Cathy May, Contributing Writer

At the August 18 meeting of the Ripley County Council, Donna McCool again brought up the issue of the Sunman Sewer District. She and other Sunman residents are opposed to the district fearing they will be forced to hook up at their own expense. McCool said she has a new septic system and can't afford to hook up to a sewer system. She also explained there are a lot of senior citizens like her who are living on fixed incomes and cannot afford to hook up either. McCool is asking the council to reverse their decision on the petition they signed to approve forming a sewer board, which is the first step in the process to having a sewer district.

Roger Lang, who is a supporter of the sewer district, commented, "They (opponents of the sewer district) are not looking at the big picture. They don't want it because they say it will increase property values and cost them more property tax. That is the dumbest thing I ever heard of. We've got to look toward the future. There will be five people on the sewer board. The board will determine if there is to be a sewer district or not. There are 91 sewer districts in Indiana. If you've got a family with a new septic system, you can get a rebate. As long as your system is working, you don't have to hook up. If your system fails, then you would be required to."

Attorney Neil Comer said that Lynn Newlin from the state sent him a copy of the petition which had been previously signed by council. Councilman Ed Armbrect said "If the State is willing to pay for a feasibility study, I think we should do that."

After the debate, council President, Dephane Smith, polled the board members who were in attendance and each one agreed to leave their position as is.

Council discussed moving their budget hearings to the last of October 29, 30 and 31 instead of the first week of September. The state has given the counties additional time this year to get their budgets in by December 1.

Ripley County was designated by the state as a declared disaster area after the flooding this summer. The Lily Foundation has contributed $100,000 to each county. Commissioner Rob Reiners said they are recommending that $45,000 of that money be used for a new phone system for the county. The present one is inadequate for any disaster. Sheriff Tom Grills said the current phone system is a public safety issue. The new system will cost $120,000 and they need council to commit the rest of the money. Technology Director Kelly Vollet said the new system will actually save the county from $1,000 to $1,500 a month and would eventually pay for itself. Council voted to commit the additional $45,000 for the phone system. The rest of the $100,000 will be divided among the fire departments for equipment.

Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel, Traci Eggleston, Tom Baxter of the Versailles State Police Post and Sarah Brichto gave a presentation on the Child Advocacy Center. They are requesting $50,000 start up funds from each of the six counties in the center's operating area. They have applied for a Community Focus Fund Grant and will know in November if they will receive it. They have found a suitable building available in Dillsboro to purchase for the center.

In other business: Sheriff Tom Grills asked for two additional appropriations, $10,880.25 to replace equipment on a car and $30,000 for inmate medical and dental bills. The requests were approved.
The Ripley County Commissioners appropriated $3,066 from their excess equipment sales to the highway department and then transferred it to garage and motors. Also, $31,163 from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation was appropriated for chase vehicles.

William Neal, Jr. representing the Ripley County Park Department, has appropriated $3,500 from machinery to purchase a 1992 Chevrolet 4-wheel drive pick-up truck. He also asked for $2,500 from individual insurance to allocated insurance funds for the remainder of 2008, which was approved.

An additional appropriation for $4,000 was approved to implement court ordered testing. This request came from the Ripley County Probation Department.

Traci Eggleston, Ripley County Department of Family Services gave council an update on their financial situation. She said the news was good.

There were five council members present: Dephane Smith, Ed Armbrect, Dave Simon, Juanita Kaiser and Donald Dunbar. Attorney Neil Comer and Auditor Mary Ann McCoy were present to advise the council. Their next regular meeting is scheduled for September 15 at 7:00 p.m.