Proposal heard to reduce poll workers
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

County Clerk Ginger Bradford approached the commissioners with a proposal to change precinct lines. Her proposal is to make Laughery 1-1,1-2, and 2-1 into Laughery 2. Then combine Laughery 3-1 and 3-2 into Laughery 3. In Center Township, Center 1 and 2 would be made into Center 1, that would make Center 3, Center 2.

This would be a savings to the county of $5,120 by eliminating about 25 workers per election. This would also eliminate four precinct committeemen. The proposal was recommended by the County Election Board.

Bradford said she had personally talked to party heads, Kenny Copeland (Republican) and Charles Cook (Democrat). She told them if they had any concerns about the plan to contact one of the commissioners before the meeting. Neither had.

Commissioner Chuck Folz said that before he would vote on the matter he wanted to speak personally to both party chairmen. Therefore, the matter was not able to be voted on.

Bradford said that the Election Board had the discretion over the number of workers at the precinct. They plan to eliminate 50 workers.

Danny Evans appeared before the commissioners on behalf of some of the employees at the County Highway Garage. According to Evans, they met with the commissioners in December asking for more benefits since they are only getting a $500-a-year raise and their health insurance is going up more than that.

The employees asked for six more sick days, not to carry over more than 25. They also asked for more vacation sooner: from 6-10 years, 15 days and after 10 years they would receive 20 days. Evans said they had not heard from the commissioners on their request and wondered why no one had contacted them.

Commissioner President Robert Reiners said they had already considered their proposal and agreed to hold over 18 sick days instead of 12. That is all they can do.

Mark and Kim Thomas appeared before the commissioners. Kim Thomas, who was a county health nurse, had been fired last month. They felt she was terminated unfairly and should have received a verbal warning and a written warning as listed in the Employee Handbook. They had previously appeared before the County Health Board regarding the situation without satisfaction.

County Attorney Neil Comer explained the County Health Board was the entity which governs the Health Department and it was not the responsibility, nor should it be, of the County Commissioners to micro-manage each department. Indiana is an "at-will" state, which means anyone can be fired at any time. Thomas said they had filed a grievance with the State Health Board and would pursue that avenue.

Donald Dunbar, president of the County Council, brought the commissioners up to date on some progress being made at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park. There will be a new entrance for vehicles this year located off Lynn Street. The entrance used on Cravens will now only be used for walk-in traffic. Thomas and Skinner owns six acres next to the Fairgrounds Park. If the county will mow and maintain it, they can use it. It will need an 800' drain. The new dump station will be ready for RVs this season.

In other business: Bob Faulk, inspector on the Busching Covered Bridge Project said they were making good progress in the last ten days. They have been working on the deck which "lays real nice" according to Faulk. He complimented the excellent crew working on the project.

Larry Eaton appeared to report on the work lobbyists Barnes and Thornburg are doing on Ripley County's behalf at the statehouse. They have been working 18 hour days trying to keep the bill from passing that will redistribute money from the river boat gaming taxes which would have a serious effect on the host river boat communities. The commissioners wrote a letter to Governor Mitch Daniels stating their opposition to this legislation (House Bill 1120).

Jeff French, representing the Versailles Historical Society, asked permission to have two cruise-ins on the square on Saturdays, June 4 and August 13 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The chairs in the Superior Court Room need to be replaced. It will cost $195 to re-upholster them, but they can be replaced for $195. The commissioners will let Judge Morris know if the new chairs will be suitable.

Kelly Vollet, technology coordinator, said the low bid to run a whole new line from the annex to the jail would be $8,267. She will apply for a grant for the project.

Tad Brinson asked the commissioners about a situation at Crescent Hills Subdivision. The developer was supposed to pave the road within a year, but has not done so. Only one of the five lots has been sold and the owner wants the road paved. County Attorney Neil Comer said the Planning Commission has the authority to make the developer blacktop the road. He had a quote from Dave O'Mara Construction of $16,500 when he first presented the plan to the Planning Commission in the fall of 2003.

All three commissioners were in attendance: President Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the commissioners. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy attended to take minutes of the meeting.

The next commissioners meeting will be May 9, at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners Room of the Ripley County Courthouse Annex in Versailles.