A proposed Tippecanoe River clean-up project in Carroll County may have hit a financial snag which could hang the project out to dry. The county may need to supplement the project financially with money that does not exist.

According to Soil and Water District Conservationist Joe O'Donnell, the county received emergency watershed protection funds for 75 percent of the estimated $488,000 project cost. The county would be responsible for 25 percent, or roughly $122,000 to match the grant funds. O'Donnell said the plan to secure a second grant for the match amount failed. He said he was hopeful work done by county workers to remove debris taken from the river to the banks would be acceptable match to the funders.

"I can't guarantee there won't be any impact on the county budget," O'Donnell said. "But we are looking at the deadline to proceed."

O'Donnell said bids to contractors were due March 16 and the project was scheduled to be completed by mid-May.

Highway department

Highway engineer Paul Couts distributed an inspection report from the Troyer Group about SR25 relinquishments from INDOT when the Hoosier Heartland Highway (HHH) is completed. He described the report as a "leverage point for negotiations with the state" about bringing roads and bridges up to state standard prior to the county assumption of responsibility for them.

Former highway superintendent Ron Francis as a representative of Butler Fairman & Seufert presented commissioners with a shovel used in the October HHH groundbreaking ceremony. Commissioners also received a framed photo to commemorate the day in appreciation of their support.

The Andersons

Dale Theis and plant manager Kevin McCelfry expressed gratitude for county efforts in fighting the recent cob fire at the Delphi plant location.

"We want to extend our thanks and appreciation," Theis said. "It was a tremendous outpouring from the community."

"We are proud to be a part of this community," he added.

Other business

Commissioners formally and unanimously "de-obligated" the county from the Yeoman Community Center/ EMS Garage project funders. The measure was necessary because under the terms of the grant, an ambulance would have to be housed at the facility.

"This is a big loss to the county," commissioners president Loren Hylton said.

Commissioners unanimously approved an application to Carroll Manor for Kenneth G. Couch, on a temporary basis. No end date for the temporary placement was determined. Although the new resident applied for Social Security disability and Medicaid, those funding sources are not currently in place. The township trustee was directed to provide the maximum amount allowed by state statute (IC12-30-4-11) per month, $100, until state funding is received.

Day care applications to the Manor for Carolyn Sue Finkenbinder and Lloyd E. Anderson were unanimously approved.

Bids were opened for reassessment contracts. They were taken under advisement by county assessor Doris McLeland who will present a recommendation at the March 2 meeting.

Milt Rodgers, the commissioners appointment to the redevelopment commission, declined the appointment. Another candidate will be considered at the March 2 meeting. No formal recommendations were made. Commissioners attorney Barry Emerson, who also serves as the Carroll County Redevelopment Commission and Redevelopment Authority Attorney, urged appointment of a replacement in two weeks. He said a need existed for the group to begin meeting this year.

County prosecutor Tricia Thompson will use the courthouse lounge Feb. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. and the county board of health will use it beginning at 7 p.m. on the same day. Delphi Business Women will use the room Feb. 23.

Habitat for Humanity will have a sign on the courthouse lawn Feb. 19-28.

Flora Cub Scout Pack #3144 will use the 4-H building March 14.

Mary Blue and John Sayers were re-appointed to the Carroll County Board of Health.

Mike Cottrell was appointed to the District IV Homeland Security Planning Council.

The next meeting will be March 2 at 9 a.m.