Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Despite the fact the Kosciusko County Extension office has been short-handed since last summer, the county commissioners Tuesday approved renewing the contract with the office.
Of the contract, county administrator Ron Robinson said, "It's the same agreement we've had for the past four years."
The county pays Purdue University $81,025 and Purdue provides the personnel to cover county Extension services of interest in agriculture, natural resources, leadership, community development, consumer family services, 4-H and youth development.
In other business:
• The commissioners approved a lease between the county highway department and B&L Duck Farm for stockpiling stone near the Clunette Elevator to be used for chip-and-seal projects.
• The commissioners approved an additional cost of $1,300 to upgrade phones at the sheriff's department.
• Robinson said he met with the county's insurance company and was told their liability insurance will increase 15 percent, approximately $15,000.
"From what I'm told, that's common," Robinson said. "Everyone's is increasing."
He said some of the increase is because of the new work release center at the corner of U.S. 30 and Center Street as well as the Munson lot. The county is leasing the Munson lot for county employee parking during the Justice Building construction. The new insurance costs are not a "done deal," Robinson said, because the insurance company is still looking at the figures to see if they can provide a lower rate.
Robinson also told the commissioners Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. is requesting them to appoint someone to their prevailing wage committee. TVSC had no recommendation.
Eddie Creighton, middle district commissioner, said, "I wouldn't refuse to do it but I'd like to see more of an initiative on their part." The commissioners tabled the appointment until the next meeting so the school corporation can provide a recommendation.
A plan for the public defenders committee is being put together, Robinson said. At its March 7 meeting, the committee will adopt the plan and send it to the state for approval. Once the state adopts the plan, the county will begin receiving money back from felony cases.
The county is required to have a board to apply for reimbursement from the state for representing indigent people. The board meets quarterly to look at the list of cases to make sure they meet the criteria for public defense.
Robinson also said a contract has been reached between the judges and the law firms of Reed & Earhart and Rockhill, Pinnick, Pequignot, Helm, Landis & Rigdon to provide public defense for those who need it.
• Approved the application of two grants for the Beaman Home.
• Approved the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $3,400 for the Geographic Imaging System. The money will be used for a program to automate some of the procedures to regenerate files. Bill Holder, GIS director, said it will save him time and money.
The commissioners also approved $1,000 for Holder to go to a GIS user's conference later this year in San Diego. The $1,000 will cover airfare, food and accommodations.
• County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell told the commissioners that Kosciusko County Human Resource Specialist and Administrative Assistant Nanette Newland has information now posted on the Internet on the county council and commissioners. A job posting is currently on the site as well as meeting dates and holidays.
"I'm seeing that as a real plus," Mitchell said.
The information can be found at www.indico.net/counties/kosciusko/government/county.html
Mitchell said the minutes of the commissioners' meetings also could be posted.
The Kosciusko County Commissioners are Eddie Creighton, Avis Gunter and Brad Jackson.
