JCDC reviews finances, hears support

Jay County Development Corporation invited the public to a meeting to review its financial information.

Following a presentation of that information and two main questions regarding finances, the conversation shifted mostly to supportive comments for JCDC and a questioning of Jay County Commissioners’ handling of the organization.

JCDC executive director Travis Richards explained that about 94% of the organization’s funding comes from public sources — predominantly Jay County and the City of Portland — via economic development income tax (EDIT) dollars. He noted that the five-year EDIT plan for 2021-25 set JCDC funding from the county at $230,000, with the understanding that it would be overfunded in the early years of that plan and that money would be held back to cover expenses in the later years.

Richards noted that JCDC is in contract negotiations with the county and that while Jay County Council approved $140,000 for the organization — funding was reduced with the Jay County Community Development position removed — a number has not yet been included in the proposed contract. He said commissioners have asked for bank statements, balances, claims and various other information.

He reported that the organization’s year-end balance of operational funds has been between $108,000 and $117,000 since 2021 (and projected for 2024), with additional funding set aside for projects such as Launch Jay, marketing and Make My Move. He mentioned internal and external controls, including regular financial reports presented to the board, double-signing all checks and annual audits by Bollenbacher and Associates.

Following his about 20-minute presentation, former Jay County Commissioner Mike Leonhard asked “Why do they want to cut your budget? Why do they want to control your money?” in reference to current county commissioners.

Richards said he didn’t have an answer to those questions.

“Why are expenses not presented to the board?” asked Jay County Commissioners president Chad Aker.

Richards responded that a financial report is presented monthly. Aker questioned why it does not include every check that is written, saying that is a “red flag.”

Aker also referenced Indiana Gateway, a state website that provides access to information about how taxes and other public dollars are budgeted and spent, saying JCDC information on the site does not match what was reported to the board. After a look at the numbers Aker was referencing, JCDC administrative assistant Jodi Hayes explained that funds for special projects appear in different places in the respective reports.

“That makes a little more sense,” said Aker.

Asked later by Duane Monroe, who has announced his candidacy to run for commissioner in the south district, if he was satisfied with the explanation, Aker said the numbers still didn’t quite add up but were closer. He also said he still feels all claims should be presented to the JCDC board and signed off on.

Ron Laux and Joe Johnston, two of the longest-serving JCDC board members, pointed out that financial reports are reviewed, open for questions and approved at every meeting and that the same format has been used under several executive directors.

“I think if our commissioners spent more time doing their job and less time trying to push our non-profits down and getting into fights with non-profits that are trying to help, then you guys would be able to get a lot more done,” said JCDC board member Josh Atkinson, adding that the organization has been limited because of the “continuous battle” with commissioners.

Chad Towell, another JCDC board member, echoed similar sentiments later in the meeting.

Towell also referenced numbers presented by Richards that show JCDC brought in $16.5 million in grants over the last 10 years and helped facilitate $218 million in capital investment and the addition of 538 new jobs. He noted that the county’s contribution to JCDC over that time period was in the neighborhood of $2 million, indicating a strong return on investment.

Darlesia Lee, a Jay County resident, asked about what JCDC does for small businesses. Richards noted the organization’s work to facilitate $924,000 in loans or grants to 62 small businesses over the last 10 years and its partnership with Indiana Small Business Development Center.

Sheron McClung, a Portland resident, was critical of commissioner Brian McGalliard for airing issues on Facebook, referring to it as “assassination of character,” and questioned commissioners on other issues.

Several times during the meeting, attendees asked, “Where is Brian?” (Aker was the only commissioner among the about 30 in the crowd, which included 14 JCDC board members.)

Jeff Bailey of FCC (Indiana) said JCDC has been an important partner for the company. Rural Jay County resident Dillon Muhlenkamp also expressed support for JCDC and its efforts, and board members Alicia Corwin of Pennville and Mark Leavell of Redkey said being involved in the organization has been key to connecting their communities to the rest of the county. Monroe noted accomplishments over the decades, including attracting companies such as FCC (Indiana) and MSSL Wiring.