Commissioners approve county updates
March 29, 2023 at 7:09 p.m.
The Franklin County Commissioners recently met for a meeting to discuss approvals and updates for current projects, upcoming events, and prior tabled topics. They began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, then began with engineer Larry Smith to read out the two bids for the paving of Sunman Road. The first bid was from Rohe for $348,540 and the second bid was from O'Mara for $318,162. Rohe was not chosen as the total cost sits at $470K, but the county match is 25% ($118K).
Next up was the contract with INDOT for right of way services. The 80% match was approved. The consultant contract of $40K is already signed with USI to do the work, so Smith states the bidding should begin this upcoming July.
The commissioners briefly closed their meeting and opened the Board of Finance.
Treasurer Jolene Beneker took the podium to have the meeting minutes approved for three meetings. These are 01/25/2022, 07/26/2022, and 01/25/2023. All three were approved. Beneker then went over the accrued interest over the past two months for the General Operations fund. The total was $90K, which is a big improvement. Beneker also states that tax bills are already in the mail and reminds the board that there is an amount of $380,478 in delinquent taxes for 2022.
The commissioners closed the Board of Finance and re-opened their original meeting following approval.
John Palmer was up next, who directed his topic to Karla Bauman, the county auditor. She spoke about the time-keeping clocks. These would be done via phone or computer, are approved by the department head, and then it's added right into the payroll system. Not only does this save some time for those processing payroll, but it prevents third parties from interfering. The American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase the new system were approved.
Shelly Lunsford stood next to recount the community clean-up weekend performed in 2022. This would be done this year April 21-23, and asked the commissioners if free trash drop off at the landfill would be acceptable again. The commissioners approved this once it was clarified that no tires will be accepted this year.
Grant Reeves, county attorney, next took the stand to discuss the 2022 National Opioid Settlement. He states how the 2021 settlement finalized at $26B. The first payment for Franklin County should have been about $137K and those payments will continue until 2038. The settlement for 2022 is spanning out over 13 years at $19B. The dates will be a bit sporadic but are initially set for June-August of 2023. Reeves was approved to be the main point of contact.
He next spoke up about the private roads being made for public use. These are mainly subdivisions, and as long as they are approved and meet zoning requirements, then applicants can meet with the county engineer to get a construction plan submitted.
Bill Schirmer brought up the EMS contract, and how the increase of costs resulted in a $150K loss in 2022. He asks that the contract take a $200K increase. Schirmer also states that due to a lack of volunteers, he has intentions of switching from volunteer to paid services.
Schirmer also spoke next for the redevelopment commission. He asks that all documents state that the redevelopment commission give the school board TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funding of 15%.
Next up, the long-time discussion of the Southeast Indiana Regional Economic and Acceleration Development Initiative project. SR 101 gas line is completed and the application for the Reservoir Hill sewer project should be submitted this week. That's at $4.5M. Along those lines, it's mentioned that Dearborn County's project to fix their treatment plant is ongoing. Due to the bids being under the budget, there was a remaining $700K, which might be used to extend water lines further north.
EMA director, Amy Lindsey, was given approval to talk to the council for the FY23 State Homeland Defense Program grant ($300K). This is for counterterrorism/terrorism programs. The grant was received in 2020, and Lindsey used this for new security cameras placed in the jail and schools. In 2021, she bought new computer servers and various cybersecurity programs.
Lastly, there was a brief discussion over Yellow Bank Road, which is incredibly dangerous and has been causing residents and the county several problems. Rhonda Heberling, a resident living on this road, says last year, there were only 67 days where the road could be safely used.
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
The Franklin County Commissioners recently met for a meeting to discuss approvals and updates for current projects, upcoming events, and prior tabled topics. They began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, then began with engineer Larry Smith to read out the two bids for the paving of Sunman Road. The first bid was from Rohe for $348,540 and the second bid was from O'Mara for $318,162. Rohe was not chosen as the total cost sits at $470K, but the county match is 25% ($118K).
Next up was the contract with INDOT for right of way services. The 80% match was approved. The consultant contract of $40K is already signed with USI to do the work, so Smith states the bidding should begin this upcoming July.
The commissioners briefly closed their meeting and opened the Board of Finance.
Treasurer Jolene Beneker took the podium to have the meeting minutes approved for three meetings. These are 01/25/2022, 07/26/2022, and 01/25/2023. All three were approved. Beneker then went over the accrued interest over the past two months for the General Operations fund. The total was $90K, which is a big improvement. Beneker also states that tax bills are already in the mail and reminds the board that there is an amount of $380,478 in delinquent taxes for 2022.
The commissioners closed the Board of Finance and re-opened their original meeting following approval.
John Palmer was up next, who directed his topic to Karla Bauman, the county auditor. She spoke about the time-keeping clocks. These would be done via phone or computer, are approved by the department head, and then it's added right into the payroll system. Not only does this save some time for those processing payroll, but it prevents third parties from interfering. The American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase the new system were approved.
Shelly Lunsford stood next to recount the community clean-up weekend performed in 2022. This would be done this year April 21-23, and asked the commissioners if free trash drop off at the landfill would be acceptable again. The commissioners approved this once it was clarified that no tires will be accepted this year.
Grant Reeves, county attorney, next took the stand to discuss the 2022 National Opioid Settlement. He states how the 2021 settlement finalized at $26B. The first payment for Franklin County should have been about $137K and those payments will continue until 2038. The settlement for 2022 is spanning out over 13 years at $19B. The dates will be a bit sporadic but are initially set for June-August of 2023. Reeves was approved to be the main point of contact.
He next spoke up about the private roads being made for public use. These are mainly subdivisions, and as long as they are approved and meet zoning requirements, then applicants can meet with the county engineer to get a construction plan submitted.
Bill Schirmer brought up the EMS contract, and how the increase of costs resulted in a $150K loss in 2022. He asks that the contract take a $200K increase. Schirmer also states that due to a lack of volunteers, he has intentions of switching from volunteer to paid services.
Schirmer also spoke next for the redevelopment commission. He asks that all documents state that the redevelopment commission give the school board TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funding of 15%.
Next up, the long-time discussion of the Southeast Indiana Regional Economic and Acceleration Development Initiative project. SR 101 gas line is completed and the application for the Reservoir Hill sewer project should be submitted this week. That's at $4.5M. Along those lines, it's mentioned that Dearborn County's project to fix their treatment plant is ongoing. Due to the bids being under the budget, there was a remaining $700K, which might be used to extend water lines further north.
EMA director, Amy Lindsey, was given approval to talk to the council for the FY23 State Homeland Defense Program grant ($300K). This is for counterterrorism/terrorism programs. The grant was received in 2020, and Lindsey used this for new security cameras placed in the jail and schools. In 2021, she bought new computer servers and various cybersecurity programs.
Lastly, there was a brief discussion over Yellow Bank Road, which is incredibly dangerous and has been causing residents and the county several problems. Rhonda Heberling, a resident living on this road, says last year, there were only 67 days where the road could be safely used.