Ohio County Historical Society Director Cliff Thies hopes that funding from Ohio County officials and city council will improve the business of the museum.
The museum is a business, he told county council and commissioners on Monday.
A big problem is getting internet service into the building. Thies presented a bid of $3200.41 from ETC which he said will bring the business into the 21st Century. It’s a real need.
Councilman Dill Dorrell motioned to pay half of the amount which will come from the riverboat special needs fund. Thies will be going to Rising Sun city council to see if he can get the other half of the funding.
Officials completed Thies on the tour of the historic Speakman House.
In other business, Veterans Service Officer Bill Parks reported that his office will pay $447.92 for the new light to shine on the flag pole in front of the courthouse. There is a need for four lights outside the courthouse totaling $1993.52, according to county auditor Debbie Cappel.
Parks reported he has been through recertification and is now working through the VFW, American Legion and DAV.
Parks reported there will be a ground breaking for the proposed Memorial Park at the Veterans Clock Tower at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11th. There will be a catered dinner by Rolling Pin Caterers at 5:30 p.m. at the Rising Sun Senior Center. All veterans are invited and should contact Parks and leave their name, service area and time of service.
Council and commissioners agreed on an amended salary ordinance (bonus) of $250 for non-elected employees and $125 for part-time. The money was budgeted last year.
Dorrell gave a brief update on riverboat gaming. He noted that the Terre Haute bill (which was rejected this past session) will come up some time. It proposed to take the unused slots at the Rising Star Casino to Terre Haute.
Councilman Tim Adams asked about county inmates now being housed in Dearborn County. Commissioner Tom Baxter said it looked like it was going to be a problem when sheriff Glen Potts was first told he had to removed inmates from Switzerland County. However, Potts was able to make a deal with Dearborn County Sheriff Mike Kreinhop which will allow Ohio County prisoners to be housed there through 2018.
Council approved its 2018 salary ordinance.
Auditor Cappel reported departments that received donations need to have budget lines for distribution.
The Ohio County Communications was approved to put $627 into uniform account. The Animal Control Department will use $900 for vet medical training and 200 for uniforms. The health department will distribute over $5000 in education and supplies.