In a bustling meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved vital grants and contracts while recognizing their dedicated employees for handling recent winter weather challenges.
PAOLI — During Tuesday morning’s regular meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners made significant strides by approving various grant applications, contracts, and policy updates. The commissioners also took a moment to acknowledge county employees for their hard work during recent snow events, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in facing challenges.
Present at the meeting were Commissioners Richard Dixon, Marshall Noble, and Steve Hopper, joined by County Attorney Lyn Fullen, Auditor Sandy Hill, and Sheriff David Henderson. The board began by unanimously approving the minutes from the December 10 meeting, along with accounts payable and payroll claims, ensuring the county’s finances remain in order.
In his report, Sheriff Henderson noted that the county jail population currently stands at 49 inmates. He revealed that the sheriff’s department has applied for two significant grants: one for $1,650 through Hoosier Uplands to purchase new radios, and another for $4,000 aimed at enhancing traffic safety. Both applications received unanimous approval from the board.
Highway Superintendent Carl Anderson commended highway crews and sheriff’s deputies for their prompt response to recent snow events. He also expressed gratitude to Emergency Management Director Rick Emerick for his support throughout the year, particularly regarding radio system work and weather coordination. Looking ahead, Anderson plans to submit a $1.25 million grant application for a county sign replacement safety project to the Indiana Department of Transportation on January 6. If successful, the county will need to provide a local match of $125,000. Additionally, the board approved an increase in the county’s safety boot reimbursement for highway employees from $100 to $200.
Maintenance Director Robbie Gilliatt informed the board that a contractor has requested to start work on the courthouse front sidewalk, contingent upon weather conditions. Dixon recommended aiming for a March start date to avoid interference with tax season.
Emerick also provided a brief update on upcoming emergency management operations, ensuring the county is prepared for any future challenges.
In a health-related update, Jamie Walker from IU Health/Orange County Health Department noted that her contract is nearing its conclusion. She updated the board on the school nurse liaison role associated with the HFI grant. Meanwhile, Brandy Terrell of Southern Indiana Community Healthcare discussed the implications of losing HFI funding and proposed a potential contract with Walker for assistance in grant research and reporting, which will be reviewed by Tucker and Tucker.
Health Department Administrator Lonnie Stroud reported that they are in compliance with the Public Health Emergency Planning Grant and introduced a new interpreter device. He also discussed a proposed limited work-from-home policy and provided an update regarding the Avian Flu Grant, reassuring that no cases have been reported in Orange County.
Fullen announced that Running Cedar LLC has filed a petition to vacate a county road on December 15, with a hearing scheduled for January 7 at 9:05 a.m. Additionally, the commissioners approved a contractual services agreement with Purdue Extension for $53,500, which will enable the services of up to two county educators.
Hill presented an agreement with Reedy Financial Group to assist in the county’s annual financial report, capped at $3,500. The board also made key appointments, including Jeff Cunningham to the Tourism Commission and Wendy Sprigler and Estil Griffis to the PTABOA board.
Commissioner Noble expressed enthusiasm about moving forward with a new website contract, pending legal review, and thanked the staff and partners for their efforts in securing a $500,000 OCR grant.
