The Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed Perry County commissioners’ 2023 decision to discontinue county‑paid health insurance for part‑time elected officials, rejecting a legal challenge brought by one of those officials. The ruling confirms that the commissioners acted within state law when they removed a county benefit that had previously covered some part‑time officeholders.

The case centered on an elected official who earned under $5,000 in salary from the county but had been receiving more than $26,000 a year in county‑paid health benefits. That discrepancy drew scrutiny from both county leaders and residents concerned about fairness and fiscal responsibility. Following the commissioners’ vote to end the practice for part‑time positions, the official pursued legal action; the state’s highest court has now declined to overturn the commissioners’ authority.

County leaders have said the change is expected to save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year. Officials have emphasized that full‑time employees and full‑time elected officials will not be affected by the ruling and will continue to receive their existing health coverage. Local reporting reiterated this distinction, noting the policy change targeted only part‑time elected positions that do not meet the county’s definition of full‑time employment.

For Perry County taxpayers, the immediate impact will be modest budget relief that officials contend is necessary amid ongoing cost pressures. The ruling gives county commissioners clear legal footing to manage benefit costs and to set personnel policies responsive to local fiscal realities. For residents following county board decisions, the case underscores how benefits for public employees and officeholders can become a flashpoint in debates over government spending and equity.

The decision also carries implications for part‑time officeholders. Those who relied on county‑paid insurance must now seek alternative coverage options, potentially through private markets, spouses’ plans, or state and federal programs. While the financial hit will vary by individual, the change raises practical questions about who can afford to hold unpaid or low‑paid public posts and how that may affect civic participation and representation in small communities.

Legally, the Supreme Court’s ruling provides a measure of finality and may guide other counties in Indiana that are reviewing their benefit structures. It serves as a reminder that local boards have discretion under state law to balance compensation and benefits against taxpayer responsibilities. For Perry County, the decision closes a chapter on a disputed 2023 vote and shifts attention back to how the county will allocate the projected savings and manage recruitment for part‑time elected roles going forward.