By HOLLY GASKILL
County Commissioners discussed possibly changing payment processes for several county departments on Monday.
The item was brought to discussion by Tricia Ross, administrator for the Health Department. Currently, the department can only take payments via check or cash.
Ross stated this has not only been an inconvenience to the department and its patrons, but also led to some people leaving without paying.
“Often time they have to leave and go to the bank, and sometimes you never see them again,” Ross said.
County Attorney Ted Storer stated the current ordinance permits specific departments to take electronic payment rather than a county-wide rule. In light of this, there would be no barrier to adding that permission for the Health Department outside of making a motion.
To this effect, Surveyor Jarrod Hahn noted that it may not make sense for each office to take their own payments as they do currently. Hahn said for his office in the courthouse, it has seemed unnecessary to take payments separately when near offices are better equipped.
Commissioner Mike Vanover voiced favor for updating processes, as well as discussing changes for efficiency. All three commissioners approved pursuing new options for payment.
Storer said he would review the ordinance for payments and return with the next steps. He added that he would coordinate with Auditor Lisa McCormick and other officials regarding simplifying the payment process.
Also during the meeting, Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar received permission to open a separate bank account for permit payments, which would be transferred monthly to the treasurer’s office.
Additionally, Bonar presented bids for low-voltage wiring for the new highway garage. Bonar and County Engineer Nate Rumschlag noted one bid came in 20 percent less than the others, but they were advised by several officials the company was not a responsible bid. The commissioners said they would review the packages before making a decision.
Other updates included:
• Bonar is implementing practices to improve gravel roads before conversion, especially roads that become quite icy during the winter but are stalled by specific properties that have not yet signed for conversion. Commissioner Jeff Stringer said he heard several complaints this weekend about a stretch of Meridian Road, which has one property holding out on road conversion.
• The highway department will advertise for dust control for $1.82/ft., 200 ft. minimum.
• Bonar was authorized to make purchases under $30,000 for furnishing and equipment for the new highway garage from within the project’s budget. Bonar promised to seek three bids for any purchases and provide updates regularly.
• The drainage board received a request to replace the Klopenstein Tile located in the Six Mile Watershed, which collects $50,000 annually. The board agreed to bear the $56,000 cost with the four property owners on the tile, with the county paying 75 percent and the owners paying 25 percent.
• The next drainage board meeting, April 3, will begin at 4 p.m. to coincide with a public hearing.
• The Indiana Department of Transportation will begin a bridge replacement on Ind. 3 over the Salamonie River in August. Willow Road will also be repaved with two 10-foot travel lanes, bordered by 5-foot usable shoulders. This closure will be approximately 120 days.
• Commissioners signed off on an interlocal agreement with Adams County for Bridge 19; Adams County Commissioners approved the agreement the following Tuesday morning. The agreement will be seen by either county’s council next month.
• Pipe for Timber Ridge drainage has been delivered earlier than expected, and Bonar will begin coordinating the project with the contractor shortly.
• As of Monday evening, 67 inmates were being housed in the Wells County Jail, 29 of which were pre-trial holds for the Wells County Circuit Court, 18 for the Superior Court, 11 Level 6 felons, and three from the Department of Correction.
holly@news-banner.com
