Recognizing the need to bring closure to some projects, the certainty of increased costs for materials in the near future, and utilizing unused funds was the strategy employed by Carroll County Highway Department Supervisor Ramzi Awwad at the Friday morning county council meeting. Council members agreed with the strategy by approving Awwad's transfer requests.

Awwad requested a total transfer of $50,000 from three other projects for repairs to bridge #120 on CR200, also known as the Crooked Road to Flora/Delphi.

He explained there was $5,000 unused for the completion of bridge #93 on CR175W. A $20,000 amount was transferred from bridge #75 on CR800N because of an anticipated overage upon completion. $25,000 was transferred from the bridge #81 on CR150E. Awwad explained that construction is not slated to begin on that bridge until 2008. He said the money was needed now due to uncertain fuel costs and construction material prices.

Awwad said it is more important to put dollars into completing the bridge #120 project on time because it is on a road that is heavily traveled when the school year begins.

Council members also approved a transfer of $100,000 from bridge #36 on CR300E to #25, the Xenia Bridge, for painting. Other transfers

A transfer of $163.51 from equipment to photography was approved for the coroner's office. Coroner Jerry Reinke was encouraged to investigate using digital photography only by the end of the year.

The park board was granted a $740.02 transfer from pond maintenance to furniture and fixtures. The money will be used for air conditioners and electrical work at the parks department.

The county health department was denied a transfer of $400 for liability insurance for nurses. It was a consensus of council members the nurses are adequately covered by the standard county policy. The Council determined the need for more coverage is each employee's determination, making the cost their burden. Other business

The sheriff's department, represented by Sgt. Tony Burns, was granted permission to advertise for a full-time jailer.

The next meeting will be July 25 at 8 a.m. After the business meeting, council members will begin budget discussions.