The Daviess County Council took the final steps in financing the courthouse renovation project at Wednesday morning’s meeting. The Council received bids on the bonds from three commercial entities and the Indiana Bond Bank. The Bond Bank offered the lowest interest rate on the bonds but limited the ability to pay off the bonds early with a ten-year payoff limit. A bid by Baird had slightly higher rates but offered the opportunity to pay down the principal after one year and an early payoff date of six years. After discussion, the Council agreed that the Baird bid offered the best opportunity to save on the interest costs of the renovation bonds. With funding for the project set, work on the project can begin as early as next month.
In other business, the Council approved a long list of salary ordinance amendments and additional appropriations caused by the moving of several Health Department expenses from direct county funding to a Health First Indiana Grant. The Council also appropriated funds from a federal LHD School Liason grant received by the Health Department and a three-year grant received by the Daviess County Soil and Water Conservation District that will bring a part-time position to full-time.
The Council also chose Tom Schaffer as president for 2024. Marilyn McCollough will serve as the council’s vice president.
The next County Council meeting is scheduled for February 14.
