Minutes 11-21-11
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BE IT REMEMBERED that a regular meeting of the White County Council was held at the White County Building at Monticello at 9:00 A.M. on November 21, 2011 for the purpose of discussing the additional appropriations and other business that might come before the membership.
Council President Dennis Carter called the Council meeting to order in joint session with the Commissioners. The following members were present:
Dennis E Carter Kevin L Crabb Gary W Hendryx
Bruce D Clear Raymond L Kramer Jr James G Annis
Dennis D Cain
For content of joint session, see Commissioners’ minutes.
MINUTES
Councilor Kramer made a motion to accept the October 17, 2011 minutes. Councilor Hendryx seconded the motion. Vote: Unanimous
TRANSFERS
The following transfers were received:
AMOUNT FROM TO
White Circuit Court $ 1,000.00 1-4-1-11 1-4-2-2
Pauper Attorney Books
$ 120.00 1-4-1-11 1-4-2-4
Pauper Attorney Copier
$ 2,000.00 1-4-4-2 1-4-2-2
Computer Books
$ 100.00 1-4-4-2 1-4-2-4
Computer Copier
Councilor Clear made a motion to approve the above transfers. Councilor Annis seconded the motion. Vote: Unanimous
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE County Council of White County, Indiana that for the expenses of said Municipal Corporation the following additional sums of money are hereby appropriated and set apart out of the fund. Herein specified and subject to the laws governing the same.
REQUESTED ALLOWED
WHITE COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE
Autopsy Fees $ 7,750.00 $ 7,750.00 __________ __________
TOTAL $ 7,750.00 $ 7,750.00
Councilor Kramer said the need for the appropriation has to do with the number of autopsies done; and the charges have gone up as well.
Councilor Annis made a motion to appropriate the above request from General Fund #1. Councilor Clear seconded the motion. Vote: Unanimous
REQUESTED ALLOWED
WHITE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Honey Creek Township Trustee $ 17,770.00 $ 17,770.00
(Phase 2 & 3)
Prairie Township Trustee $ 6,190.00 $ 6,190.00
(Phase 2 & 3)
West Point Township Trustee $ 22,090.00 $ 22,090.00
(Phase 2 & 4)
Frontier School Corporation $ 143,060.00 $ 143,060.00
(Phase 2, 3 & 4)
Tri-County School Corporation $1,340,790.00 $1,340,790.00
(Phase 2, 3 & 4)
Brookston Public Library $ 1,550.00 $ 1,550.00
____________ ____________
TOTAL $1,531,450.00 $1,531,450.00
Councilor Crabb made a motion to appropriate the above request from the Wind Farm Economic Development Fund. Councilor Kramer seconded the motion. Vote: Unanimous
REQUESTED ALLOWED
WHITE COUNTY SHERIFF
Part-time Deputies $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00
____________ ____________
TOTAL $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00
Councilor Cain made a motion to appropriate the above request from the Physician Fund. Councilor Annis seconded the motion. Vote: Unanimous
BE IT ORDAINED by the County Council of White County, Indiana that for the expenses of said Municipal Corporation the following reduction in sums of money are hereby reduced and ordered set apart out of the several funds herein named and for the purposes herein specified, subject to the laws governing the same:
REQUESTED ALLOWED
WHITE COUNTY SHERIFF
Part-Time Deputies $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00
____________ ___________
TOTAL $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00
Councilor Cain made a motion to reduce the above request from the Physician Fund. Councilor Annis seconded the motion. Vote: Unanimous
INKEEPER’S TAX
Councilor Clear said the Innkeeper’s Tax Commission sent a letter written by County Attorney Loy to all the places that should be paying the Innkeeper’s tax. He said there are approximately ten businesses that advertise as such but do not pay the tax. The letter should help to make these businesses aware of their neglect in paying this tax and thus bring in more revenue. The letter explains the tax, when it is due, and talks about late fees. It also says to expect an audit notice, too.
TAX ABATEMENT COMPLIANCE UPDATE
The Council reviewed the four compliance updates for the various phases of Meadow Lake Wind Farm LLC. Secretary Nydegger said she appreciated that Meadow Lake sent not only the compliance form, but also a copy of the original application so she and the Council could compare. Council President Carter would like to have other supporting documents before signing the abatement forms. White County Economic Development Director Connie Neininger said the abatements are based on estimates of capital investments, wages, and the number of employees to be hired. There are counties that will ask a representative to be present at their meetings to update and answer questions. Director Neininger will find out what documentation can legally be obtained. She said the Wind Farm currently employees 63 people. Some of their staff moves from one location to another. She will see if a representative can be here for the December Council meeting.
VANGUARD PARKING LOT
Economic Development Director Neininger suggested White County help pay for a road for the Vanguard parking lot. She said a year ago they employed under a hundred employees, and now there are over four hundred. CSX took out one of the roads, and there is a real need for another road. They are considering what the safest route would be for all the employees and semi trucks with the railroad being right there. CSX is planning to upgrade a nearby railroad crossing with lights and railroad arms, but they will not allow another crossing to be developed. Director Neininger said this is just the sort of project Economic Development funds are to be used for, and would like to assist in this.
Ms. Neininger said the $40,000 she requested last year to help the “shovel-ready” sites is nearly depleted, so she will soon be requesting more funds.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to bring before the Council, Councilor Kramer made a motion to adjourn. Councilor Crabb seconded the motion. Vote: Unanimous
___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________
DENNIS E CARTER, PRESIDENT JAMES ANNIS GARY W HENDRYX
___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________
DENNIS D CAIN KEVIN L CRABB RAYMOND L KRAMER JR
___________________________ Attest: ___________________________
BRUCE D CLEAR JILL GUINGRICH, AUDITOR