County representatives appointed to oversee the development of a comprehensive land use and zoning plan for Carroll County question if an outside firm should be hired for the work. Some members spoke in favor of doing the work themselves, thereby saving the county money.

The group began the May 17 earlymorning meeting discussing their goal to determine the scope of work to be done by an outside firm and then began looking for provider options.

Council appointee to the committee Jerry Hendress said one element to consider was a firm that would allow the county to choose from an array of services.

"We can justify spending the money if it benefits the whole county," he said.

County zoning administrator Dale Huffer noted the Carroll County Area Plan Commission is a taxing unit and a budget was established for this purpose. He reported $20,000 is appropriated annually.

According to county auditor Beth Myers what is not spent out of the annual appropriation stays in the APC fund for future use However local developer and

Economic Development Corporation appointee Bret Rinehart offered a different option.

"It galls me to think of spending $60,000 to $100,000 for this," he said.

Rinehart suggested the ad hoc group compare ordinances from like-communities and compile information to develop Carroll County's plan. After compilation, the proposal would be distributed to other groups such as EDC, "the chamber" and the city of Delphi for review and suggested modifications, he said.

He stated one important issue the county is facing concerns entrance and exit ramps for the proposed Hoosier Heartland Highway.

"The on and the off is the important thing about the Hoosier Heartland," he said. "I don't need an outsider to tell me about that."

"We are only talking about Confined Animal Feeding Operations now because of market-driven dynamics," Rinehart said.

Committee member Tom Hessler agreed and said, "CAFO is in our face right now."

Hendress called for more information before proceeding.

"Speaking from the council's perspective, we do see a real need for this (comprehensive land use plan)," he said. "Let's get examples of like-counties' plans. We should study small rural county plans."

"Our next step is to get these plans in our hands," he continued. "And I don't want to wait for 60 days to do it."

Leadership Carroll County appointee Alan Flora stressed the need for objectivity and lack of bias as planning proceeds.

"I'm hoping this plan will be progrowth," Hendress said. "Everything has to work together rather than not."

"What do we see as the future here?" he asked. "We need to look at how this is going to affect the whole county."

Members of the committee include Rinehart, Hesler and Bret Hanaway, all appointed by EDC, commissioners' appointee Loren

Hylton, Hendress, Bob McCain from the Area Plan Commission, Joe O'Donnell from Carroll County at the Crossroads, Flora and Huffer.

The group decided to exchange e-mail addresses to be able to readily share research results

before the next meeting, which is May 31 at 7:30 a.m. in the commissioners' meeting room on the second floor of the courthouse.