By HOLLY GASKILL
Wells County Commissioners again delayed approval of an insurance policy. They will hold a special session before the county’s current policy expires.
Representatives from WalkerHughes returned with quotes during the commissioners’ meeting on Monday. However, the commissioners again stated the quotes undervalued county property, specifically the Wells County Jail and Carnegie Annex.
The same item had been discussed earlier this month, where the commissioners had asked for new quotes raising the value of the jail from $15 million to $25-30 million and new consideration for the annex, courthouse and highway garage. At both meetings, Commissioner Jeff Stringer said the county would be underinsured in the event of a total loss.
Representative Danica Dunwiddie assured she would have new quotes by the end of the week, but the policy would need approval by May. The commissioners’ next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on May 6.
As the conversation concluded, Stringer stated this has not been the first time they’ve had to hold a special session for a quote issue.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners were introduced to Ashleigh King, the recently hired director of Imagine Early. Imagine Early is a coalition between Adams and Wells counties to serve childcare needs.
King said she is working with Reusser on branding design and a website. She also plans to spend the first six months meeting with parents, providers and businesses to create an understanding of the current childcare needs in our community, noting that data often doesn’t capture the greater story at hand.
The commissioners have committed to support the organization with $25,000 annually for three years.
holly@news-banner.com
