Commissioners make board appointments (12/28/06)

With the close of 2006, Jay County Commissioners Wednesday afternoon made several reappointments to local governing boards.

Reappointed to four-year terms on the planning commission were Shane Houck, trustee Scott Hilfiker, and commissioners' representative Gary Theurer.

Carl Walker was reappointed to another four-year term on the board of zoning appeals, Dr. Joni Miller, and Sue Hilfiker to the health board, Alvin Confer to the tourism bureau, Ferrell Blazer to the public defender board, Gordon Kesler to the cemetery association, Jay King to the alcoholic beverage board, and Bill Kelly to Community and Family Services board of directors.

Commissioners noted that if any of those appointed chose not to serve, they would need to submit a letter of resignation.

In other year-end business Wednesday, commissioners Miller, Theurer, and Faron Parr accepted all bids that were submitted during the Dec. 18 meeting to provide crushed stone and bridge materials for the county highway department, but, at the recommendation of county engineer, Dan Watson, rejected bids from LPI of Portland and Baker and Shultz of Decatur for equipment rental.

Watson told commissioners he wanted to be able to rent equipment from other providers in addition to those two.

As commissioners heard Watson explain plans to replace bridge No. 54 on county road 500 North, just east of Ind. 27, in Bearcreek Township, he said that since the project will be receiving federal funds, several surveys must first be completed.

The project is expected to be funded with an 80 percent federal grant with the county picking up the remaining 20 percent of the cost.

Watson said noise and archaeological studies as well as studies of a nearby cemetery must be completed before the project can get under way.

Miller speculated Monday that with all requirements needed it may be two years before the project can begin.[[In-content Ad]]