Ripley County gets technology upgrades
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

At the Ripley County Commissioners regular meeting on March 14, it was noted that technology continues to be upgraded at the courthouse. A new Windows Tax System to comply with all the new re-assessment is being installed and training is underway.

It will cost $200,000 for WTH to put a parceling layer in the present GIS system. The county is looking for available grant money. Commissioner Chuck Folz said he had attended the Versailles Town Board meeting and they asked about getting on the GIS system. A license can be purchased for $1,500. There is an application and a contract to be completed for anyone who would like to be on the system.

Kelly Vollet, Technology Coordinator, said she had received twelve applications for the first deputy position for her office. She interviewed all of the candidates. She will share her recommendations with the Technology Committee and bring a proposal back to the commissioners.

There had been some confusion on how vacations are pro-rated in the Employee Handbook. Vollet brought suggested changes for the commissioners to review.

Representatives from the New Marion Fire Department came before the commissioners. They are going to build a new fire house and asked for the commissioners to sponsor them for a Community Focus Fund grant through the Department of Commerce. They plan to apply for a $500,000 grant. They also asked about closing the alley next to the fire department. County Attorney Neil Comer, advised them they would need to obtain their own attorney to help them through the process.

Dennis McKittrick had some questions about widening a county road leading up to a subdivision he plans to build. He was told the county highway supervisor could make that decision. Since a "dense road base" is just as effective as using #2 grave, the commissioners asked Tad Brinson to update the manual to include it.

President Robert Reiners read a letter from Batesville Mayor Rick Fledderman. The letter stated that the city of Batesville is not in favor of taking over a part of Highway 229 as proposed by the State. The commissioners are also not in favor of taking over Highway 229. So the matter is settled.

All three commissioners were present: Robert Reiners, Lawrence Nickels, Chuck Folz. Attorney Neil Comer was there to advise the commissioners. Auditor, Mary Ann McCoy, served as secretary to the board.

The next regular meeting of the Ripley County Commissioners will be held on Monday, March 28, at 8:00 a.m. If you want to be on the agenda, please contact the Auditor's Office.