The Daviess County Economic Development Corporation, which works to grow new and existing businesses in Daviess County, presented the County Commissioners Tuesday with two requests. One was to to investigate the use of Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds to pay for infrastructure improvements needed by new or expanding businesses in rural areas of the county. The other request was to investigate the use of EDIT funds to speed the elimination of the Grain Processing Corporation, Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District so the entire property taxes would channel into the general fund. Daviess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) Director Ron Arnold also presented a letter from the Commander at Crane and the WestGate Authority, asking the Commissioners to take action regarding some un-kept property along the approaches to the Tech Park. The Commissioners took the three items under consideration.
The ongoing contention between Daviess County Commissioner President Nathan Gabhart and the DCEDC was on display again at Tuesday’s meeting of the Daviess County Commissioners. The matter involved a contract for Community and Economic Development Services between the County and the Daviess County Economic Development Foundation (DCEDF). Gabhart took issue with the Foundation, represented by Board officers Phil O’Haver and Tony Duncheon, along with DCEDC Director Ron Arnold. Changes to correct what the Foundation described as “minor” in order to correct vague wording, were considered by Gabhart to be “major” changes. He spent several minutes chastising the DCEDC. Gabhart and Commissioner Tom McCracken voted to table approving the contract with Commissioner Michael Taylor opposed.
The Daviess County Commissioners on Tuesday heard Prosecutor Dan Murrie present a report from the Longevity Pay Committee. The committee suggested a program that would pay long-time employees $100 per year of service. Commissioner Tom McCracken will look into the projected costs. The Commissioners also acted to upgrade the server for the jail’s computer system, approved changes in the Courthouse Clock project, and approved the appointments of Jason Burch as an alternative County Board of Zoning Appeals member and Darla Norris as a member of the WestGate Authority Board.
During the regular report from the Highway Department, County Highway Superintendent, Phil Cornelius presented the Commissioners with a letter of understanding with INDOT for an alternative detour around work the state will be doing on Business 50 between Eastside Park Road and Counrtyside Used Cars. The state is looking for a 45 day road closure for the project.