For the second time in the last two months, Daviess County is under a burn ban. The commissioners issued a ban on all open burning due to the lack of rain and the extremely dry conditions around the county. Emergency Management Director Scott Myers told the commissioners that fire departments in the county have had fires to fight in the last couple of days and no rain is forecast until after the first of November.
Commissioners Michael Taylor and Ron Arnold also gave final approval and awarded the contract for a Sheriff’s Department project that puts all first responders and emergency departments in Daviess County on the same radio system and eliminates communication dead spots in the county. Chief Deputy Steve Sturgis has been working on it since March. Sheriff Gary Allison told the commissioners that funding for the project came from several sources.
In regular business, the commissioners received several bids for asphalt, concrete, and other highway department supplies for next year. The bids were taken under advisement. The Commissioners tabled consideration of a contract with Purdue Extension pending coordination with the Economic Development Commission. Consideration of a contract between the Visitors Bureau and the Economic Development Commission was also tabled pending the addition of language capping administrative fees and adding a requirement calling for a semi-annual report to the County Commissioner.
The commissioners also approved a list of not-for-profit organizations receiving assistance from the county. Commissioner Ron Arnold voted for approval and praised what the organizations do, but noted that the Daviess County Economic Development Commission would be a more fitting source for charitable funding. In other business, the Commissioners granted permission for IRACS to install a bicycle rack for client use in the County Parking Lot near the Security Center on Walnut Street. Highway Superintendent Chris Winkler also told the Commissioner that contractors had notified him that paving work will begin on CR 300 W, south of US 50, next week.
The Commissioners also gave tacit approval to a plan presented by Circuit Court Judge Greg Smith and Superior Court Judge Dan Murrie on the distribution of judicial space after the courthouse renovation is completed. According to the judges’ proposal, the Circuit Court, which basically hears civil and juvenile cases, would sit on the top floor. The Superior Court, which usually hears criminal cases, requiring larger jury pools and more frequent contact with the Prosecutor’s staff, will sit on the main floor. The commissioners asked the judges to put the request in writing.
The next commissioners meeting is scheduled for November 12 at 8:15 a.m.
