Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Daviess County Commissioners began as a special joint meeting with the County Council to consider bids for the Courthouse renovation project. County Attorney Grant Swartzentruber and construction consultant Jeremy Finns recommended the county award the contract to the low bidder, Tabor Owens Construction of Washington. Superior Court Judge Dean Sobecki said the project was a long time coming and thanked everyone for the hard work they have put into it. Sobecki said the plans fit the needs of the courts and the county, now and in the future. Both the commissioners and the council voted unanimously to accept the low bid for the project.
In regular business, the commissioners accepted bids for highway department supplies and materials for 2024. County Highway Superintendent Chris Winkler reminded the commissioners and the public that Edwardsport Road will be closed between County Roads 300 N and 400 N for the rest of the week for a culvert replacement. Winkler also reminded everyone that INDOT has a plan to replace a culvert at the intersection of Troy Road and the US 50 Bypass. A detour route will be posted by INDOT.
The commissioners agreed to advertise for the sale of the old County Salt Barn at 400 West Walnut in Washington. By state law, the minimum bid is $95,000.
The commissioners also gave approval to the assignment of a title to a property that did not sell at the recent tax sale to Ride Solution. Also approved was the use of grant money to pay for an additional full-time employee at the soil and water office.
In other business, the Commissioners heard a report from Joe Morris on the county’s preparations for the April 8th solar eclipse, approved the appointment of Nicole Troutman to the Visitors Bureau Board, and agreed to follow the state’s lead and add the day of the eclipse as a holiday for county employees next year.
The commissioners also heard from Emergency Management Director Scott Myers. Due to the exceptionally dry weather, Daviess County has declared a ban on outside burning. Campfires are still permitted, but must be supervised and contained within a 10” burn ring. The burn ban is in effect until further notice.
