(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), a political subdivision may not expend any funds which it has received from the state and which it is required to include in its budget estimate under IC 6-1.1-17-2 unless:

1. (1) the funds have been included in a budget estimate by the political subdivision; and
2. (2) the funds have been appropriated by the proper officers of the political subdivision in the amounts and for the specific purposes for which they may be used.

(b) The county council shall appropriate funds for the operation of the county highway department for the entire ensuing budget year for which annual appropriations are being made. The appropriation shall be for an amount which is not less than the greater of:

1. (1) seventy-five percent (75%) of the total estimated to be in the highway fund in the ensuing budget year; or
2. (2) ninety-nine percent (99%) of the total estimated to be in the highway fund in the ensuing budget year if the county commissioners file with the county council a four (4) year plan for the construction and improvement of county highways and a one
3. (1) year plan for the maintenance and repair of the county highways.

(c) In the event of a casualty, accident, or extraordinary emergency, the proper officers of a political subdivision may use state funds to make an additional appropriation under section 5 of this chapter.

[Pre-1975 Property Tax Recodification Citation: 6-1-45-1 part.]

Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.47, SEC.1. As amended by P.L.86-2018, SEC.48.