The Switzerland County Commissioners met on Monday, October 2nd in a regularly scheduled meeting. Items coming before the Commissioners included:
– Kerry McConnell, of Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning, presented the commissioners with the Indiana Housing grant information. The $350,000 grant was previously awarded to help homeowners in Switzerland County. She explained that the grant allowed 14 homes in the county to be rehabbed; which included: updating electric/plumbing, replaced roofs, doors, windows, floor joists, paint, and some appliances.
Switzerland County contributed $23,100 which was required in order to receive the grant. A total of 57-percent of the homes were low income, with the balance made up of the elderly or disabled.
SIRPC will be offering another grant in the future. If you are a homeowner and would like to apply to be put on the waiting list, contact the SIRPC office at (812) 689-5505.
– Cary Louderback inquired about the road condition of Red Hog Pike. He explained that the traffic has increased from 20 cars a day to 20 an hour, and that the road is not in good shape. Commissioner Josh South explained that Red Hog Pike is on the list to be upgraded next season, weather permitting. The highway department will be looking into a permanent fix for the road.
– The sealed bids for the Moorefield/Bennington sewer fence were not opened at the meeting. The board is waiting for a clarification from the state regarding the material required for the fence project.
– Switzerland County Tourism representative Hannah Shelton was present to inquire if the board had made a decision on the use of the courthouse parking lot. She had previously ask to use it for the petting zoo during Sleepy Hollow. The board advised her that Tourism can use the county-owned grass lot on the west side of the jail. The petting zoo will then be on the corner of Pike and Main Cross streets.
– Bids were opened for the replacement of the county jail roof as follows:
• Indiana Restoration: option one using shingles: $70,313; option two using metal: $140,513.
• Exterior Pro: option one using shingles: $51,360.
• Bolton and Peck: option one using shingles: $50,250.
The commissioners explained that two of the contractors did not recommend a metal roof on the jail. The commissioners to take the bids under advisement and decide at a later date.
– Switzerland County was awarded a grant in the amount of $869,850 from ‘Community Crossings’ that will be used on pre-approved road and bridge projects.
– In other business, Commission President South brought up the proposal from CenturyLink to supply the county with service and equipment. He made a motion to accept the bid of $5,300 per month. The motion died due to lack of a second. Commissioner Jerry Monjar said he would like to see more details before approving the motion.
Rosemary Bovard