Board thanks its employees

The Jay County Solid Waste District board is thrilled with the performance of its employees. So it wanted to reward them.
The board approved end-of-year bonuses for financial manager Fred Corwin and educator Bettie Jacobs at its meeting Monday afternoon.
It also discussed the success of its water barrel workshops and OK’d the purchase of a new lawnmower.
Board members unanimously approved bonuses of $1,000 for Corwin and $750 for Jacobs, praising the work they did in 2014.
“They both do an excellent job,” said board member and Jay County Commissioner Jim Zimmerman. “I know we pay them for what they’re doing, but still, they save us a considerable amount with what they do.”
Faron Parr, who is also a commissioner and board member, noted that the district at one time had two-and-a-half full-time employees. Corwin now works three days a week and Jacobs is contracted as the educator.
“It’s unreal what we’re accomplishing on a part-time basis,” Parr said. “I don’t know if you could find two better people. They deserve it.”
Jacobs reported to the board that the rain barrel workshop she held Nov. 17 went well, with 41 in attendance. About a third of that group stayed after the instructional workshop to put their barrel together with Jacobs’ help.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Jacobs. “It was a great investment of our time and money.”
Of the 100 rain barrel kits the district ordered, 83 have been given away to local residents. Each kit cost $3.70.
Another workshop is planned for April.
Board members Bill Gibson, Dan Watson, Jeannie Houchins, Randy Geesaman, Milo Miller Jr., Zimmerman and Parr also approved the purchase of a new riding lawnmower for the district office from Bryant Combine Parts at an estimated cost of $4,795. It will have a 48-inch deck and 21-horsepower motor.
In other business, the board:
•Paid claims totaling $14,059.10. The district brought in landfill tipping fees totaling $29,783 in October. It currently has a balance of $354,287.90.
•Approved renewal of an advertising banner at West Jay Community Center at a cost of $200.
•Heard Jacobs will attend an educator’s retreated Dec. 5 in Kokomo.
•Denied requests for donations from West Jay Optimist Club and the Jay County Fourth of July Committee.