Circuit Court experiences increase in drug testing
The Wells County Circuit Court approached the County Council on Tuesday requesting an additional $4,800 for drug testing through the end of the year.
Chief Probation Officer Gregory Werich told the council they had administered 627 tests as of June 30, with findings including 25 positive for fentanyl, nine for methamphetamine, seven for cocaine and six for THC.
The additional funds will come out of probation fees.
County Council makes decision regarding surveyor compensation
The County Council unanimously decided that should County Surveyor Jarrod Hahn receive his formal license, his salary would increase 1.5 times effective the first payroll afterward.
This increase follows the Indiana Code regarding the payment of licensed surveyors.
The council needed to make this agreement preceding Hahn receiving the licensure due to another conflicting rule stating that the salary of an elected official cannot increase during their term. County Attorney Colin Andrews said the law allowed an exception in this case and recommended amending the salary ordinance for this circumstance.
Hahn stated receiving this license was five years in the making, but is unsure when it will be completed given the timing for application and exams.
PTABOA board pay will not change
The County Council has decided to keep a $100 per meeting compensation for members of the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.
During 2023 budget planning, the council had stated all county boards would receive equal pay of $65 per meeting. However, they decided that PTABOA would be an exception to this rule given their certifications and role.
Drainage board entertains new non-approval limit
Hahn discussed a possible new non-approval limit, allowing the department more freedom to pursue Wells County Drainage Board projects.
Currently, Hahn needs to ask for approval for any projects exceeding $5,000. However, Hahn said this number was set before he began as the surveyor 18 years ago. With year-to-year increases and current inflation, Hahn stated there were very few things he could work on without first waiting on their approval.
“A $5,000 project today is a lot smaller project than it was 18 years ago,” Hahn said.
Hahn stated that he used to be able to clean out a mile of ditch for $5,000; today, he said the same project would cost around $7,500.
Commissioner Blake Gerber said he appreciated Hahn bringing the topic, and that they would revisit it at their next meeting.
Hahn also updated the board on upcoming projects, noting that the Kizer Tile in the Maddux Watershed was due for repairs. The board approved the not to exceed cost at $20,000. They also approved $15,000 toward the Gaskill Tile in the Stinson Watershed. The affected landowners agreed to cover the rest of the cost of the repairs, totaling $39,897.
Part-time employee approved for the auditor’s office
During Tuesday’s County Council, Auditor Lisa McCormick was approved for a part-time worker request with a 10 hours weekly maximum.
The part-time work will be done by an employee who recently left for another position, as they train someone new for the vacant role. McCormick said she expects the part-time work will not be needed beyond the end of the year and plans to use funds from the Plat Book Maintenance fund.
The County Commissioners also commended McCormick’s office for their work preparing documents for the county’s bond for the construction of the new highway garage. Commissioner Blake Gerber said there were some last-minute items needed for the bond deadline and the women in the office quickly got everything together. This made it possible for the county to get a more favorable rate, saving roughly half a million dollars.
Meeting dates approved for 2023
Both the County Council and Commissioners approved their meeting dates for 2023.
The County Council will continue to meet at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and the County Commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month. Several exceptions will be made for nearby holidays.
Meeting dates will be as follows for the County Council: Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4, May 3, June 6, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 8, Dec. 5 and Dec. 21.
Meeting dates will be as follows for the commissioners: Jan. 3, Jan. 17, Feb. 6, Feb. 21, March 6, March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, May 15, June 5, June 20, July 10, July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 21, Sept. 5, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Nov. 6, Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and Dec. 18.
County engineer provides updates on grants, plans
The county is still waiting to hear on its application for the Federal Rail Elimination Grant, County Engineer Nate Rumschlag said.
During the County Commissioners meeting Monday, Rumschlag said the application deadline was delayed until Oct. 11, and decisions will come in afterward.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good application ready for that compared to even our other local tracks awardees and state,” Rumschlag said.
Rumschlag added that the road and bridge asset management plans were approved for 2023, and the county can proceed with CCMG applications. Rumschlag also said he is continuing to secure rights of way and making payments for Bridge 106, Bridge 105 and CR 220S to Ind. 116.
— Compiled by Holly Gaskill
holly@news-banner.com
