Commissioners make PTABOA decision
Having reviewed applications for several weeks, County Commissioners officially appointed Nathan Schrock to the property tax assessment board of appeals.
The commissioners said they had looked over all the applicants, held interviews and contacted references in the process of making their decision. The appointment was agreed upon by all three commissioners: Mike Vanover, Blake Gerber and Jeff Stringer.
Schrock’s role on the board will be effective immediately, and he will be present at their first meeting this month.
Highway department experiences staffing woes
After a recent hire left for a different job and the lead mechanic was injured in a car accident, the Wells County highway department is currently operating without any mechanics.
Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar told the commissioners he’s unsure of when the lead mechanic will be able to return, given the severity of his injuries.
In the meantime, Bonar expressed his deep appreciation of those on his team who continue to work diligently while they work shorthanded.
“The guys do a great job, and there’s some of the best of them I’ve seen in my years,” Bonar said. “… it just seems like an uphill battle all the way and I’m trying to come to you with some future changes to help make it better, but right now we’re at the bottom of the hill, climbing up.”
Library continues successful season
Since eliminating its late fees, Dustin Brown, trustee member for the Wells County Public Library Board, said missing items have dropped unexpectedly. Additionally, from March to June, the library issued 207 new cards.
“We’re attributing that to the fact that previously if people had a fine, they would just take material off the shelf without checking it out,” Brown said. “And now because the fines are not a roadblock to them, they’re checking them out, which allows us to have better control over the materials in the library.”
Though the state has appropriated an additional 5 percent in the budget for the library, Brown said they plan to prioritize that toward materials and utilities to preemptively attempt to keep up with inflation.
Upcoming, Brown said the library plans to add lockers for after-hours pick-up for Bluffton, Ossian and Southern Wells but has experienced supply chain issues in acquiring them. The library continues to update its HVAC systems and plans to update its landscaping in the Spring.
County jail remains full amidst construction
As of Tuesday afternoon, Sheriff Scott Holliday reported that 87 inmates were being housed in the county jail. Of those inmates, 30 are pre-trial holds for Wells Superior Court, 22 pre-trial holds for Wells Circuit Court, 23 Level 6 felons and three from the Indiana Department of Correction.
With continuing construction, Holliday said that housing this many inmates has been a juggling act, though he’s been pleased with how jail staff and construction crews have balanced everything.
Bi-County Services, Historical Society approved for increased funds
Both Bi-County Services and the Wells County Historical Society were approved for an increase in their annual funding for the upcoming year.
Bi-County Services was approved for an additional $1,968, an increase they are approved for annually. In total, they will receive $41,280 from a set-apart fund for individuals with special needs.
The Historical Society requested $12,000 this year, whereas they’ve previously received $10,000.
The increases were approved 2-0 by commissioners Mike Vanover and Blake Gerber; Jeff Stringer had to leave the meeting early. County Council also approved this increase unanimously.
— Compiled by Holly Gaskill
