Proposed use for grant money discussed
Casino grants, health pandemic heard at Council mtg.
Cindy DiFazio - Staff Writer

The Ripley County Council, meeting in regular session on Tuesday, February 22, voted to approve funds for legal fees to fight reductions of grant money coming from the Belterra Casino. Neil Comer, attorney, suggested that a new agreement with the casino might be negotiated.

Pat Thomas, Ripley County Health Department, brought a "memorandum of understanding" from the State of Indiana to be signed by county officials. It concerns emergency response in case of a pandemic. Thomas said, "It's a kind of written handshake" affirming the county will help with any required emergency response - such as emergency shelter. In such a situation, the county might have to provide the services up-front and be reimbursed by the federal government at a later time.

Thomas also stated that county officials need to complete NIMS (National Incident Management System) training. The training can be completed online, and explains different roles local officials would fill in emergency situations that would fit into the federal response structure. Council member Benjamin Peetz, who has completed the training, added that the online course is lengthy but not difficult. NIMS training must be completed for the county to be eligible for FEMA assistance.

In new business, Donald Dunbar, council president, and Robert Reiners, county commissioner, reported that they had spoken with the Lawrenceburg major and the city manager regarding grant money earmarked for Ripley County from Dearborn County/Lawrenceburg. They were told that the grant money would be tied to economic development. It was suggested that requests for funding roads and bridges that connect to heavy traffic areas like Batesville would make a favorable impression.

Council members and commissioners batted around several ideas for the possible usage of Dearborn/Lawrenceburg grant money. Ed Armbrecht, council member, mentioned that several towns might combine their monies to build an industrial park. Chuck Folz, county commissioner, said that Lawrenceburg officials had mentioned the possibility of building a community center. One idea that met with unified support, brought to attention by commissioner Robert Reiners, was using some money, approximately $200,000 for a GIS (global imaging) mapping system. Lawrence Nickell mentioned the need to repair bridges on Cave Hill Road and in Batesville. "I think we should try and put in several different applications," suggested Reiners.

There was much discussion with agreement on several points. All present agreed that Ripley County needs guidelines from Dearborn County/Lawrenceburg to know how to proceed. Dunbar said about this year's grant, "I think this is a trial run."

Just before the meeting's conclusion, the council voted to keep current members on their respective committees for another year.

The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.