Cindy DiFazio, Staff Writer

At the regular meeting of the Ripley County Commissioners on Monday, November 6 Ted Spurlock, of Versailles, and Brad Buening, Ripley County Economic Development director, reported on progress at the planned business park to be located just outside Versailles.

The project, which is a joint effort by Holton, Osgood, Napoleon, Versailles and Ripley County, has secured 94.33 acres at US Highway 421 and CR 200. The towns of Milan and Batesville declined the opportunity for inclusion in the project due to involvement in other economic development projects.
Most recently, a pie-wedged shaped 9-10 acres owned by the Halcombs, was optioned. The Halcomb property, fronting on US 421 completes a highly desirable site for the development of an upscale business complex.

Infrastructure already in place at the site includes:
* A Hoosier Energy substation
* 6" water line
* 2 sewers
* 3" gas main.
Amenities include:
* Fiber-optic access
* High-speed internet
* Data transfer access.

The Phase 1 environmental and geo-tech tests are currently being performed. Hoosier Energy, a company that is very involved in economic development, is paying for drillings for soil testing.
Spurlock reported that an informal ad-hoc committee of interested parties has been meeting once weekly, and all are very excited about the progress being made.

He asked that the commissioners appoint five members to a Redevelopment Board. Being asked to serve are: Ted Spurlock, clerk-treasurer of Versailles, representing Ripley County; Danessa Benkie, Lawrenceburg Grants Board, representing the Town of Napoleon; Jeff Volz, Osgood town council president, representing the Town of Osgood; Sue Meisberger, Versailles town board president, representing the Town of Versailles; and, Barry Lauber representing the Town of Holton.

Spurlock praised the City of Lawrenceburg for granting more than $800,000 for this development. He went on to say that with a second round of grants available in the near future, “They look at this cooperation between communities and it looks good.”

Brad Buening added that the more components the project has in place, such as the soil testing and infrastructures, the better the chances of future funding. Buening is also working with INDOT on highway recommendations. He noted that he has spoken with a couple of machine shops who are interested in locating within the complex.

Something the group is trying to avoid is businesses buying up land for warehousing. As Robert Reiners, commissioners’ president commented, “That sort of business does not bring in a lot of employment.” Spurlock agreed, adding, “We really want an upscale business park.”

In conclusion, Spurlock enthused, “I think this is a great project and one where the revenues will be shared with all the communities.” Reiners added, “The site selection couldn’t be any better.”
In other business, building permits were once again a hot-button issue for building inspector, Steve Meyer. Meyer reported that buildings are being erected without proper permits. He told commissioners, “We’re not talking about little stuff. We’re talking about people living in homes and putting up barns they didn’t get permits for.” Meyer explained that if permits are not obtained, for instance, property owners could be building on others’ property lines or easements.

Another problem that Meyer said has cropped up is that an owner who wishes to sell a home comes in to obtain a certificate only to find out the builder did not get all necessary permits.

He said that banks and other lending institutions want documentation and want to know why the county is not making sure permits are in place before building begins. The commissioners agreed to help find a solution to this ongoing problem.

Also, making a presentation to the commissioners, was John Gause of Apex Health Insurance. Gause was pleased to report that for a second year in a row there would be no cost increase or change in coverage for county health insurance. There could be an increase in the cost of dental insurance and life insurance should remain about the same.