Burns searches for cost-saving medical providers
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Another instance of the effort of a department head to save the county money was demonstrated at the Monday morning Carroll County Commissioners' meeting. Sheriff Tony Burns was granted permission to pursue purchasing agreements with local healthcare providers in an effort to reduce medical costs.

Burns reported he discovered that entering into a purchasing agreement with the Greater Lafayette Health Services would provide for a 20 percent discount for services if paid within 20 days of invoice. A lesser discount would be awarded if paid within 21 to 40 days of invoice.

"I'm just trying to think of where we can save some money," Burns said.

Auditor Beth Myers was granted authority to pay the bills out of the usual bill paying rotation.

In a follow-up interview Burns told the Comet that White County Memorial Hospital offered the county an even better arrangement after the commissioners' meeting concluded.

"When I got back to my office, I had a message from White County Hospital," Burns said. "They offered us a 25 percent discount without a prompt payment clause."

"This isn't final yet, but I expect to realize a significant cost savings for the county," he concluded.

Highway Department

After extensive discussion and lobbying to discontinue a bridge project by one county resident, highway superintendent Ron Francis was directed to submit a request to the county council for a $17,224 transfer of funds from the Lancaster Bridge project to Bridge #36. That bridge is located on CR300E., south of CR200S. Francis said there was more than $77,000 left in the Lancaster Bridge account and he did not expect all of those funds to be expended on that project.

Francis explained bids for the rehabilitation and widening of Bridge #36 were higher than expected and not enough money was appropriated for the project initially.

"Spending money on this bridge is not wise," audience member Galen Perry said.

Francis said the Wilson Bridge project would be bid in 30 to 45 days. Construction is expected to begin this year.

Francis will sell decommissioned pick-up trucks rather than put them in auction. He will scrap an old roller, which is "a complete hazard."

Budget audit

Hylton asked Myers if the county health department was making timely deposits to her office. He said in a past Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBA) Audit report, it was noted that department was not making the deposits in timely fashion.

"This ought to be reviewed," he said.

Hylton confirmed with Myers that her office and the treasurer's office did not balance their fund accounts. Myers said she was told by SBA two years ago that she cannot balance the bottom line with the treasurer's office until the internal books in the treasurer's office are balanced.

Myers said the treasurer is working toward that goal. She referred further questions about that office to the treasurer.

Hylton told Myers that the fund balances should match monthly per Indiana Code. Myers replied that the funds do balance, but not the bottom line. She said every category balances except county general, which is approximately $3,200 off.

Hylton commented if the two offices balanced weekly or daily, it would be easier to correct mistakes.

Other business

A $44,500 contract with Ad-Valorem to provide assessing services was approved. The firm will re-work the neighborhood codes, according to assessor Doris McLeland.

The resignation of Kenneth Tribbett from the park board was accepted. Commissioners encouraged anyone interested in serving on the board to contact them or Myers for an application.