Wanda English Burnett, Editor

“We don't want to take away anything they (Health Department employees) have built up,” said Commissioner President Robert Reiners at the commissioner meeting held on Monday, February 25. This is in reference to the Health Department’s request that they be allowed to continue with the policy already in place. Although the commissioners agreed to allow current employees to follow the policy, every new employee hired in the Health Department will follow the county handbook.

Ripley County Highway Department director Junior Heaton requested $50,000 for the purchase of cinders. According to Heaton, there is enough salt for one more storm, but he will not be able to get more. Heaton also reported that cinders will be delivered at a cost of approximately $9,000, which will help to restock the highway department supply. The cost of the cinders will be taken from the EDIT tax fund.

“The fire department appreciates what you have done,” Mary McCarty, Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, told the commissioners. The commissioners deeded land in the Versailles Business Park to the fire department for a new building. McCarty reminded Attorney Neil Comer that a title search on the property deeded to the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department will need to be completed by March 14.

The commissioners unanimously agreed to purchase a new server for the assessor’s office. The cost of the server will be $8,248 and includes installation and file transfer. The file cabinets will be installed this week.

Stanley Richards, Quality Plumbing and Heating, was on hand to clear up confusion concerning responsibility for minor plumbing repairs. According to Richards, the county has a contract for heating and air conditioning, but he would be willing to help with any plumbing need.

Technology Director Kelly Vollet updated the commissioners on the PA system for the courthouse. Vollet will look into the cost of an outdoor system. This matter was tabled for the next meeting. Vollet gave the commissioners a copy of a quote received from Cummins Cross Point on a generator for the courthouse for $49,922. She reminded the commissioners that there are two more companies yet to return quotes. This matter will be decided at the next meeting.

In other business:
• The commissioners unanimously agreed to give building inspector Mike Jeffries a replacement truck. This is a vehicle the county already owns, and will replace a vehicle with costly repairs. Also, Ripley County Coroner Ron Buchanan will receive a van the sheriff’s department no longer uses.

• Johnnie Lohrum, courthouse maintenance, will get estimates for a counter in the auditor’s office. The counter will be lower for the convenience of those who are in wheelchairs. Also, Lohrum will look into the repairs of the water fountain in the courthouse.

• Approximately $3,300 will go to the Regional Water Board to pay for administrative operating expenses. According to Folz, a member of the Board of Directors for the Regional Water Board, a budget will be submitted to the Indiana Finance Authority to be approved. This motion passed 2-1 with Folz abstaining.

• The commissioners unanimously passed the Bridge #8 repair work acceptance.

• A discussion regarding the Ripley County Economic Development Corporation was held among the commissioners. This was an informal discussion, with no motion being passed. Commissioner President Reiners stated that he will not sign the inter-local agreement.

• Auditor Mary Ann McCoy stated that 7,756 Homestead checks were mailed out. The total amount of property tax refunds for the county is $890,394.74.

• The commissioners unanimously agreed to allow the South Ripley High School chapter of SADD to hold a walk-a-thon on the courthouse sidewalks. The event will be held on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; the rain date is April 12.

• Katherine Taul, Ripley County Tourism director, requested permission to hold a Civil War Encampment around the courthouse square. The commissioners unanimously denied the request due to concerns of damage to the property.

All of the commissioners were in attendance, as well as Attorney Neil Comer. The next meeting will be held on March 10 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the commissioners’ room in the courthouse annex.