County Commissioners to review dairy plans
By Debbie Lowe

A discussion about the discrepancies in previous reports concerning the number of dairy cows for the mega-dairy, proposed for Democrat Township, led county commissioners to make an unusual decision. They unanimously voted to see the operation's plans before a building permit is issued by Carroll County Area Plan.

Only two Democrat Township residents spoke at the Monday night commissioners meeting, but their words were heard.

"This county needs ordinances that allow for public input," resident Jerry Carter stated. "I think you guys are heading down the path that we're all going to regret."

Resident Susan McKinney emphasized that she is a proponent of ag production, but is concerned about this particular operation.

"I will say that I believe in ag production until the cows come home, but we have to be smart about it," McKinney told county leaders. "I want it (the dairy) stopped. This is a huge thing that is five to ten times larger than anything we have now."

Commissioners' president Bill Brown said the plan review would be held in public at a night meeting to enhance county residents' attendance.

Brethren Home

Abiding by a recommendation of county attorney Barry Emerson, commissioners authorized him to enter into an agreement with Healthcare Therapy and Brethren Home, Inc. for a division of the real estate sale proceeds.

After the receiver's expenses are paid, Carroll County and Healthcare Therapy will be paid a portion of liens by each for back taxes.

Emerson explained the cost of attorney fees to resolve the matter any other way could be more costly. Additionally, it would take considerable time for a resolution to be reached, which would delay plans for the building by the Town of Flora which now owns the facility.

"We should do all we can to support Flora," Brown said.

T.L. Regional Sewer District

County representative on the TLRSD board of directors Wayne Garrison provided a written and verbal report to the commissioners. He said cost of the project has been reduced from $25 million to $24,225,000 due to cost-saving measures taken by the board.

He said board members are considering actions such as redesigning the immediate service area and excluding additional residences from it to add to the savings.

Highway department

Highway department supervisor Ramzi Awwad reported repairs on the Wilson Bridge were scheduled to begin Monday. He said the bridge could be open within a week.

Other business

Carroll County Economic Development Director Daryl Smith requested commissioners consider selling county-owned land on two sides of Carroll Manor to Indiana Packers Corporation. The land is west and north of the facility.

Emerson said such a transaction would require a land survey, an appraisal, and input from Carroll Manor staff.

Questions about the reason IPC wants to purchase the land and concerns about the county's future need for the land for a new jail on the site prompted county leaders to table the matter for further study.

"I'm hopeful there is some way we can help Packers expand," Brown said.

"You haven't heard any 'no' here," he said to Smith in conclusion.

Dann Keiser of Cornerstone Design said the Carroll Manor renovation final plans are "95 percent completed." There will

be a bid conference for contractors Sept. 11 and bids will be opened Sept. 18.

A portion of County Line Road near Clinton County will be closed Saturday from 7:45 to 9 a.m. for a 5k run in celebration of Rossville's Summer's End Festival.

Hot Diggity Dogs hot dog stand will operate around the courthouse every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the end of the year.

Wayne Viney was accepted into Carroll Manor as a resident.

The next meeting will be Sept. 5 at 9 a.m.