County officials are faced with an out-dated jail facility not properly maintained over the years and they say the money needed to do anything more than routine maintenance is not in the budget. To address the problem, Carroll County Council voted to establish a cumulative capital development fund. And then they voted to raise property taxes to get money for the fund.

"It's hard to find new money," said financial consultant Steve Meno of Fifth Third Securities, Inc. of Indianapolis at the Tuesday morning meeting.

After asking the council if they wanted to generate additional revenue, Meno said raising property taxes to the maximum amount allowed by law would generate approximately $150,000 more each year than currently assessed.

Meno advised the timing was right for the money to begin flowing into the county coffers at the beginning of 2007, if the tax increase was approved immediately.

"We're going to have an expense for the jail no matter what we do," council president Rob Baker said.

Meno said after the proposed increase is published, probably in late August, the public would have 30 days to object.

The action will become effective after the 30-day objection time, if there are less than 50 objections.

Objections are to be filed with county auditor Beth Myers.

Jail Facility

Bill Shepler of PMSIinc. opened the discussion about jail needs by stating that he was present to answer questions. Council members had many questions, concerns and comments about the proposed project.

Council member Jerry Hendress stressed the importance of determining the appropriate facility-size needed for the county. He suggested that only then could decisions be made as to concept and other issues.

Sheriff Dennis Randle stated the jail housed 34 detainees Monday night. He indicated that was full capacity and suggested increasing the number of beds to 80.

"I think building an 80-bed jail would be over-building," council member Steve Ashby stated.

Randle further reported 80 percent of Monday night's population was un-sentenced, noting the importance of involving judges and the prosecutor in the planning process.

Shepler said the firm was not ready to make a formal recommendation because a walkthrough of the current facility was scheduled for the week of Aug. 8. He said important planning information was needed from that before he could produce a viable recommendation.

"I don't need 10 meetings let's just get going," council member Carl Abbott stated.

Ashby registered concern about support costs such as personnel when deciding to build or remodel for more bed space. He said if the new facility was at 80 percent capacity, which PMSI recommends reaching, the building would need to be staffed and have utilities at 100 percent.

"I want numbers to work with," Baker said.

"It's never going to be any cheaper than now no matter what we do," sheriff-elect Sgt. Tony Burns said.

Shepler said he would provide models of a new facility and a renovated facility at the next meeting. However, he refused to set the next meeting time, saying it would be "in four to six weeks." Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Zoning administrator Dale Huffer provided an update about the firm being recommended to develop the comprehensive plan and the amount of money the project will need for completion.

"I wanted you to be aware before we needed the money," Huffer said. "I kind of like to discuss things before I spend money."

Hendress, who sits on the committee appointed to choose the firm, asked Huffer to check the firm's references before making the formal recommendation to the Area Plan Commission.

Other business

Highway supervisor Ramzi Awwad appeared to explain his request for a transfer of funds.

However, Baker asked him why he had not requested permission to fill a mechanic's position at the highway garage which will open in August.

Baker suggested following the county hiring policy to avoid the potential for wasting time and money if the request is denied.

Awwad then asked, and was granted permission to replace the out-going mechanic when the vacancy occurred.

Council members decided by consensus not to increase mileage reimbursements before 2007. Transfers approved:

+ Local Emergency Planning Committee $500 from data processing to Local Emergency Right To Know;

+ Circuit Court $4 from dues and subscriptions to post office box rent;

+ Commissioners $303 from GASBY 34 to examination of records, and $7,497.51 from cost of keeping juveniles to equipment contracts; and

+ Highway $175 from travel expenses to training and education.

Council members will conduct budget talks and discussions on four days from Aug. 31 to Sept. 12.

Adoption of the 2007 budget will be Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. The next monthly meeting is Aug. 31 at 8 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend.