By HOLLY GASKILL
Initial insurance quotes for county-owned buildings left the county underinsured, said Commissioner Jeff Stringer. No policy was approved during their meeting on Monday, and the commissioners asked Dan Lipp of WalkerHughes to make adjustments for further quotes.
The presented apparent best quote was from Bliss McNight, however the evaluation of the jail at $5 million and the courthouse at almost $16 million. Sheriff Scott Holliday was the first to react, saying that recent renovations to the jail alone cost roughly $8 million. He believed the total estimated value of the jail would be somewhere between $20-30 million — this was echoed by County Attorney Ted Storer, who calculated a $26 million value given an estimated price per cell.
Stringer further noted that, while the courthouse could not be truly replaced, $16 million would not replace the size and specifications of the courthouse. He also asked for clarification on the new highway building, considering the extensive equipment on the property, and the Carnegie Annex.
Lipp advised that county insurance is often fickle. He noted that buildings, like the courthouse, often lead carriers to turn away counties due to the liability. He advised that Danica Dunwiddie would return at the commissioners’ next meeting, April 15, with new quotes, saying, “This is exactly why we’re doing this.”
Stringer emphasized that the county has previously had issues with being underinsured, and the board wanted to make sure their building investments were protected. Storer also stated the county may want to consider a high deductible.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners:
• Delayed action on an interlocal agreement with Adams County for engineering services. Their current agreement will end in mid-April. Stringer said he had received a verbal commitment from Adams County Commissioner Stan Stoppenhagen that they would renew the agreement for 60 days.
• Heard a financial request from Family Centered Services so 2-3 employees could receive additional training and certifications. CEO Paige Hamilton stated he hopes to have FCS be able to take Medicaid in the next several years, and this would be part of that process. The commissioners were receptive to the idea but advised the funding may be appropriate in preparing a Health First Indiana budget proposal. Stringer instructed Hamilton to meet with the Health Department.
• Approved a grant renewal for Community Corrections.
• Approved Ordinance 2024-05, which allows another bookkeeper to be hired in the Highway Department.
holly@news-banner.com
