Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Shawna Bushhorn, Ripley County Assessor, requested extra funds at the April 21 meeting of the Ripley County Commissioners. She also requested the funds not come out of her budget, but the general fund. She said her office is compliant in their portion of the tax process, but the auditor’s office is not. Bushhorn said a report that is sent to the DLGF (Department of Local Government Finance) by both offices does not have matching parcel numbers. If both are not compliant, she stated the annual budget for the county will not get reviewed. “I’m compliant, the auditor is not,” she told commissioners therefore requesting the funds to get the situation fixed shouldn’t come from her fund.

In order to become compliant, Bushhorn told commissioners that the vendor for the assessor software, Manatron, could write “scripts” or programs to fix the problem. The cost will be $183 per hour for a minimum of two hours. The commissioners unanimously agreed to hire Manatron to correct this problem.

Ripley County Clerk Ginger Bradford reported that the testing of voting machines went well. She stated that one of the spare machines went down, and had to be replaced. The cost for the previously owned voting machine was $3834.55. The commissioners unanimously agreed to pay the claim.
Ripley County Coroner Ron Buchanan submitted a claim for the purchase of a new mortuary cot. Commissioner President Robert Reiners told Buchanan that he should have contacted EMS Director Scott Huffman about a used cot. According to Buchanan, he did look at the cot and determined that it was not in good shape. He assured the commissioners that the new cot would last for several years. This request was unanimously approved.

Buchanan was advised to ask for an increase in the coroner’s budget for the rest of the year at the next county council meeting. According to Buchanan, the budget for the county coroner was small because the previous coroner owned a funeral home, and used his own equipment and facilities. Also, the coroner reported that he is getting quotes for the lettering of his vehicle, and will present them to the commissioners at a later meeting.

The commissioners were updated on a new position in the planning commission office. According to Tad Brinson, executive director for the Ripley County Area Planning Commission, the office manager position and the assistant building inspector position will be merged into one position, eliminating a part time position. The new position has received approval from the planning commission, and will be presented to the county council at their next meeting.

Becky Cairns, technology assistant, reported that the online auction has received over 30 bids. She also stated that new items are currently being placed on the website.

Commissioner Reiners reported on a visit from members of the Rising Sun Regional Foundation. The purpose of the visit was to see how the money was being spent. Various places in the county were visited, such as the humane society and Ripley County Fairgrounds. “They were quite impressed,” said Reiners.

Sue Greer, volunteer for the Milan Community Food Pantry on Carr Street, requested advice on a grant application. According to Greer, although the building where the pantry is located has passed inspection, there are several repairs that need to be made. She wanted to know if she was required to advertise for bids for the construction work. According to Attorney Neil Comer, since this is a private corporation, there is no need to advertise for bids. The commissioners advised Greer to get bids for the job, so that the cost can be included in the grant application. Commissioner Chuck Folz reminded Greer to let the commissioners know if there is anything else that they can do to help the Milan Food Pantry.

In other business:

• David Osborne, Ripley County Extension Office, presented another bid for the replacement of carpet.

• The commissioners unanimously agreed to install historical markers throughout the county purchased by the Ripley County Historical Society.

• A bid for the repair of water valves in the courthouse basement was presented by Johnnie Lohrum, county maintenance. He also reported the painting on the third floor of the courthouse has been completed.

• The appointment of Christie Russell to clean the courthouse annex and the surveyor office was unanimously approved.

• Tad Brinson reported the illegal dumping in Dabney has stopped. The owner was informed to have clean up of the property completed by May 9 or be fined $5,000 a month.

• The date for the county auction has been changed to May 9.

• Auditor Mary Ann McCoy noted that the county prescription card use has increased from approximately 6,000 to 11,000 users in 2007.

The next commissioners’ meeting will be held on Monday, May 5 starting at 8:00 a.m. in the commissioners’ meeting room in the courthouse annex in Versailles.