Beth Ramsey, Staff Writer

“We aren’t asking for more money, just to keep the benefits we already have,” Pat Thomas, Ripley County Health Department, told the Ripley County Commissioners at the meeting held on Monday, February 11. According to Thomas, the current policy was established in 1967 and written according to Indiana Code at the time. In 1991, the county commissioners adopted a countywide policy, but the health department did not change their policy. By changing to the county policy now, there is the potential of long time health department employees losing some of their accumulated sick days and vacation days.

Thomas continued by saying that although salaries do not reflect the level of education of some in the health department, she believes that the extra sick days and days off make up the difference in pay. According to a financial study by the health board, Ripley County salaries are lower than neighboring counties. Dr. Harley Robinson, Ripley County Health Board chairman, supported Thomas by saying, “We don’t want our staff to lose their benefits.” County Health Board member Tom Perotti said, “Not only will this change hurt morale, but you might lose employees. You have a health department to be proud of.” Commissioners agreed to investigate this issue further and will be discussed at a later meeting.

A sick leave bank was suggested by Thomas. Any county employee can donate any number of sick days to the bank to be used by those who need extra days. According to Thomas, in order to participate in the sick bank, an employee needs to donate days. Those who donate can use as many days as needed, it’s not limited to the amount donated by the employee. This was taken under consideration and will be discussed at a later meeting.

Prentha Cochran, PC Recovery Systems of Corydon, presented the commissioners with information on a telecommunication audit. According to Cochran, there is a potential for the county to pay for unused services and phone lines. Jennings County has already implemented these services and discovered some overcharges, according to Cochran. Cochran and her team will review the bills for the phone, long distance, Internet, cell phones, and pagers for overcharges or services no longer used over a time period to be determined by the commissioners. According to Cochran, there will be no cost to the county unless an overcharge is found. Then, PC Recovery Systems will receive 50% of the amount recovered. The commissioners unanimously agreed to accept this service for a 24-month contract period.

According to Commissioner Folz, a dog attacked and killed five sheep and maimed others. The county dog catcher was called in and witnessed the dog in the act. The dog was put down. The owner of the sheep was informed of the proper procedures, which includes finding two non-relatives who witnessed the attack. The county will reimburse the owner for the amount not paid for by the insurance. The dog owner, Dennis Horan, was scheduled to speak to the commissioners concerning the dog, but did not show up at the meeting.

Kelly Vollet, county technology coordinator, presented bids for a PA system for the lobby of the courthouse. Vollet’s recommendation includes a podium on casters and wireless microphones, all which will cost about $2984. The commissioners request Vollet look at the system to ensure that it will supply all the needs for the courthouse. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting.

Commissioner Lawrence Nickell requested the issue of the cost of permit fees be revisited. Currently, there is one price for the permit no matter the size of the house. Since there have been complaints from homeowners, it has been suggested that the permit fees be adjusted according to the size of the home. No action was taken on the request.

County Clerk Ginger Bradford presented the commissioners with a contract for DoxPop, a website that allows the user to access information about non-confidential court cases at a fee. According to Bradford, this service is especially valuable to attorneys. The website can be accessed at the county website www.ripleycounty.com/clerk. Attorney Neil Comer reviewed the contract, and suggested change be made to the contract concerning the fees. The commissioners unanimously agreed to sign the revised contract.

County employee Robbie Evans had questions concerning the county dental insurance. According to Evans, she contacted the four dentists within the insurance network to find that three were not accepting new patients and one was to close. Her concern is the cost of paying for services out of network. Evans said that she has been in contact with the dental insurance representative, with no results. She requested the commissioners look into the matter.

In other business:
• Tad Brinson, area planning executive director, gave the commissioners an estimate for the repair of a vehicle. This will be decided at a later meeting.
• Ripley County Coroner Ron Buchanan requested an office and supplies that are not covered in the budget. The commissioners requested a list of needed supplies. This will be discussed at a later meeting.
• County maintenance, Johnnie Lohrum, informed the commissioners of a future repair to the blacktop in the County Annex building parking lot.
• County Highway Supervisor Junior Heaton and the commissioners informed the probation department and the planning/building department of a state fuel card that is available for use. This fuel card can be used at the Co-Op in Osgood.

All commissioners were present as well as county Attorney Neil Comer. The next meeting will be held on February 25, beginning at 8:00 a.m., at the Commissioners’ Office in the County Annex Building.