In a move to expand Daviess County’s economic base, the Daviess County Council approved a ten-year tax abatement to Strong Box Developers for improvements on real property in the WestGate 1 semiconductor facility. Construction on the project will begin this summer.
The Council also agreed to additional appropriations for the Clerk’s, Treasurer’s, and Sheriff’s offices. The Clerk’s office requested the addition of a part-time clerk for six months to expedite the scanning and preservation of county records. The treasurer’s office requested $1,411 as a payout for a retiring employee. And the sheriff’s department asked for additional funds to match the difference between the estimated costs of replacement vehicles at budget time and the current vehicle cost. Sheriff Gary Allison said the units’ cost had gone up $10,000 per unit since the budget was submitted last year.
In other business, the council voted to support the Daviess County YMCA’s capital development project. Several council members pointed out the importance of the Y to Daviess County. The council also approved the distribution of funds the county has received from the opioid settlement. The county received approximately $200,000 from the settlement. Most of the funds are earmarked for prevention and education, recovery services, and treatment services.
The council also heard a report on the airport expansion project and discussed the pending Daviess County Visitors Bureau contract.
The Council also expressed their appreciation to outgoing Daviess County Economic Development Executive Director Bryant Niehoff for his efforts on behalf of Daviess County.
