Published: July 08, 2008 08:33 am      

Commission OKs squad car purchase

Fountain County replaces wrecked vehicle

COVINGTON, Ind. — The Fountain County Commissioners Monday gave approval for a second deputy’s car to replace a car wrecked when a deputy swerved to miss a deer.

Sheriff Bobby Bass said an additional $10,000 would be needed to replace the car. The commissioners will request the additional money from the county council.

Terry Ellingwood, president of the commissioners, questioned the plans to replace the car with a Dodge.

“You can buy a car that is a lot more economical,” he said. “It is not unusual for a car to go 200,000 miles. In light of the fuel cost, I strongly urge you to consider a small car.”

Bass cited the police package on the larger cars and invited Ellingwood to look at the totaled car.

“He wouldn’t have survived in a smaller car,” Bass said.

Commissioners Lowell Osborn and Janet Shoaf agreed to Bass’ plans.

Last month, the commissioners approved an additional $16,000 for another car that was totaled on a flooded road.

In other business, commissioners:

--Authorized Auditor Colleen Chambers to increase the coverage on the equipment of the sheriff vehicles.

--Will give the person working on the health department building in Attica until the end of the week to complete the project before action is taken.

--Authorized seeking $1,250 for attorney fees and $1,800 in professional services from the council for the advisory plan commission. The commission will meet at 7 p.m. EDT on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the courthouse.

--Appointed Chelsey Brier who works in the auditor’s office as the technology contact for the Department of Local Government Finances.

--Bought a bush hog mower from Grubb Implement of Covington for $7,450 for the highway department.

--Named Dana Harvey to the Tecumseh Area Partnership.

CAYUGA, IND.

Town council conducts grant hearing

The town council had a public hearing on the proposed new firehouse/community center. The town council seeks a $500,000 grant. Applications are due Sept. 12.

Although 15 residents attended the hearing, there were no concerns or questions.

An architect’s drawing is at 301 First St. for anyone interested.

In other business, the council:

--Heard the police department received a 1986 Chevrolet Blazer from the Vermillion County Sheriff. The sheriff’s department received four from the Army.

--Learned a new employee has been hired for the park through the Experience Works program.

North Vermillion hires band director

The North Vermillion School Board hired Christopher Haddad as band director for 2008-09. He replaces Jeanne Swaney who transferred to the music position at the grade school when Connie Tuley retired.

In other business at a special meeting, board members approved a $2.4 million tax anticipation warrant.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Fountain County Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. EDT July 21 at the courthouse.