Several new ordnances are currently in the works for Daviess County.
On Tuesday, county leaders met in a joint session with a packed agenda. Daviess County Highway Supervisor Chris Winkler reported on a speed study that was on done on 100 West from the Washington city limits to Edwardsport Road.
The speed study was conducted due to several speeding complaints and reports of traffic failing to slow when approaching the city. Due to the data presented, the commissioners decided to create an ordinance lowering the speed limit from 55 MPH to 45 MPH.
The commissioners are also working on an ordinance regulating fishing areas and parking around West Boggs Park. Signs are currently in place by the park prohibiting persons from fishing and parking on the side of the road, however, people are still doing so. The only enforcement that can be done is a trespassing order which is long and tedious for all involved says Jameson Hibbs. He reported the issue is becoming a traffic hazard and a major safety concern.
Commissioner Nathan Gabhart noted he wanted to keep kids safe, but also wanted to keep kids outside. The board and West Boggs Park agreed to look at creating an ordinance that can be enforced by county officials. They also agreed to review creating another access point to the lake so kids can still have easy access to fishing.
In addition, the discussion on blighted properties continued. County leaders have been working on an ordinance to clean up properties around each municipality in the county. The language would be very similar to an ordinance in Knox County that requires a hired or appointed person to oversee those areas and properties. The designated area would be about two miles around each municipality in Daviess County.
There were discussions about a partnership with the City of Washington to accomplish those goals. By the end of the discussion, officials agreed more discussion with the city will be needed before moving forward.