At Wednesday’s regular meeting, the Daviess County Council heard reports from West Boggs Park Superintendent Nathan Rihm on the phosphorous problem at the 622 acre lake and steps being taken to remedy the problem. Rihm also reviewed the potential cost of cleaning out sediment ponds. Rihm did say that, for the most part, farmers in the drainage area are working to remedy the problems of fertilizer and manure runoff reaching the lake and raising the levels. Rihm also said the possibility of establishing a conservation area is being studied.
The Council also agreed to support the Soil and Water District’s application for a grant to fund a full-time education coordinator. And appropriated funds received by the health department. In other business, the Council approved an additional appropriation of $40,000 for aviation fuel for the airport. The funds generated by fuel sales are returned to the County General Fund. The Council also approved an additional appropriation to repair water damage to the elevator shaft at the Security Center.
The Council also addressed an incomplete CF-1 report from Melrose WestGate Holdings. The Council tabled the issue until Council President Tony Duncheon could look into the matter.
Following the regular Council meeting, a joint meeting with the County Commissioners was called to order. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the courthouse renovation project. Commissioner Nathan Gabhart told the meeting that the projected cost for all interior and exterior repairs is approximately $15 million. The Commissioners and council members said they would like to hold the project to around $13 million. A suggestion was made to make the exterior repairs subject to separate alternative bids. The Commissioners and Council then discussed bonding the construction and the funds to be used. The Council said the County has approximately $7 million to $8 million available in the general fund. The general consensus of the group was that short-term bonds were preferable to long-term bonds. The group also heard concerns from Judge Dean Sobecki about the availability of space for necessary court business during the construction. The education room at the Security Center, the Commissioners/Council chamber, and the conference room at the Government Center are being considered for court hearings. The projected timeline for the project is to receive bids after Labor Day, with a goal of beginning work by the end of the year.
