Published: May 04, 2009 04:33 pm      

Fountain County seeks stimulus money for road project

COVINGTON, Ind. — Fountain County wants its share of stimulus money, but an engineering study is needed before a project can be funded.

The Fountain County Commissioners voted Monday to hire Butler, Fairman and Seufert of Indianapolis to do the engineering study on Stone Bluff Road from Indiana Route 341 west to Covington. The cost is $18,000.

"I feel it is a gamble worth taking," said Commissioner Walt Wilson.

Commissioner Terry Ellingwood, who voted against the study, said he was not in favor of anything involving the stimulus.

"Someone else is going to get the money if we don¡¦t apply," Wilson said.

Wilson said a considerable amount of stimulus money is earmarked for an 11-county area in western Indiana.

In other business, commissioners:

Learned of a $1 million renovation project at the Fountain County Fairgrounds west of Veedersburg that would result in the Purdue Extension moving its offices from the courthouse to an addition planned for the 4-H building.

"We are asking for your support in the move to the fairgrounds," said Extension Educator Amanda Smith. "The fairgrounds gives us more opportunities for programs, storage and the extension (office.)."

Smith anticipates the renovation being paid for through grants and gifts.

Learned from Sheriff Bobby Bass that the jail project is ahead of schedule.

"We should be back in there on May 18, and we should have inmates back on June 1," he said.

Increased the umbrella liability insurance coverage from $1 million to $11 million. It will cost an additional $8,000 a year.

Will go to the county council for $55,000 in unemployment and $75,000 for out-of-county housing of inmates.

Will auction the Fountain-Warren Health Department building in Attica contingent on moving the health department.

Heard that Community Corrections may be able to expand services with a new grant.

Dropped plans to replace Bridge No. 5 south of Covington.

Accepted the resignation of Tye Auter, veterans service officer.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Fountain County Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. EDT May 18 at the courthouse.