When Carroll County Commissioners and Council members met for approximately two-and-a-half hours Monday afternoon, a significant amount of information was disseminated, but few spending decisions were made. The Cumulative Capital Improvement budgets for the next three years, a proposed highway equipment replacement plan and a $107,343.70 encumbrance for the Burnett’s Creek Arch renovation project from the cumulative bridge fund were agenda items for county leaders to discuss and consider jointly.

Council President Ann Brown began the meeting by providing a detailed explanation from economic experts about the potential impact of property tax caps to county revenue for the next three years. She said it is widely accepted that if state tax caps are levied, county revenue will likely decrease.

Brown explained that capping the amount of property tax is good for the property owner but could negatively impact county revenue. She said to counteract the impact of tax caps, the county may have to reduce services or levy higher tax rates. Revisions to three-year cum cap budgets

A highway equipment replacement plan, which included $150,000 for 2010 and for 2011, was proposed. Brown said the council is prepared to contribute $75,000 from the Riverboat Gambling Fund, both years. She suggested commissioners appropriate the same amount from either Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) or from funds put aside for a county road extension to SR75 near Camden.

No final decision about funding the equipment replacement plan, presented by county highway engineer Paul Couts, was made during the meeting. Other budgetary considerations for the next three years, such as Carroll Manor roofing and guttering, sheriffs’ department vehicle replacements, additional ambulances, carpeting for the circuit court and other spending concerns were also not confirmed. Commissioners said they will discuss the plan in its entirety during a regularly scheduled commissioners meeting.

Burnett’s Creek Arch

Many residents and interested parties were present for a lengthy discussion about the Burnett’s Creek Arch project, which has been ongoing for several years. Those in favor of completing the project as originally developed, which includes a park on the south side of the arch and access on the north side, and those opposed to doing anything more than making adequate repairs to ensure the stability of the bridge foundation, were heard.

Michael Wenning of Structure Point Engineers said the current engineering contract is for $240,000 and the work is approximately 40 to 50 percent finished. He said there is no county obligation to continue the contract.

Couts advised that due to how the project was managed prior to his administration, the county is responsible for 100 percent of the preliminary engineering costs.

Ownership of the road and bridge was questioned by those in the audience who own the property north and south of the stone arch. Wenning explained there is currently no platted right-ofway for the road or bridge. He said the plan is to take enough ground, by eminent domain if necessary, from landowners on both sides of the bridge to construct access or vantage points for visitors.

Wenning also advised that some sort of a park will have to be constructed to be eligible to draw down funds from two Transportation Enhancement Grants, worth $1,009,000, already awarded for the project.

Commissioner Bill Brown said he is in favor of bridge preservation and would like to be able to offer a viewing place for visitors but he does not believe in taking property from private land owners “that the county does not absolutely need.”

Council member Ron Slavens said he is in favor of repairing the bridge as needed. However, he pointed out there is no weight limit on the bridge, which he interpreted as there are no concerns about the stability of the structure.

Wenning was directed to do no more on the project until the scope of work needed for transportation grant eligibility is determined. The council will reconsider the request for the requested encumbrance at the April 15 meeting. Wenning is scheduled to make a follow-up report at that time.

Additional appropriation

Council members approved a $5,743 additional appropriation for the county clerk for a new computer system from the clerk’s perpetuation fund. It was noted by Ann Brown that county clerk Nancy Mattox will be expected to report, in detail, “on the progress of balancing her books as required by the Indiana State Board of Accounts until the task is completed, at every meeting beginning with the March 18 meeting.” It was also stated that follow up reports will be required by the council after the office check book is in balance with the bank.