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County Council supports building purchase




Carroll County Council members Paul Rider, Tracy Martin, Ethan Brown, Scott Ayres and Lawrence “Doc” Stauffer held a short meeting on May 7. Council members Josh Plue and Tim Radcliff, who expressed their reservations about the purchase of a building at the April 21 meeting, were not present. Both indicated at the April meeting they would not be available when the meeting was scheduled.

The sole purpose of the meeting was to approve $225,000 to allow the County Commissioners to purchase a building at 305 N. Cottage St. in Delphi. Brown made a motion immediately when the meeting opened to approve the money, using $125,000 from the Rainy Day Fund and another $100,000 from the River Boat Gambling Fund. Rider provided the second to the motion.

Initially, there was no discussion about the matter by the council members. However, an audience member posed questions for the group such as, why the county needs the building. Ayres said the building is being purchased to give the Coroner a place for a cooler for bodies. Brown advised the building is “a very nice facility and a great asset for the community.”

Questioner Lisa Bough said the former Area Plan Commission office has been and is vacant and could be used for a Coroner’s office. Ayres replied that office is barely large enough for one desk. Bough suggested the Coroner could be located in the Health Department given space available there. She said families could obtain death certificates while at the Health Department as well.

Bough advised the building being considered for purchasing is at least 20 years older than the current jail, which has been deemed in need of replacement.

Martin told Bough that her questions were “unfair.” Bough said it will cost more than the purchase price to retro-fit the building in question to suit the county. Martin explained the county is “buying a building” to house the Coroner and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). She said the council cannot project costs to retro-fit the building after the purchase. She said the council cannot pinpoint those costs right now.

Bough attempted to discuss the cost of both the Cottage St. building and the possible cost of the new jail. She was silenced by Ayres who stated “we are not going to discuss the jail.”

Stauffer said the Coroner needs more space and the property is convenient. Rider immediately after called for a vote and Brown provided the second. The motion to approve the funds for the project was approved unanimously.

The next Council meeting will be May 19 at 10 a.m.

The recorded video of this meeting can be found on YouTube on the “Debbie Lowe” channel.