Smoking Limit Set For County Buildings

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Teresa [email protected]

Smokers will have to be 20 feet away from any county-owned building because county commissioners established a policy regarding a smoke-free barrier Tuesday.

Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell said County Administrator Ron Robinson recommended the policy because of complaints from visitors to the courthouse and non-smoking employees.[[In-content Ad]]Smoking areas were established just outside many entrances.

Mitchell also advised the commissioners there was no way property tax bills would be sent in time for a June 30 distribution to other government entities - to the towns, school corporations, libraries, townships and other units receiving tax dollars.

County units haven't received their Schedule 1782, Mitchell said. This state-generated form provides each entity with a tax rate. Administrators have 14 days to accept or question the rate. When the revised 1782s are approved, the auditor's and treasurer's offices can prepare and mail the tax bills.

"We've guessed so many times," Mitchell said. "We're just not sure when the bill will be released."

Tippecanoe Township residents Steven and Kim Shipley and Tippecanoe Township trustee Tom Reiff appeared before the commissioners regarding a rent voucher denial.

Reiff indicated that the Shipley's gross income, $1,411 for a household with three people, minus their expenses of $940 per month, allowed them a balance of $471 per month. Their rent is $288 per month. No eviction notice was issued to the Shipleys.

Reiff said he did not include the $97 in food stamps the family receives each month nor visits to the food pantry.

The Koscuisko County Trustees Association has established a gross income of $1,022 for three persons in a household for poor relief eligibility. The Shipley's income exceeds this amount.

Reiff said he suggested that Kim Shipley could work, but she said she is disabled because she receives a $24.50 Supplemental Security Income check each month. She indicated that if she was employed, her SSI money would be gone.

Supplemental Security Income is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter.

During the 45-minute presentation, the Shipleys stood before the board and explained their situation.

Steven Shipley said they are involved in a court case appealing a Social Security decision.

He also indicated that he is a diabetic and disabled. Shipley said when they lived in Noble County and in Turkey Creek Township, the family received aid on a regular basis.

Board President Ron Truex said the commissioners' decision would be given within five days.

County commissioners are Truex, Brad Jackson and Bob Conley.

Smokers will have to be 20 feet away from any county-owned building because county commissioners established a policy regarding a smoke-free barrier Tuesday.

Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell said County Administrator Ron Robinson recommended the policy because of complaints from visitors to the courthouse and non-smoking employees.[[In-content Ad]]Smoking areas were established just outside many entrances.

Mitchell also advised the commissioners there was no way property tax bills would be sent in time for a June 30 distribution to other government entities - to the towns, school corporations, libraries, townships and other units receiving tax dollars.

County units haven't received their Schedule 1782, Mitchell said. This state-generated form provides each entity with a tax rate. Administrators have 14 days to accept or question the rate. When the revised 1782s are approved, the auditor's and treasurer's offices can prepare and mail the tax bills.

"We've guessed so many times," Mitchell said. "We're just not sure when the bill will be released."

Tippecanoe Township residents Steven and Kim Shipley and Tippecanoe Township trustee Tom Reiff appeared before the commissioners regarding a rent voucher denial.

Reiff indicated that the Shipley's gross income, $1,411 for a household with three people, minus their expenses of $940 per month, allowed them a balance of $471 per month. Their rent is $288 per month. No eviction notice was issued to the Shipleys.

Reiff said he did not include the $97 in food stamps the family receives each month nor visits to the food pantry.

The Koscuisko County Trustees Association has established a gross income of $1,022 for three persons in a household for poor relief eligibility. The Shipley's income exceeds this amount.

Reiff said he suggested that Kim Shipley could work, but she said she is disabled because she receives a $24.50 Supplemental Security Income check each month. She indicated that if she was employed, her SSI money would be gone.

Supplemental Security Income is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter.

During the 45-minute presentation, the Shipleys stood before the board and explained their situation.

Steven Shipley said they are involved in a court case appealing a Social Security decision.

He also indicated that he is a diabetic and disabled. Shipley said when they lived in Noble County and in Turkey Creek Township, the family received aid on a regular basis.

Board President Ron Truex said the commissioners' decision would be given within five days.

County commissioners are Truex, Brad Jackson and Bob Conley.
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