The White County Board met on Tuesday night for July at the White County Courthouse. Board member Ken Usery brought up a bill from L&L Plumbing for a repair at the Jail that included three separate $59 diagnostic fees on the same day. Usery wondered why an Evansville firm was called, bringing up that they charge higher rates than some local contractors.
Sheriff Doug Maier explained that some local contractors will not work on the complicated plumbing, and that repairs at the Jail must be completed as they come. He further stated that past Boards had attempted to cease using L&L in the past, but that had created problems with repairs. Former Board Chairman Wes Trout confirmed. Current Chairman David Dosher asked the Sheriff to contact L&L about the charges, which Maier agreed to do. The Board then approved paying the bill on a 4-1 vote with Usery voting no.
Visitor Shirley Mooney asked the Board about partial assessments of property in White County. Mooney explained that she had moved back to the county after spending many years in Texas, and had noticed that some properties were not being assessed at their proper value. County Clerk Paula Dozier asked Mooney to come to her office and she would investigate some of those claims.
The White County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan as prepared by EMA Director Jim Totten was approved unanimously, as was a Federal Aid Agreement and fund appropriation for the installation of four foot safety rails on Epworth Road. County Engineer Brian Ray told the Board that 90% of the $2 million dollar cost will be paid with federal dollars and IDOT covering other costs. The only cost to the County will be $25,000.
The Board also approved three resolutions on preliminary engineering agreements for bridge replacements, and allowed Ray to accept bids on a 2004 Ford pickup.
A four year lease for $1200 a year for the City/County Dog Pound was approved. The cost is split with the City of Carmi, and the Board agreed to sell property to the City of Grayville for demolition under the Trustee Program.
An ATV ordinance for County roads requested last month by Sheriff Maier was tabled at his request. Maier said that they are still looking at different parts of the ordinance, and may bring it back up in the future.
A new resolution in support of the oil and gas industry was unanimously approved, and Chris Marsh told the Board that Ditney Ridge Church in Norris City would like to donate their old pews for the courtroom. Sheriff Maier said that he would come look at them.
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm and the White County Board will meet again on August 8 at 7 pm.
