Commissioners approve county general claims
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Although Carroll County is reportedly in a financial crunch and the county council asked department heads to reduce their amount of spending, claims continue to be presented for payment. Commissioners approved county operating claims for $198,674.86 at the Monday morning meeting. That was in addition to payroll claims for $179,285.15. Both amounts would be deducted from the county general fund, however that fund is approximately $1.2 million in the red. The county is spending out of accounts designated for other purposes and which must be repaid by the end of the year.

"Claims are a definite concern at this time," commissioners' president Loren Hylton said after the meeting.

Hylton noted the claims approved Monday were presented before the council asked department heads to curtail spending at last week's budget hearings. He said commissioners and council members will meet in a joint session in November to discuss increasing fees for services and needed spending cuts.

"There is money in the bank to cover the claims approved today," auditor Beth Myers said Monday afternoon. "We do have the fall collection of taxes and settlement coming in also."

"We're not bouncing checks," she added.

The joint meeting with the council was scheduled for Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.

Historical Museum

County historical society president Bob Conner presented a document requesting commissioners affirm the society as the owner and custodian of "all objects, including artifacts, photographs, books, documents, manuscripts, digital files and other objects" in the museum and the basement storage area.

A request to affirm or transfer ownership of all furniture, display cabinets, equipment and supplies in any of the museum's spaces as well as a computer server purchased by historical society funds located in the auditors' office was also made. In addition, the society requested a lease from the county for space currently occupied by the museum.

Calling the current museum financial situation a "bump in the road," Conner explained the museum has been in the courthouse for 40 years.

"It's been a good 40-year marriage," he said. "We appreciate what the county has done over the years."

Bill Brown said it was "very unfortunate" the museum no longer will receive funding from the county. He clarified that commissioners were not part of the decision to withdraw financial support from the museum. He said he thought the property and equipment used in the museum should be given to the historical society. He further suggested a lease of $1/year for 20 years for the museum.

The matter was scheduled for a decision at the first meeting in November.

Highway Department

A contract with the Troyer Group for hourly work and expenses to prepare the paperwork for the SR75 extension project when the Indiana Department of Transportation calls for projects was approved.

"We decided we want to move forward with this project," Hylton said.

The anticipated cost for the service is between $5,000 and $7,000. The funding will be provided by Economic Development Income Tax fund controlled at the discretion of the commissioners.

Superintendent Ron Francis said the county is actively addressing potholes. He encouraged residents to call the highway garage at (574) 967- 4244 to report problems to be repaired.

TLRSD

Exactly who could file a declaratory judgment against the sewer district for jurisdiction of land in Jefferson Township was debated. Sewer district opponent Dean Trennepohl requested commissioners do the filing. He said they were the only entity that could bring the legal action.

However, commissioners' attorney Barry Emerson disagreed. He said any rate-payer could bring a suit.

The request for a decision was delayed to allow sewer district opponents to research the matter.

"I don't think we should give up," Brown said. "I want to explore ways to get this done."

The next meeting is Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.

Drainage Board

County surveyor Wayne Chapman said his office had been "busy with reports." He described work orders for drains in Jackson/Liberty, Jefferson, Jackson/Monroe, Deer Creek and Madison townships. Work on drains owned in conjunction with Tippecanoe and White counties were also listed.

Zimpfer Development Corporation was given permission to pour a concrete driveway over the Gilliford Drain at Hillcrest Manor on US421.

The next meeting will be Nov. 5 at 8:30 a.m.