Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Brandi Fischvogt, INDOT Local Programs coordinator Seymour District, requested an update on the Bridge #89 repair project at the April 7 commissioners meeting. According to Fischvogt, the cost estimate for repairs to the bridge was $700,000, with $560,000 awarded to Ripley County in 2005.

Since then, nothing has developed with the project. Fischvogt told the commissioners, “the state will suspend any project that is not moving.” The commissioners were also reminded that quarterly reports are needed for January and April. These funds can be transferred to another approved project with no bearing on a county’s ability to receive future assistance, according to Fischvogt. This issue was tabled for discussion, with a decision to be made at a later meeting.

The commissioners were urged to apply for funding to repair local rural roads. The deadline to apply for these funds is May 21. Up to $3 million can be requested, Fischvogt noted.

The commissioners unanimously agreed to sign a letter of support for LifeTime Housing Group’s grant application of $300,000 to be used in a five county area to help homeowners make repairs related to health and safety, accessibility, and general living conditions. According to Luan Male, LifeTime Housing Group director, homeowners in Ripley, Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio and Switzerland counties can apply for up to $15,000. The homes must be primary residences, not rentals, and cannot be located in a flood plain. The homeowner agrees to live in the home for at least two years after receiving the funds. The funds must be repaid if the property is sold before the two-year period is over. For more information, or to apply for owner occupied rehabilitation funds, contact Male, at LifeTime Housing Group 812-432-6282.

Kelly Vollet, Ripley County technology director, announced that their online auction would begin on Monday, April 14. Office equipment that is no longer used will be sold as is. Photos of items for sale can be viewed by visiting www.ripleycounty.com/auction. Photos will also be posted on bulletin boards in the courthouse for those who do not have Internet access. This will be an on-going auction, with new items added regularly. According to Vollet, the items must be picked up within a week after purchase, and will not be shipped.

In other business:

• The commissioners agreed to pay a balance of 45,192.96 for employee insurance benefit premiums for the month of April. According to John Gause, Apex Insurance, this is the balance after $39,000 earmarked for the April premium is paid.

• Tad Brinson, Ripley County Area Planning Commission executive director, submitted a petition to rezone property owned by Peter Hildebrand as 25 acres general business and 35 acres residential. This came as a favorable recommendation from the planning commission. The commissioners unanimously approved the petition as submitted.

• Ken Hylton, Ripley County Veterans Service Officer, assured the commissioners that he is making sure those who drive veterans to appointments are purchasing gas at the co-op in Osgood, and using the gas cards provided by the state.

• Ripley County Coroner, Ron Buchanan, informed the commissioners that as of April 1, Dr. Steve Ellison in Dearborn County will provide autopsies for the same price as the current provider. According to Buchanan, Dr. Ellison will perform those autopsies that do not go to court, which will save time, with results received within 2-3 weeks.

• Ted Spurlock, Rising Sun Regional Foundation, provided the 2007 Annual Report. According to Spurlock, Ripley County received $9,289,162 for the year, with $20,901,844 paid in grants throughout the region.

• Johnnie Lohrum, courthouse maintenance, presented bids for the replacement of locks on the courthouse doors. The bid from Fortress Safe and Lock was for $6744.40 and the bid from Access Doors came to $6975. The commissioners requested Lohrum investigate other, less expensive options and present them at the next meeting.

• Treatment to prevent ash borer was applied to the newly planted ash trees at the courthouse at a cost of $42 per tree.

• Kelly Vollet, technology director, received approval to donate retired cell phones to the South Ripley chapter of SADD.

• Ripley County Highway Supervisor Junior Heaton announced that an auction will be held at the county highway garage on May 2 starting at 3:30 p.m.

The next commissioners meeting will be held on Monday, April 21 starting at 8:00 a.m. located in the commissioners’ meeting room in the annex.