CASA eyes office space

CASA de Portland is looking for office space and is trying to strike a deal with the county to rent that space in the Meridian Street courthouse annex.

CASA president Adolfo Solis approached Jay County Commissioners this morning to inquire about renting an office in the annex located at the corner of Meridian and Walnut streets, which currently houses the Purdue University Cooperative Extension.

Solis said the group, which supports the Hispanic community in the county, recently received tax-exempt status and will begin looking for funding and applying for grants.

Since the group is just getting started down that path, however, Solis proposed a non-traditional rent agreement.

"In exchange for us to be working in there ... we can exchange for cleaning services," said Solis, who operates a cleaning service business.

At this time, Solis said, the group's finances would be wiped out by monthly rent payments in commercial spaces.

"There a couple rooms upstairs," said commissioner Milo Miller Jr. of the annex, which is occupied by the extension office.

"But they surely don't need all those offices up there."

Commissioner Jim Zimmerman asked how long it might take CASA to receive funding in order to make more standard rent payments.

The arrangement, he said, would be temporary until CASA can secure operating grants. Solis mentioned The Portland Foundation's semi-annual grant, which wouldn't be disbursed until the summer, as a possibility as well as state-options.

"I think we can work something out," Miller said.

Miller said the commissioners would consider the proposal and told Solis that he could take a look at the available offices in the annex to see if they would fit CASAs needs.

In other business this morning, the commissioners:

•Signed an emergency claim of $3,150 to pay bills for technology maintenance to Randy Weaver. Weaver told Jay County auditor Nancy Culy there was a problem with his billing system during December and bills did not make it to his customers.

•Agreed to rescind a ticket that was issued to a part-time courthouse employee who had parked in the county-controlled lot. The ticket had been written by a Jay County Sheriff's Deputy and Sheriff Ray Newton asked the commissioners for their opinion on the ticket.

•Signed a proclamation declaring this week as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Jay County.

•Were informed that online tax-sale auctions for about 80 properties in the county began today. Those interested can view the properties and place bids at www.sri-taxsale.com.[[In-content Ad]]