Commissioners take a long, hard look at treasurer's report
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Although not on the agenda, Carroll County Treasurer Jane Brewington was asked to provide a financial report from her office to the commissioners at their Tuesday morning meeting. The commissioners struggled to understand why the county is reportedly out of money in the general fund.

As Brewington's report was digested by the county leaders, answers to questions were sought from two county council members, Steve Ashby and Ann Brown, in the audience. When answers and clarification were provided, commissioners began to fully comprehend the critical fiscal situation facing the county. And when auditor Beth Myers advised them the county would not be able to pay the next set of claims after paying payroll approved at the beginning of the meeting, the gravity of the situation was apparent. Myers said another inter-departmental loan would likely be necessary by the end of January.

"What should we do as commissioners?" Commissioner George Mears asked. "How can we get more money in county general?"

"We have to make receipts and disbursements match," Ashby responded. "We can't do a lot of things we've been doing."

Ashby recommended commissioners look at the 2004 budget appropriations. He said that was the last year the county appropriated according to the level of income. He suggested the leaders go lineby line and compare those numbers to a later budget to discover what employees and services were added without supportive income.

"It means you have to do without some things," Ann Brown added.

Discussion arose about the reasons for the deficit spending. Suggestions about how to improve the situation long-term were proposed. However, the immediate need was not forgotten by Ashby.

"We are two quarts low on blood in the general fund right now," he said. "We have to stop the bleeding now. We have to raise fees and cut expenses."

Commissioner Loren Hylton stated it would be necessary for commissioners to maintain adequate communication with the council to resolve the fiscal issues after Ann Brown reiterated that the 2008 budget submitted to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance would not be approved. She said DLGF has indicated the budget would have to be reduced by approximately $1 million to be approved. Neither council representative was willing to stipulate personnel would be released to satisfy the reduction figure. However, she said it was possible.

Extension Office contract

It was announced there has been no lease contract since 2000 with the owners of the building which houses the county extension office. Building owner Gerry Underhill reported a rent increase was unexpectedly received in 2002. He said no increase was requested but commissioners at the time decided an increase was in order and put the increase into their budget, which was approved by the county council.

Myers said the Indiana State Board of Accounts required a lease or contract before money is paid for the service. Underhill was directed to present a lease at the Feb. 4 commissioners' meeting.

Underhill said the county occupies approximately 27 percent of the building and is charged less than market rate for the 1,200 square foot space. He said the county is getting a bargain for the space.

"We have always paid all the expenses for the county," he said.

According to Underhill, the expenses provided include custodial, trash removal, building maintenance, utilities and grounds keeping.

"I think we have a wonderful deal," Commissioner Bill Brown said.

Hylton noted the space is in a convenient location for farmers in that they do not have to go upstairs or downstairs to avail themselves of the service.

Funding Request

Appearing on behalf of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, county heritage tourism committee member Brian Stirm asked for a $10,000 appropriation from the 2008 Economic Development Income Tax budget for signage into the county. He said signs would draw tourists into the county during the upcoming transportation festival organized by the Delphi Main Street group.

Stirm said approximately 22 signs were needed. Each sign costs $1,000. He said some donations have been received.

Stirm, representing the transportation festival organizers, asked commissioners to appoint someone to coordinate activities on June 15 at the Carrollton Bridge. A bridge dedication ceremony will be held at that time.

The two-day festival will be June 14 and 15. Stirm said the Main Street group is coordinating activities in the downtown area on June 14.

Highway fee schedule adopted

Commissioners adopted increased fees for highway department services as recommended by highway superintendent Ron Francis. Francis said he did not know how much additional revenue would be realized from the increased fees but he recommended the increases based on fees charged in Tippecanoe County.

Driveways: Residential - $25; Farm field - $25; Existing drive - $20; Commercial drive - $100; Minor subdivision - $100; and Major subdivision - $200.

Road cuts: Gravel - $7.50/ft./depth/lane, min. $50; and Hard surface - $15/ft./depth/lane, min. $100.

Boring under roadway - $25/bore. Plowing in cable - .05 /linear ft. Trenching - up to 24" wide, $0.25/linear ft. with $30/min. Over 24", charge as an excavation.

Excavation - Measure max depth times max length times $0.25/sq.ft., $30/min.

Pole lines - $100/mile or $0.02/ft. less than 1 mile.

For questions or additional information, patrons are urged to call the county highway department at (574) 967-4244.

Francis said he is tracking expenses associated with debris removal from the recent flood damage. He reported the highway department has hauled 70 loads to landfills since the cleanup began. He said the City of Delphi helped hauling efforts at Tippecanoe Ranch Estates. Francis said some roads and culverts were damaged and would have to be repaired.

Daryl Johns of the Shafer Freeman Lakes Environmental Group asked about plans to continue with work on the Tioga Bridge. He said the environmental group pledged $17,000 for the project and was unclear about the direction the county was taking in the project. The county council recently denied an encumbrance for work on the bridge.

Commissioner Brown turned to the two council members present and asked what course the council planned to take in a discussion that was held prior to the treasurer's report.

"We have to use our money wisely," Ashby responded. "We're down to essential services."

"I thought we agreed to do this," Mears said. "The money has sort of been robbed from us."

"It feels like we're throwing money out the window on this thing," Bill Brown said.

Appointments

Carroll County Redevelopment Authority: Ralph Hughes; Pat Clawson; and Jay Bush.

Redevelopment Commission: Larry Trapp; Marshall McCammack; Dale Zinn; Raymond Zink; and Milton Rodgers.

Board of Health: Dr. Lawrence Stauffer and Dr. Marilyn Wagoner.

Northwest Indiana Solid Waste - board of directors: Ron Slavens; (alternate) Nancy Cripe; Kyle Germond; (A) Randy Strasser; Loren Hylton; and (A) Bill Brown and citizens'advisory committee: Mears; Melissa Keown; and Joe O'Donnell.