Peter Anderson

"The concern was that these projects, many of which benefited from significant taxpayer-funded incentives, lacked companies employing skilled workers at prevailing wages," said Council President Robert Cotton.

Valparaiso officials are reviewing funding requests from organizations looking to help those with substance use disorder. City council members Peter Anderson and Barbara Domer are going through applications for some of the city's opioid settlement money, before making recommendations to the full council.

"Both this individual and his family will readily admit that without our support, he wouldn't be here today with us," community recovery care coordinator Kristi Chervenak told the Valparaiso City Council last week.

The Valparaiso City Council is recognizing June as Pride Month. The council passed the resolution by a vote of six-to-one Monday, after some persuasion from the advisory human relations council.

The Valparaiso City Council is considering setting aside some cigarette tax revenue to hire its own attorney and outside consultants.

Valparaiso's 2024 budget proposal includes a minimum two-percent pay raise for city employees. City Administrator Bill Oeding says the goal is to bring everyone to the midpoint of a recent wage study, plus a two-percent cost of living adjustment.

Those looking to open a restaurant in downtown Valparaiso can now apply for a downtown liquor license. They're less expensive than a traditional liquor license, allowing entrepreneurs to put more of their investment into other parts of their business, according to City Attorney Patrick Lyp.

Plans for a community recovery care coordinator are moving forward in Valparaiso. The position would connect those with substance use disorder with treatment opportunities. The new coordinator would be employed by PACT, but would be funded by the city with its share of opioid settlement money.

The Valparaiso City Council has advanced a proposal to use the city's opioid settlement money on a new community recovery care coordinator. Council member Peter Anderson says the new position would remove some of the barriers for those with substance use disorder who want to get treatment.

Valparaiso has a number of organizations to help people struggling with addiction, but access to treatment comes with a long wait time.