Fund changes pending (6/21/04)

An attempt to find money for a water conservation effort could mean a big change in a county fund currently being used for bridge repairs and renovation.

Jay County Commissioners are exploring ways to fund a request from the Jay County Soil and Water Conservation District without adding a line item to their 2005 budget.

That answer was never found, but in the process of discussions with their attorney Brad Burkett and county auditor Freda Corwin the commissioners learned that the county’s cumulative capital development fund, which by state statute can pay for a variety of purposes, is limited in Jay County to bridges.

Commissioners Gary Theurer, Mike Leonhard and Milo Miller Jr. said that they planned to request that the allowable uses for the CCD fund be expanded. That change would be approved by members of the Jay County Council.

The fund, which is outside of the county levy (or the maximum amount allowed to be raised), is 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation — raising about $230,000 per year. There is a current operating balance of $403,000.

A resolution creating the cumulative capital development fund in Jay County was adopted in 1987. That resolution states that revenue generated may only be used for bridges, culverts and approaches. The wording is exactly the same as the resolution creating county’s cumulative bridge fund, which was created in 1984. The cum bridge rate is 6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, bringing in about $470,000 per year. The balance in that fund is almost $1.5 million.

The commissioners said this morning they would exercise control over the cumulative capital development fund, requiring that any requests for money from the fund be approved by them.

This morning’s discussion stemmed from a request for funding made several weeks ago by members of the local soil and water conservation district, which hopes to expand a water conservation effort.

The JCSWCD is already working in partnership with the commissioners, who also serve as the county drainage board.

The commissioners were told this morning by Burkett that they could establish a cumulative drainage fund, but that it could not be used to fund the JCSWCD request.

Also this morning:

•Miller said he had heard a few negative comments about the new dust control system for stone roads in the county. The calcium chloride is much less expensive than the previous product, but Miller has been told it is not as effective. Miller said he would like to hear more public input.

•Signed paperwork requesting an extension of a gym construction project at the West Jay Community Center. The project is set for completion Wednesday, June 30, but has been delayed by weather issues, Jay County community developer Wayne Bailey said this morning.

The county served as the grant recipient for the $700,000 project, while Bailey wrote the application for a nearly $500,000 grant that was awarded by the Indiana Department of Commerce.

•Approved the creation of a new clothing line item for the budget of Jay County coroner Paulette Wagner. Wagner wants to purchase shirts for her deputy corners.[[In-content Ad]]