By HOLLY GASKILL
A financial request from the Wells County Council on Aging was tabled by the County Commissioners Monday night.
The Council on Aging requested the county increase its contribution by just less than a quarter — from $40,000 to $49,200 annually. Executive Director Betsy Collier said the increase is necessary due to the rising costs of Wells on Wheels and local match requirements for other funding.
Collier had made a similar request last in April 2023, which had been rejected by the commissioners.
“I did revisit with the city, they increase their annual contribution by 23%,” Collier said Monday. “So I’m asking that the county at least consider increasing at least 23%, if not more, to get us back to a more viable amount to help keep our local match for (Indiana Department of Transportation) programs, so that we’re not always having to either dip into our reserves or go red.”
According to Collier, the city’s contribution increased from $13,000 to $16,000. She said this was the first increase in local matching since 2005.
Commissioner Blake Gerber suggested the board of commissioners delay their vote, saying, “I’m not unsupportive, but I think we need to take it under advisement and try to have an answer at one of the next two meetings.”
Gerber noted that the request was coming outside the board’s annual budget process, which begins with the County Council in August. Collier said she would return with the request in June. The commissioners’ next meeting is at 5 p.m. on June 3.
Commissioner Jeff Stringer also asked if Collier knew how many “county residents” used the service, meaning residents outside of Bluffton. Collier said it was difficult to track which areas used the service most, as some of their ridership is from outside of Bluffton but may make several errands within the city in a day, and vice versa.
Joining Collier Monday was Preston Kaehr, a member of the board of directors, who emphasized the value Wells on Wheels brings to Wells County, particularly the senior population. Mick Cupp and Gary Merritt were also present representing the board.
Stringer later reported there are no updates in the hiring process of a new director for economic development. He said there had been prospects with one applicant, but the individual backed out.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners appointed County Council member Brandon Harnish to a Community Plan Steering Committee. They will also appoint a community member but did not hear interest from anyone at the time.
Area Plan Commission Executive Director Mike Lautzenheiser said the committee will begin meeting later this summer and would “zoom in” on the direction of the Wells County Vision 2035 plan to identify ways to achieve community goals.
Those interested in the appointment were encouraged to contact the commissioners.
The commissioners also approved a request from Bluffton NOW! to use a portion of the Washington Plaza for Parlor City Market overflow vendors. The market will begin for the summer season on June 1 and continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 5.
Tourism Coordinator Audry Dudley said Bluffton NOW! plans to host concerts at Parlor City Plaza at 7 p.m. on June 21, July 19, Aug. 8 and Sept. 5, which may need overflow seating.
holly@news-banner.com
