Bridge to be lifted into place (11/06/06)

A bridge which formerly spanned Brooks Creek in western Jay County will be set in its new location across the Salamonie River Wednesday.

Jay County Engineer Dan Watson told commissioners today the bridge has been painted and is set to be put in place mid-morning Wednesday.

The bridge was moved from its western Jay County location in Knox Township to be used as a pedestrian/bicycle bridge connecting Hudson Family Park and Weiler-Wilson Park near Portland Pool.

The $425,000 project was a joint effort between the city and Jay County. The county received a $339,200 Indiana Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant to help with the project, leaving an $84,800 balance that will be paid from cumulative bridge funds. The care and maintenance of the structure will be the city's responsibility when the project is completed.

Additionally today, Watson told commissioners Milo Miller, Gary Theurer, and Faron Parr that he will be meeting with state officials on Nov. 14 to determine what they will be paying towards the repaving two county roads damaged after construction this summer on Ind. 67.

County road 700 South, south of Redkey, was used by the state during the replacement of a culvert and then county road 125 South was also a detour during culvert work between that road and county road 300 West.

The state has indicated that it would be paying at least a portion of the cost of repaving those roads, Watson said.

"I'll meet with the state to see what they're going to pay for and what we'll have to pay for," he told commissioners.

Commissioners today also discussed plans for meeting with the new Jay County Sheriff to a salary contract.

A new sheriff will be elected in Tuesday's general election.

Miller noted that throughout the campaign, candidates have indicated they would be willing to work with commissioners on a contract which would establish a salary while agreeing to give up a portion of inmate meal money.

Currently the sheriff is paid an annual salary and is also permitted to keep the difference between the state-required per-prisoner meal allotment and the amount actually spent to purchase those meals.

"The sheriff's job is in the top percentage of salaries in the county," Miller said of the position that with the combined funding, brings the total near $100,000.

Commissioners today also discussed plans for the parking lot just north of the courthouse on the north side of West Walnut Street but made no decisions.

The county purchased an old building on that site earlier this summer with plans to raze the building and provide additional parking for courthouse employees.[[In-content Ad]]