Published: May 18, 2009 01:53 pm      

Fountain-Warren Health Department gets new home

COVINGTON, Ind. — The Fountain-Warren Bi-County Health Department should have a new home by the end of June.

The Fountain County Council heard Monday of final plans to move the health department from a county-owned building in Attica's downtown area to the former Little Beverage Co. building on Cedar Street west of Perry Street in Attica.

Officials from Fountain and Warren counties looked at several locations, primarily in the Attica area, to move the health department.

Commissioner Walt Wilson said a five-year lease has been signed at $1,200 per month. Fountain County, which has more population, will pay $800; Warren County, $400,

"We are a lot better renting, instead of owning (a building)," council president Richard Klage said.

The commissioners approved putting the current health department building up for auction at an earlier meeting.

In other business, councilmen:

Will give employees of the ambulance department a bonus payment for working on New Year¡¦s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, since those who are assigned that day are required to work 24 hours. It will go into effect in 2010 with the amount to be set at budget time.

Heard Amanda Smith, extension educator, explain plans for a $1 million renovation at the fairgrounds, which will include moving the Purdue Extension Service from the courthouse to the fairgrounds. The renovation costs will come from grants and fundraisers.

Learned from Sheriff Bobby Bass that the jail renovation work is in the clean-up and painting stage this week. The department will begin moving back from the community room of the courthouse later this week and next week. He anticipates inmates being returned the first week of June.

Heard from Klage that the county is running about $50,000 behind for the first four months this year.

Approved a five-year extension of the sheriff¡¦s retirement policy after hearing the required review from Elaine Beaty of McCready &Keene of Indianapolis.

Will have the auditor's office bill county agencies monthly for health insurance charges.

Will continue the surtax and wheeltax which needed approval by June 30,

Will advertise for an additional $141,500 in the assessor budget.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Fountain County will meet at 9 a.m. EDT June 22 at the courthouse.