At Tuesday’s meeting the Daviess County Commissioners heard budget requests, approved a change order for the skylight repair project at the courthouse, and signed contracts to refinance jail bonds at a lower interest rate.
The Daviess County Historical Society submitted its 2017 budget request. Historical Society President Doug Dougherty asked for the Commissioners to continue the same $80,000 funding that is in the current budget. Dougherty also presented information outlining changes in the Historical Society and at the County Museum. Dougherty also outlined a new business plan for the Museum and said the Historical Society was seeking grants and private funding to supplement its income. However, Dougherty said the current level of funding was needed because the Society wanted to pay off the existing elevator loan and faced needed structural repairs on the north wall of the building. Dougherty praised the corps of volunteers who are helping renovate the Museum, and said that the Museum would have a grand re-opening July 1, in time for Washington’s 10-Day Bicentennial Celebration.
The Commissioners also approved a change order in the Courthouse skylight repair project. Commissioners President Michael Taylor said that 16 of the glass panels were cracked and could not be reused. The change order allowed the contractor to install new glass panels in the skylight.
In order to cut expenses, the Commissioners have agreed to refinance the bonds for the jail construction at a lower interest rate. Contracts were signed with Umbaugh and Associates, who will be the financial advisor, and with City Securities, who will underwrite the new bond issue. Commissioner Nathan Gabhart noted the lower interest rate would save the County a little over $930 a day.
The Commissioners also gave Daviess County Prosecutor Dan Murrie permission to apply for a 100% $187,000 state grant that would allow the Prosecutor’s office to add another Adult Protective Service investigator. Murrie said this no-match grant would allow the County to be able to better protect some of its most vulnerable residents.
And in the item on the agenda, County Highway Superintendent Phil Cornelius told the Commissions that bridge work on CR 900 E is on schedule. Cornelius also reported that the County had acquired 38 parcels for Phase III of the Odin-Cannelburg Road project. Cornelius said the County was still working on obtaining 23 more parcels for the project.
