DECATUR COUNTY COUNCIL

MAY 15, 2007


The Decatur County Council opened their May 15th, 2007 meeting with the following present; Rheadawn Metz, Rose Hellmich, Geneva Hunt, Ken Owens and Kenneth Hooten.

Mrs. Hunt moved to approve minutes of the April meeting and Mrs. Hellmich seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Tami Wenning - Assessor discussed Reassessment budget. She has hired a part-time person to help get her office in compliance. She purchased laptops for township assessors to help assist them with their assessing. Mr. Owens moved to approve Mrs. Wenning request to purchase a new server and pay part-time from the Reassessment funds and Mr. Hooten seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Judge John Westhafer discussed Courthouse security. Sheriff Templeton prepared a proposal for the manpower it would take to carry through with this project. Mark Barclay with the Barclay Group discussed Courthouse Security importance throughout the state. Grant monies are being appropriated to do this security. 21 Counties applied for these monies and have not received monies yet. Mr. Barclay suggested leasing the equipment so that when monies are available the lease can be paid.

Sheriff Daryl Templeton discussed the specifications needed to make the security work. Salaries would be approximately $70,000.00. Arresting powers, uniforms and training would also be required for the Courthouse security. Mr. Barclay also added that there are other grant opportunities for monies.

Sheriff Daryl Templeton also discussed radios for the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Templeton signed the lease agreement for 5 years and the radios will be owned by the County and paid out of the 911 funds.
Sheriff Templeton discussed cameras for the jail and will continue to request monies during budget time to lease equipment. The cost of the lease is to be $22,000 per year for 3 years. Digital recording system and alarm system will tie together.

Janet Chadwell - Clerk provided copies of pictures of the workstations that are currently in place. She has received a bid and sketches for the new furniture. Mr. Hooten moved to approve the request to purchase furniture. For lack of a second the motion died and after much discussion it was suggested that she come back during budget time for 2008.

Bud Ryle and Neil Cortus - Animal Control discussed the need for help at the shelter. A request was made to make the Animal Control Officer a salaried position for the remainder of 2007. Neil Cortus discussed the things that the Shelter has improved upon. Council members suggested getting City of Greensburg’s approval before the County would move forward.

Gerald Lawrence - Sheriff’s Merit Board requested that Hoosier Trust Company be the Trustee for the Sheriff’s Pension Fund. The fiscal body would be the body of government to approve this change. Mr. Owens move to approve to change, Mrs. Hellmich seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Karen Higginbotham – Carousel Play & Learn Center discussed the operation of the day care center. The request is for $15,000.00 a year starting in 2008. She is hoping that the Council could appropriate $5,000.00 for 2007 if available. Council members agreed if the City would appropriate monies the county will consider at that time.

Traci Eggleston - Department of Child Services provided a budget update for her department. She is stepping down in her current position but will be a regional manager for Ripley, Decatur and some other surrounding counties so she will be working with Decatur closely.

Matt Bailey - Council Attorney’s discussed his findings with the Airport. Mrs. Metz recommended discussing this with Mr. Gauck and Mr. Meyer at the next meeting.

Mrs. Hellmich moved to sign agreement with GFC and Mrs. Hunt seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Mrs. Hellmich moved to adjourn, Mr. Hooten seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned.



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Attest: ___________________________
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