Commissioners to look at cell and land-line phone savings
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Unbeknownst to many members of the community, not to mention the Carroll County Council member who has spent untold hours the past year working on reducing the cost of cell phones to the county, the county commissioners have had an open-ended contract with Communication Consulting Services Inc. to audit county telephone bills and make recommendations about cost savings. Steve Kasper, independent consultant with the communications group, said he worked with the county four years ago.

"He did this the first year I was in office," county auditor Beth Myers reported.

Kasper said the firm provides service to 39 county government entities across the state. There is no cost for the service if there are no savings for the county. However, if the consultant saves the county money, the firm keeps 50 percent of the savings.

Commissioners took the matter under advisement.

Highway department

Commissioner George Mears encouraged highway superintendent Ron Francis to continue with the 2007 Road Plan by using anticipated Major Moves money not yet received by the county.

Mears said he was "concerned with stopping the paving" until the money arrived. He said he thought the highway department should continue with "business as usual" although the county council told Francis to delay making purchases for materials until there was at least confirmation the money was going to arrive from the state.

Francis clarified the situation by saying that chip and seal projects would halt, but paving would go on as planned.

Mears said there would be no problem to continue the road plan if invoices do not arrive before the Major Moves money arrives.

"I feel you should go about your business as you see fit," Mears said.

Commissioner Bill Brown echoed Mears sentiment, noting that commissioners approve claims.

"Help me out," he said. "What's the council got to do with this?"

When asked for his opinion, commissioners' attorney Barry Emerson said there have been times the state promised money and the money did not arrive as scheduled. Calling that situation a "remote chance," he said it would be better to know the money was available before spending it.

"I'd rather be safe than sorry," commissioner's president Loren Hylton said.

Myers said the last confirmation that Major Moves money would be received was last year for this year's funding. No confirmation has been received this year.

No action was taken on the matter.

TLRSD

Jefferson Township resident and sewer district opponent Greg Smith asked commissioners to replace the Carroll County representative to the Twin Lakes Regional Sewer District Board of Directors.

"I wish to state my extreme disappointment with TLRSD board representative Wayne Garrison," Smith read from a prepared statement. "His vote to use public money to mass mail the anti-Jefferson Township Conservancy letter and petition is quite disturbing...As a public trustee, he has a duty to guard the public's funds especially from misuse for a personal agenda."

Smith suggested Carroll County Commissioners hold a joint meeting with White County Commissioners to discuss sewer district issues.

Hylton said he had a conversation with a White County Commissioner Sept. 13. He said he "felt reassured that it's not all doom and gloom" after the conversation.

Hylton said he suggested adding another Carroll County resident to the board to the other commissioner. The neighboring county commissioner did not dismiss the idea according to Hylton. He said that given the population breakdown of the district however, Carroll County should be thankful for the one representative on the board.

Parks Department

Park board president Bob Burton presented insurance information for a county-owned truck that could be donated to the parks department. He said insurance would cost $272 per year for comprehensive coverage. The county pays $1,500 to contract out mowing French Post Park. Burton said that amount would be saved by accepting the truck donation and insuring it within the department.

The matter was tabled for future budgetary discussions.

Highway Department

A hole in the deck of Wilson Bridge was repaired. CLR Construction was awarded the $645,800 contract. Francis said the county share of that is $52,000. He said CLR is the contractor who worked on Lancaster Bridge.

Rip rap is being removed from Carrollton Bridge and stored for future use. Francis reported graffiti appeared after a recent paint job on the bridge, but it has been re-painted to cover the vandalism.

Graffiti was found on Adams Mill Bridge, too. Francis said plans are being made to eradicate it along with a similar project for Bicycle Bridge.

Commissioners decided to hold an executive session Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. to discuss the situation about a highway employee who is on extended leave after receiving a required monthly status letter suggesting the employee was undergoing speech therapy to help recover from his disability.

Other business

An agreement to provide services with the Carroll County Senior and Family Services for $10,000 was approved.

Carroll County Chamber Executive Director Sana Booker announced the chamber now oversees the county heritage tourism group. She said the group plans to approach commissioners for money for additional signage after the end of this year. The signs would list county attractions and be added to the existing signs that welcome visitors to the area.

Hylton announced the Yeoman/ EMS garage grant will not be submitted this year due to an advertising glitch for the required public hearing.

Myers reported the legal advertising was submitted by grant administrator Amy Miller to the Comet on Aug. 3 to be published Aug. 22, however it was omitted from the paper.

Family Clinic of Carroll County will use the courthouse lounge Oct. 4 for a meeting.

The 4-H Community Building will be used by Flora Community Club Nov. 17 and by Old German Baptist Church Oct. 19, Nov. 9, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 21.

Jane Ellen Rider and Ruth E. Rohrabaugh were admitted to Carroll Manor for respite care on an as-needed basis.

The next meeting will be Oct. 1 at 9 a.m.

Election voting places

The following were approved by the Carroll County Commissioners as polling locations for the November cities and towns elections:

Burlington Township - Precinct #1, Burlington Park Building;

Deer Creek Township - Precinct #3, south door of the courthouse; Precinct #5, north door of the courthouse; and

Jackson Township - Precinct #1, Camden Community Building.