By acting on a recommendation from county highway supervisor Ramzi Awwad to increase road construction standards, Carroll County Commissioners imposed an immediate cost increase on developers for road construction.

In a 2-1 split vote at the Monday morning meeting, commissioners adopted the recommendation that all roads accepted into the county highway system must contain a deeper base of crushed stone and asphalt than previously required.

Commissioner president Bill Brown did not vote to adopt the action as recommended. Brown said he wanted to exempt those who are building now and already have financing in place.

"My concern is for the longterm road conditions," commissioner Loren Hylton said as he moved to approve the recommendation.

"I feel for the guys caught in the middle," commissioner George Mears said as he provided the second.

Bridgeview Subdivision developer Kevin Sims said the measure was reasonable for future projects, but considered it unreasonable for those projects already underway, such as his. He said developers with projects underway may experience delays due to refinancing.

"I realize this will increase the cost for developers," Awwad said. He estimated the cost increase would be between 15 and 18 percent. Bridgeview, located on Lake Freeman, was granted rezoning contingent upon proof of receipt of an irrevocable letter of credit or performance bond. Other news

Rockfield resident Marjorie Bean requested $971.90 from the Economic Development Income Tax fund for sidewalk construction. Bean said the town's 150year anniversary is in 2006 and a sidewalk is needed near the railroad tracks to make the town more attractive.

Bean presented a written estimate to the commissioners and stated Rockfield residents plan to do the work.

Brown said the amount of 2006 EDIT money was not yet known. He said when it arrives, spending plans will be developed and the Rockfield request would be considered at that time.

Farm ground near Carroll Manor will be farmed by Brenton Peters, who was the lone bidder for the work. Peters will pay the county $120/acre in two installments.

Emergency Management Agency Director Justin Darling presented an overview of two grant submissions to the Department of Homeland Security for physical security enhancement and communications equipment, and a portable x-ray machine for the courthouse.

Donna Collier representing Area IV Development announced the Rockfield housing rehabilitation project was completed. The grant amount was $107,281. Sheriff Dennis Randle explained the significance of jail inspection reports. He said he is obligated to provide a monthly report to commissioners.

Brown asked about specific underlined and bolded items contained in the report.

"Aren't those your responsibilities to take care of?" he questioned Randle.

Randle said there is inadequate money in the jail budget to repair or replace that which appears on the inspection reports monthly. He estimated a cost of $500,000 to replace furnaces in the building.

"I would like to encourage you to take this to the council to get these things taken care of," Brown responded. TLRSD

Commissioners agreed to speak to IDEM, and Representatives Rich McClain and Don Lehe about a list of questions posed by Jefferson Township residents opposed to the sewer district.

Brown read a report from Ron Felz, the Carroll County representative to the sewer district board.

Felz's report indicated he was in favor of protecting natural resources and encouraging lakeside development, but concerned about the cost to residents and district boundaries.

A sewer district board meeting schedule was provided and commissioners were encouraged to attend.

Jefferson Township resident Gregory Smith read a short statement opposed to the sewer district discharging into Rattlesnake Creek. Other commissioner actions

Cass County Parks and Recreation Department was granted road right-of-way for their annual River City Triathlon June 10.

Carroll County Heritage Tourism Council will use the courthouse lounge April 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.

VFW Post 9383 Ladies Auxiliary will have a sign on the courthouse lawn May 5 through 12.

Delphi Lions will advertise broom and light bulb sales with a sign on the courthouse lawn April 14 through 20.

The Department of Commerce grant for renovations to Carroll Manor was authorized.

The next meeting is April 17 at 6 p.m. Drainage Board

"Well, we're busy," said Carroll County Surveyor Wayne Chapman to open the Monday morning meeting.

Chapman reported work on eight work orders for March in Jefferson, Washington, Adams, and Rock Creek townships. Work was done in Madison Township in two areas, one of which leads into Tippecanoe County. Chapman said Carroll County is responsible for the drain into another county. He indicated there are several drains in Carroll County that other counties are responsible for as well.

Chapman said he worked with representatives from the Water Tower Senior Housing project to determine the drainage situation on the building site. The next meeting will be May 1 at 8:30 a.m.