JCDC interviews start this week

Jay County Development Corporation hopes to select a new employee in the next month to bring the organization back to full staffing.

The JCDC board agreed to allow its executive committee to negotiate salary and benefits with a potential candidate.

Executive director Ceann Bales reported to the board that there were 24 applicants for the community development and grant writing position. The executive committee scored 20 of those applications and selected 10 candidates for potential interviews with eight scheduled for Thursday.

Monday has been blocked out for second-round interviews, if needed.

The position has been vacant since Christy Shauver resigned in August 2022. In the midst of a dispute between county government officials and JCDC, Jay County Commissioners later reduced funding for the organization and entered into a contract with East Central Indiana Regional Development Partnership for grant writing and community development. Commissioners decided this summer not to renew that contract in favor of bringing the position back to JCDC.

Bales also provided updates on JCDC activities, including assisting communities with pursuing infill housing. Dunkirk has already acquired 19 properties from Jay County Commissioners and Portland is in the process of taking ownership of six properties. Bales is working with other municipalities as well.

The goal is to acquire properties, remove blighted buildings and then offer the properties at a discount to incentivize developers to build new homes.

Bales said the program will take time to see results, but that it is important to build a foundation in order to make progress. 

“So we can really deal with the blight that’s in our community,” she said. “And try to really look at a thoughtful way to build up our housing stock that’s manageable for a rural community.”

Board member Bryan Alexander, who also sits on Jay County Council, praised county government and JCDC for getting on the same page and working toward common goals. He also urged JCDC board members to spread the word about what the organization does, adding that the role of the organization is no longer entirely focused on “attracting smokestacks.”

“It is important to get the message out,” he said. “This is a vital extension of our government.”

Bales mentioned county projects, including funding committed to A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope toward a show on Roku TV and efforts to expand the Jay Emergency Medical Service base in Portland or build a new one.

Bales recently took her final test in order to become certified as a grant writer for Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs initiatives.

In other business, the board:

•Was reminded that JCDC will hold its Christmas open house from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2.

•Approved its credit card policy.

•Discussed the upcoming end of terms for board members and officers. Bales noted that a nominating committee made up of Doug Loy, Ron Laux and Trent Paxson will work on finding members to fill empty seats. All board officer roles are up this year as well.

•Bales also acknowledged that Joe Johnston has decided to step away from the board as his term ends. The former CEO of Jay County Hospital has served on the board for more than 20 years. Bales and other board members thanked Johnston for his service and mentorship.

•Approved the financial report. The board also briefly mentioned money that was earmarked for the Make My Move program. Bales said she will consult with Jay County Commissioners regarding what should be done with those funds since the county is no longer involved with Make My Move.

•Was reminded about the following upcoming events:

   —Portland Elks benefit breakfast for Secret Families Christmas Charity of Jay County on Saturday, Nov. 15.

   —The Arts Place benefit auction on Friday, Nov. 21

   —The turkey drop at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Webster Depot in Dunkirk

   —The Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in downtown Portland

   —Feel the Warmth of Christmas on the evening of Dec. 1 in downtown Dunkirk

   —Santa’s arrival in Redkey at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28