days & times vary
• Annual meeting in April for officer election
• Attendance is helpful but not required

Our funds are held by the LaGrange County Community Foundation and are earmarked for park development and programming.

Join!

New members are always welcome!  Membership Application.

Emergency Management Advisory Board

The county emergency management advisory council shall exercise general supervision and control over the emergency management and disaster program of the county.

Member List:

• Terry Martin (Local Government)
• Jim Young (Local Government)
• Harold Gingerich (Local Government)
• Mark Eagleson (Local Government)
• Tad Hite (Local Government)
• Tracy Harker (Law Enforcement)
• Juan Arroyo (Law Enforcement)
• Martin Franke (Environmental)
• Kyle Burchett (Environmental)
• Stewart Bender (Firefighting/Local Government)
• Tyler Terry (Firefighting)
• Jeremy Hoover (Hospital)
• Delbert Miller (Industry)
• David Billows (Community Groups)
• Denise Landers (Community Groups)
• Logan Ison (EMS)
• Julie Johnston (EMS)
• Alicia Milliman (Health)
• Jessica Price (Health)
• Aaron Fugate (Transportation)
• Tharon Morgan (Transportation)
• Amy Oberlin (Media)
• Patrick Redmond (Media)

Child Support Enforcement

 IV-D Child Support Portal

Marriage License

Instructions for Applying for a Marriage License

1. One or both must be Resident of LaGrange County.
2. Must be 18 or older. If not, you must see Judge.
3. Both come in together to apply.
4. Must have proper identification. (Certified copy of birth certificate or driver’s license)
5. Application is good for 60 days.
6. License is $29.00 for residents of LaGrange County and $69.00 if not.

Applications are only accepted in office between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

To start your marriage application online visit: Marriage Application

Accounts Payable

Child Support

The LaGrange County Clerk’s Child Support Division is located in the LaGrange County Courthouse, 105 N Detroit St, LaGrange, Indiana 46761.  If you have questions regarding child support, you may call the office at 260-499-6372. The office is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Support Modifications

The Clerk DOES NOT have the authority to modify your payment schedule.  Your payment schedule cannot be modified without a Court Order.  If you need to modify a Support Order or determine arrearages, please consult an attorney. 

Cash Payments

Cash is the ONLY type of payment that may be made in person at the Clerk’s Office.

LaGrange County Courthouse
County Clerk
105 N Detroit St
LaGrange, IN 46761 

General Information about Your Case

General information can be determined by calling 1-800-840-8757 (KIDS Hotline).

The KIDS Information Hotline is a voice response system operated by the Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Family and Children – Child Support Bureau.  The KIDS system can be reached through your telephone and allows access to general information about child support programs as well as specific support payment and court order information as stored on the Indiana Support Enforcement Tracking System (ISETS).  Information regarding child support payments posted by both the Clerk of LaGrange Circuit Court and the State Child Support Bureau can be assessed through the KIDS system.

Support Payment History Record

A history of all payments received on a case may be obtained in the Clerk’s office ($1.00 per page). Information concerning child support is confidential therefore a photo ID is required when obtaining a payment history.

Name or Address Change

In order to provide you with the most efficient service, it is very important that support payors and support recipients inform the Clerk’s Office of any changes of name or address.  You will be required to provide the following information:

• Your Court Case Number
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Former Address and New Address
• Signature
• Photo ID

 State of Indiana Child Support Bureau         

• Custodial Party – FAQs
• Non-Custodial Party – FAQs
• Indiana’s Income Withholding Law – FAQs

Indiana Rules of Court - Child Support Rules and Guidelines

Indiana Rules of Court – Parenting Time Guidelines

Indiana Child Support Calculator

• Online Calculator for Parents
• Online Calculator for Attorneys, Judges and Other Practitioners
• Downloadable Calculator for Windows

Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals

Note: Three things may happen on appeal:

1. the assessed value may be raised;
2. it may be lowered;
3. it may remain the same

Member List

• Debra Notestine, President
• Jennifer Beechy
• Joseph Billman
• Pat Monroe, Secretary, (non-voting member)

LaGrange County Board of Zoning Appeals

The BZA is considered an administrative board that is quasi-judicial in nature. A quasi-judicial entity operates more like a court than a legislative body and uses many standards and procedures like the courts. BZA decisions are required by state law to be guided by specific criteria, and made based upon the facts, not opinions. The primary role of the board of zoning appeals is to rule on the application of the existing zoning laws as opposed to passing new laws, and therefore it is considered an administrative body.

The BZA’s duties fall into three categories:

1. Granting of variances: Developmental standards variances; and Variances of use.
2. Granting conditional uses; and
3. Appeals from administrative decisions.

There are three BZA Boards:

• County BZA
• Topeka/Wolcottville BZA
• Town of LaGrange BZA

The county Board of Zoning Appeals meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Members include:

• Tyler Young
• Lynn Bowen
• Nicholas Wilson
• Jerry Raber
• Phillip Bieberich

Alcoholic Beverage Board

This board consists of an appointee from the county council, county commissioners, town of LaGrange and the beverage commission from Indianapolis. The board hears county permit renewals, new applications, and transfers. Members assist the community and permit holders with questions regarding the laws and permits. Members direct inquiries to the local State Excise Police and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Convention & Visitors Tax Commission

This commission appoints the directors of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. It manages the income from the Innkeeper's Tax and approves budgets and generally oversees the fiscal operations of the bureau. In addition, the tax commission may authorize grants for other organizations that seek to produce tourism for the county.

Town of LaGrange Board of Zoning Appeals

The Town of LaGrange Board of Zoning Appeals meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:45 p.m., as needed.

Dissolution of Marriage

Definition of Terms

Land: The ground on which improvements may be placed. Does not include anything but the land itself.

• Land located within this county.
• A building or fixture situated on land located within this county.
• An appurtenance to land located within this county. (right of way)
• An easement on land located within this county, or an estate, right, or privilege in mines located on the land or minerals, including, but not limited to, oil and gas, located in the land, if the estate, right, or privilege is distinct from the ownership of the surface of the land.
• A gaming riverboat licensed under IC-4-33.

• Billboard and other advertising devices, which are located on real property that is not owned by the owner of the devices.
• Equipment used in the course of conducting a Business.
• Mobile homes in mobile home parks and on personally owned property.
• Foundations (other than foundations which support a building or structure) on which machinery or equipment is installed.
• All other tangible property (other than real property) which is being held for sale in the ordinary course of a trade or business, held, used, or consumed in connection with the production of income, or held as an investment.

Real Estate: The physical land and everything permanently attached to it.

Tangible Property: The combination of Real Property and Personal Property.

Tangible Personal Property: Personal Property, such as furniture, boats, boat lifts that may be sold with the property.  Anything that has physical attributes and can actually be seen and handled physically.

Intangible Personal Property: Personal Property, such as money, deposits, credits, shares of stock, bonds, notes, other evidences of indebtedness, and other evidences of property interests: paper assets.

Property Transfers

All property transfers can only be processed with a prepared legal document.  It is recommended to seek appropriate legal counsel when conveying or making any title changes to a property.  The Auditor's office cannot prepare nor assist in the preparation of any legal documents.  A legal description of the property is required to be on the conveyance document.  The legal description can be found on the most previous recorded deed that was used to convey the property.  The Recorder's office can provide a copy of the previous recorded deed on record (for a fee), if needed.  If the conveyance document meets all legal requirements for a property transfer, The Auditor's office will transfer the property in the County's property transfer books and tax software system.  The Auditor's office charges $10 per parcel.  Once the property has successfully been transferred, the legal document is sent to the Recorder's office for recording.  The Recorder's office charges their own recording fee (Please contact the LaGrange County Recorder's Office for questions regarding recording fees). A sales disclosure may also be required.  The cost for each required sales disclosure is $20.  Some transfers may require more than one sales disclosure.  Some transfers may be exempt from the sales disclosure fee.  Even though the Auditor's office collects all sales disclosure fees, it is the Assessor's office that determines if a sales disclosure is required and if so, how many and what the total cost will be. 

Property transfer fees collected by the Auditor's office

• $10 per parcel
• $20 per sales disclosure

Topeka/Wolcottville Board of Zoning Appeals

The Topeka/Wolcottville Board of Zoning Appeals meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., as needed.

Economic Development Commission

The EDC consists of three members, appointed by the commissioners to four year terms. The county council and the town of LaGrange each nominate one representative. The board meets on an as-needed basis and considers requests for using the county's tax exemption status for the borrowing of funds for economic development projects. If approved, the County acts as a conduit for financing the proposed project.

Protective Orders

LaGrange County Jail

Library Board

This board directs the Librarian, sets library policies, approves monthly claims, and approves the annual budget. Monthly public meetings are held and all activities are carried out within the guidelines of “In the Public’s Trust”. The county school boards and various local governing agencies appoint the Board members.

Small Claims

Redevelopment Commission

The RDC has the responsibility to identify blighted areas in the county then work to enhance the area so business growth takes place. The commission generates revenue by capturing the increased taxes that are generated from the blighted area after the improvements are made. The commission can borrow against this future revenue to pay for improvements such as sewer, water, electric and data service and roads. The commission can also offer to reimburse private investors for improvements made by the private company with the tax money captured after the improvements are made. The commission must balance the business interests in the county against the need local taxing units (fire departments, schools, libraries etc.) have for increased revenue to operate.

Voter Registration

Make sure you Register to VOTE!!!!

Sewer Board

This board was formed in 1990 to provide sewer systems for the more densely populated areas of the county. The board has established four regional systems with another under construction and a sixth in the planning stages. The board consists of five members, appointed by the county commissioners to four-year terms. The board employs staff to man the LaGrange office and to service the systems and customers.

Unified Development Ordinance 2024

Township Trustees