Commissioners differ on release of EDC funds

A difference of opinion between Commissioner Nathan Gabhart and Daviess County Economic Development Commission Director Ron Arnold opened the business portion of Monday’s Daviess County Commissioners meeting.

Arnold had requested the release of $282,000 for work downtown on the walkway connecting Main Street with a new parking lot on East Van Trees Street near the Tin Lantern project.  The money would also be used on the new Bicentennial Park.

The discussion centered around Gabhart’s desire for a more detailed report on how exactly the money was being spent on the project. Arnold and Commissioner’s President Michael Taylor explained that the money is part of contract the county has with the Economic Development Commission.  In the end. the release of the funds was approved on a 2-1 vote with Commissioners Michael Taylor and Dan Jones voting in favor and Gabhart opposed.


 

In highway department news from the meeting…….

County Engineer Jason Heile reported that Phase II of the Odon-Cannelburg Road is still closed to thru-traffic.  Heile reminded motorists that there are still several people working along the sides of the road.

Highway Superintendent Phil Cornelius received permission to purchase and place 911 location signs at I-69 overpasses since INDOT has refused to place the signs.  Cornelius also reported that work on CR 1200 E is 99% complete.

The commissioners awarded were bids for supplies for the highway department.   The Commissioners also established speed limit of 45 mph on CR 1175 E between CR 700S and 950S, and on CR 800 N, between CR 900 E and the Martin County Line.  A speed limit of 40 mph was set on CR 200 N, between 575 E and 650 E.