The Rising Sun City Council, Ohio County Council and Ohio County Commissioners met in joint session to hear how various organizations used their riverboat gaming funds over the past year,
Peg Dickson reported the annual grants scheduled by the Ohio County Community Foundation which includes two new masters grants this year.
Librarian Amy Hoffman thanked the county for taking over the old Carnegie Library. Although the library does not receive gaming funds, Hoffman said she may have to come for funds in the future.
Insurance is going up and eventually the library board may have to eliminate one full time position. The public uses the library more for searching for jobs online and at tax time.
Don Thomason and Abbey Berkley reported on the Rising Sun Ohio County Port Authority’s research into a new way to install and take out the docks. Thomason said such a move is not for aesthetics but for safety.
He called it a good financial decision as the current cost $20,000 each year which doesn’t include city workers labor costs. It will be significant savings in the long run.
The city recently received a reward for its riverfront which led Thomason to call it a $15 million mansion but the front porch is a run down shack.
The proposed docks would be made of steel and be good for at least 25 years.
After much discussion, it was decided that installing a diverter first would be needed. Recent rains showed how much the river debris clogs the docks and actually forced city workers to take the docks out of the water because of the accumulated debris
Matt Pyles presented the report for the life squad. He noted they had lost four volunteers since April and another will be leaving in January. Squad runs are manned by volunteers from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Twenty nine percent of the calls come during volunteer hours. He admitted there is a need for some young blood.
One problem is the six months for recertification and lack of retention. The squad is willing to pay for the class and test but need a two year commitment.
A Rising Sun Regional Foundation grant allowed for the purchase of a Lucas 3 automated CPR device which saved a life just two weeks after purchased.
Kevin Armstrong gave the fire department report for new gear and radio upgrades. The plan includes a boat with the car ferry coming. The department has 36 members and is funded by donations, letter drive, and fish fry along with city and county funding.
Jamie Bell’s park board report focused on enhancing the visitor experience. The community center is 19 years old and experiencing maintenance costs. The dance class is in its 15th year. “We have quality programs and instructors,”Bell added.
EDC executive director Lane Siekman reported two businesses lost but noted the addition of D1 Performance training and an expansion planned by OMI. The EDC is not part of revenue sharing.