FRANK DENZLER
Republican Staff Writer
Monday’s meeting of the Rush County Commissioners found the county leaders dealing with a variety of issues.
Chamber of Commerce Director Pam Leisure informed the trio of Tom Barnes, Marvin Cole and Ken Masters, that the Indiana Association of United Way currently has made funds available for disaster relief. The funds are being made available in the wake of a rash of storms that struck the state in June. According to Leisure, the $100,000 grants were made available June 30 and are considered the first phase.
The funds are earmarked for planning phase of the cleanup,” Leisure said.
In other news Leisure indicated that the building that formally housed the Salvation Army in the 100 block of North Main Street recently was sold and it is anticipated the location will be the home of a new business in the near future. The type of business was not disclosed at Monday’s meeting.
In other matters, Ramona Wilkinson, speaking on behalf of the Rush Fest, gained permission to use the lower level of the courthouse during the one-day fall event that will be held Oct. 3. The Arts Council requested that the first floor of the courthouse be used to show art work.
Next to speak was Area Plan Director Bill Todd. Todd informed the commissioners that the crew that in recent weeks has been cleaning the county owned property in Manilla on Cross Street has for all apparent purposes abandoned the project.
After signing a wavier with the county releasing Rush County from liability nearly four weeks earlier, the crew was cleaning the site of the former Manilla Elevator with their only compensation the money they obtained from the scrap metal they recovered. According to Todd, no progress has been made in nearly seven days.
“It appears they have abandoned the cleanup process,” Todd said.
As a safety and health concern, the county leaders are seeking to clean the property on Cross Street.
In a final matter, and acting on a recommendation by the county insurance committee, comprised of county employees, the commissioners voted to renew a insurance plan with the current provider. The new policy will reflect roughly a 10 percent increase to the cost of the employee.
According to committee member Jerry Sitton, although a 10 percent increase passed on to employees’ for coverage may sound high, when put into the perspective that the National average of many increases passed on to employees for insurance coverage is believed to be between 18 percent to 30 percent - the 10 percent increase to the county employees is considered the best alternative.
Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
