Issue 1169

July 31, 2022

Ed Hollenbach Day

Photo - Ed Hollenbach at a commissioners’ meeting in November 2019.

During their meeting on July 26, the county commissioners declared Ed Hollenbach Day in celebration of his life. He was the long serving and very dedicated Emergency Management Agency Director until he retired at the end of 2019. The commissioners said that Ed loved Franklin County and helping the community was “a labor of love” to which he devoted 40-60 hours a week.

After retiring from Proctor and Gamble, Mr. Hollenbach came to work part time for Franklin County in 1994. During this time he was always on call 24/7. Over the years, he handled floods, other natural disasters and a leaking oil pipeline on US Hwy 52. He oversaw the county's communication tower, served on several boards of directors and monitored hazardous material storage by local industries. He secured $676,000 in grants for emergency services. He was also a guest instructor at Ohio State, Purdue University and Indiana University.

Reported by Sara Duffy



Brookville Town Council Votes for Public Question

To Expand Members from 5 to 7

July 27, 2022

Brookville Indiana Town Council voted (3-1) to put a public question on the November 2022 ballot. “Shall the number of Brookville Town Council members for the town of Brookville, Indiana be increased from five to seven?”

According to council’s attorney Grant Reeves, an expansion is allowed by state law. Registered voters in the town will decide the question. If the voters are against the expansion, the issue could not be brought back on the general election ballot until 2024. If a majority of voters are in favor, the two new members would serve “at-large” from any ward in Brookville. From the audience Bridget Hayes said that the two new members would be appointed by the existing board.

Voting against putting the public question on the ballot was Chuck Campbell. In favor were Cathy Pelsor, Brooke Leffingwell, and Shirley Seufert. Board President Curtis Ward was absent.

Before the vote Councilmembers Leffingwell, Pelsor and Seufert spoke in favor of the expansion - mainly to have more members to share the workload. Ms. Pelsor said the committee work, board duties and meetings had “increased tenfold”.

Ms. Leffingwell said, “There is only so much five members can do. Having seven people would allow us to continue to do the projects we want to do for the town... it would be great to have two more members added to the council to help make decisions, to help carry the burden, to help do some of the projects.”

The audience applauded when Mr. Campbell spoke against the expansion, saying he “believes in less government involvement with people’s lives. I think five is a good number.” He compared the proposal to “trying to stuff the supreme court”. Later, he clarified that the town council is not similar to the United States supreme court.

Attorney Reeves told the audience that they were “not at a pep rally” and he asked for decorum appropriate for a public meeting.

During public comments, no one from the audience spoke in favor of the expansion.

Bridget Hayes reminded the council members that she is running unopposed for council from Ward 2 and she expects to be seated as of January 1, 2023. She asked Ms. Seufert and Ms. Pelsor to abstain from voting, to delay the vote or to vote no, because they would not be on the town board in 2023. She said that a yes vote would “hamstring” the two new incoming council members and would affect the “governance of this small town for generations to come.” She commented that this is a Republican-led board; Republicans do not believe in bigger government and an increase in the seats is not a conservative value.

Ms. Hayes also said that she had never heard council members mention the heavy workload of serving on the council until this meeting. She said that maybe workload is not really a problem, but a solution looking for a problem. She said that Ms. Pelsor was not obligated to oversee the Winter Wonderland or arrange Family Movie Nights. Ms. Hayes said that councilmembers were elected “to make sure the streets are good, the community is safe and the water flows.” She objected when she was reminded by Attorney Grant Reeves that her remarks had gone over the two-minute limit.

County Councilmember Brian Patterson directed most of his comments to Ms. Seufert and he asked her to vote against putting the expansion on the ballot. Mr. Patterson invited the public to address county council on any topic with no time limit. He said this after being limited to two minutes to address the town board.

In other business, council voted to allow remote participation in meetings for regular business and during certain emergencies. They also approved the hiring of an outside attorney on an emergency basis regarding personnel issues with the Brookville Police Department. Town council attorney Grant Reeves stepped aside so there would be no claim of a conflict of interest.

After council adjourned, Ms. Hayes announced that she would be outside to answer any questions.

Reported by Sara Duffy

“Santa Claus Keeps Showing Up.”

County Council July 26, 2022

• Council made several preliminary decisions to prepare for the 2023 budget. They heard about money remaining to spend from the 2020 bond and price increases affecting the jail and road paving.
• A proposal was made to spend another $613,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.
• Councilmen Scott McDonough and Joe Sizemore were absent.

“SANTA CLAUS KEEPS SHOWING UP.”

“Santa Claus keeps showing up,” commented Councilmember Brian Patterson when he heard the county has $213,104 remaining to be spent from the $1.1 million bond issued in 2020. He knew immediately how he wanted to spend the money. “I would like to see this applied to any low water crossing possible.” However, no vote was taken that night. Council President Jeff Koch suggested that council decide how to use the money during their 2023 budget workshop that begins August 15.

Auditor Karla Bauman explained the windfall of cash. The new cupola on the courthouse cost less than budgeted. There was “double budgeting” for equipment for the Planning Commission office and other unidentified expenses “have fallen through.”

IDEAS FOR SPENDING $613,000 IN ARPA FUNDS

Earlier that evening, there had been a committee meeting of elected officials to discuss how to spend some of the remaining federal money received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). County received a total of $4.4 million in ARPA funds. Franklin County Economic Development Commission President John Palmer handed council a list of proposed projects for them to consider. He will return next month with more information and an official request for funding. The following list was not discussed during the meeting and no decision was made.

$100,000 Ambulance

$100,000 - $200,000 Metamora Sewer District

$250,000 Animal Shelter Improvements

$50,000 Courthouse/annex painting

$13,000 County matching funds for Franklin County Public Transportation vehicle.

JAIL COSTS INCREASING

Councilmember Brian Patterson questioned the need for an additional $20,000 for supplies at the county jail. Sheriff Pete Cates said that operating costs went up and “I’m hoping that gets me through the year.” Later in the meeting, Commissioner Gerald Wendel advised council to be prepared to spend an additional $30,000 to replace the jail’s rooftop air conditioning unit.

MOVING MONEY TO PAVE ROADS

Council approved a request from the county commissioners to move $285,000 from the deal to take over maintenance of Old State Road and use the money instead for the required match for an Indiana Community Crossings Grant. Last month County Engineer Larry Smith told council that the price for paving materials had sky rocked and the county needed more money to complete already approved paving projects on Whitcomb and Five Points Road.

In other business, council approved paying $3,965 to Reedy Group, their financial consultant, and $203 to Barada Law. On the advice of Reedy Group, council agreed to make an early debt bond payment of $189,260 when cash would be available in December 2022.

Council tabled action on a funding request from Achieva Resources for a total of $75,000 from the six counties that they cover. Achieva Resources serves as an advocate for seniors and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Council will consider the request during their 2023 budget workshop.

HOW MUCH MONEY TO SHARE WITH FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Auditor Bauman reported that the county will collect approximately $1.5 million from the .25% Public Safety Income Tax (PSIT) on county residents in 2023. She advised council that, “off the top”, the PSIT money pays for the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), which is the countywide dispatch of emergency services and for Franklin County Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Next year, EMS wants the county to share the cost of a new ambulance. After paying for countywide services, the county keeps 72% of remaining PSIT money and the towns share the remaining 28%.

At this meeting council discussed how much money to distribute to eight volunteer fire departments, which asked for varying sums. Below are the maximum spending amounts that council discussed.

• PSAP $598,163
• EMS $300,000
• New ambulance $100,000
• Volunteer Fire Departments (Total $154,260)
• Blooming Grove $20,000
• Brookville $21,490
• Cedar Grove $18,986.40
• Drewersburg $13,024.80
• Eagle $9,000
• Laurel $20,000
• Metamora $26,760
• New Trenton $25,000
• Jail Operation $393,477
• Sheriff Department $346,111

Something will have to be cut, because the total requests are more than the county’s estimated tax revenue. Council will make the final decision at a August 30 public hearing. At that time, residents can comment on or ask questions about how the Public Safety Income Tax will be spent in 2023.

HIT A SNAG WITH FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NON-PROFITS

County Auditor Karla Bauman requested, and council agreed, to use their contingency fund to pay the $6,289 bill for two new radios for the Metamora Volunteer Fire Department. Council had previously voted to use ARPA money for this purchase, but they hit a snag. Any non-profit receiving ARPA money must have a current System for Award Management (SAM) number from the federal government. Council then discussed how many other fire departments were lacking a SAM number and how to help them comply.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Nurse Supervisor Nanette Beres gave the same update about department changes that she did earlier in the day for the county commissioners. See article in this issue.

The next meeting will be the 2023 budget workshop starting at 9 am on Monday, August 15, 2022.

Reported by Sara Duffy

New Office Hours Explained

If you have not been to the Franklin County government center lately, you may not know that the office hours have changed for the county auditor and the county treasurer. Auditor Karla Bauman and Treasurer Jolene Beneker issued a joint press release in which they explained the benefits to the public of the new schedule with earlier and later hours. They also detailed the economic impact on their full time employees who are only permitted to work 32.5 hours per week. Both offices are closed on Fridays, except by appointment only. Click to learn more.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Changes Are Coming

County Commissioners

July 26, 2022

GETTING READY FOR NEW ROOF

Visitors to the government center can expect to see scaffolding going up in preparation for removing the old shingle roof and installing a new metal roof. The handicapped entrance may have to be closed and a temporary wooden access ramp placed at another door.

DONOR FOR NEW 4-H COMMUNITY BUILDING

Franklin County Farmer’s Mutual Insurance will donate money for a new 4-H community building at the county fairgrounds. They want to put their name on a sign at the building. Commissioner Linkel thanked Farmer’s Mutual and said, “4-H is a great, great thing for kids’ physical and mental health. Get the kids outside and involved in something.” Commissioner’s attorney Grant Reeves will update the 99-year lease that the county has given to the 4-H Association to account for the new building.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

“GETTING OUT FROM BEHIND THE DESKS” 

New Health Department Nurse Supervisor Nanette Beres gave an update about state grants received and new requirements attached to the money. Nurse Beres said that Franklin County was “lagging behind” in childhood vaccination rates and in adult vaccinations too for flu and tetanus. As a result, the state is requiring the office to offer evening hours once a week, weekend hours once a month and to do more outreach events in the community.

“Getting out from behind the desks” will require more personnel and equipment, said Nurse Beres. They plan to hire another registered nurse to replace Deb Tibbetts, who left to take another job, and a health maintenance coordinator. A new health department liaison will especially be needed to escort people through the building during evening hours or when the handicapped entrance is closed for roof repairs. The office will use state grant money for the new hires and for a portable vaccine refrigerator so they can offer vaccination clinics at schools.

In a first step toward fully utilizing the health department’s 12-year-old mobile unit, the 30-foot recreation vehicle is being inspected for safety. It has a kitchen and can hold nine people, but it has not been used much over the years. Commissioner Linkel offered the highway department’s help to move the RV or he would move it with his truck. Nurse Beres mentioned that the department might have to repair or replace its old cars.

The commissioners signed a grant-funded contract with Franklin County EMS to continue to provide COVID-19 testing through December 31, 2022 at a cost of $8,333 per month. They also approved a yearly contract for $22,200 with Michael Falk as the local public health coordinator.

AWASH IN GRANT MONEY

County Auditor Karla Bauman advised the commissioners about “a work in progress” that would track all of the federal and state grants recently received. The number of active grants has climbed from 13 to 42. Federal grants have strict requirements and any sub-recipient of the grant must already be registered with the federal government via the System for Award Management (SAM). This includes volunteer fire departments that have asked the county for a share of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

Commissioners’ attorney Grant Reeves is working on a new county policy for applying for grants and he warned that it could be lengthy. Commissioner Linkel joked, “Somehow working with the government and working with an attorney, you can’t get anything short.”

BOARD OF FINANCE INVESTS $4 MILLION

County Treasurer Jolene Beneker advised the commissioners that the county has $22.5 million in cash in its operating accounts. She proposed to invest up to $5 million in certificates of deposits for no more than one year. The commissioners opted to invest $2 million in FCN Bank at 2.24% and another $2 million at Bath State Bank, if they would match FCN Bank’s interest rate. If not, all money will be invested at FCN Bank.

From the audience, Mildred I. Simmermeyer suggested an investment strategy of laddering the CD’s over several months. Treasurer Beneker decided to stick with her plan to invest now.

EXTENSION SERVICE UPDATE

“I heard a lot of good things about the 4-H fair this year,” said Commissioner Tom Linkel. With over 500 4-H participants in the fair, Extension Educator Elizabeth Simmermeyer agreed that the fair was a success. Now she is assisting 4-H’ers in preparing for the state fair. Next, she will dive into educational programming in the schools as well as other outreach efforts.

Extension Educator Veronica Bullock reported a good harvest from the new community gardens. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs and pumpkins will be donated to the RedLife Food Pantry. Also, the extension service will sponsor a master gardening class this fall in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY GARDENS

The public is invited to celebrate the new straw bale and raised bed community gardens on August 31 at Lew Wallace Park by the government center and on September 8 at the Laurel Library.

“BUTTON DOWN” THE DETAILS

During the last meeting, the commissioners voted in favor of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for Franklin County Community School Corporation to replace some of the property tax revenue lost to redevelopment districts. Attorney Reeves suggested a meeting to “button down” the details of the PILOT program, which would be new for the county. Representing the commissioners will be Gerald Wendel along with School Superintendent Tammy Chavis, Franklin County Redevelopment Commission President Bill Schirmer, Franklin County Economic Development Commission President John Palmer and Mr. Reeves.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE ZONING CODE

Area Planning Commission (APC) board member Ed Derickson reported that the APC is discussing changes to improve the zoning code. For several months the APC has been considering proposals drafted by Mr. Derickson that are designed to improve safety and quality of life for residents by adding better oversight. Public hearings would be required for some land uses that have none now. 

Mr. Derickson gave the example of requiring more scrutiny for storage of commercial fireworks and explosives. He reminded everyone about the 2020 fireworks explosion on Whitcomb Road that ended tragically. He wants the local fire department consulted and fire protection required before new permits are issued for fireworks or explosives storage. Seven other topics are also being considered. The next meeting of the APC will be August 10 at 7 pm.

OTHER APPROVALS

The commissioners approved quarterly reports from Franklin County Public Transportation regarding how they spent $101,699 in federal funds. The county provides $30,000 annually in matching money.

The commissioners agreed to license the county’s 40-foot right-of-way along Dam Road to be used by the Whitewater Canal Trail for as long as the trail is active.

Approved for payment:

Claims $270,312

Payroll $278,223

Utilities & Bond Payment $266,321

The next commissioners’ meeting will be August 6 at 10 am.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Charges Dismissed in Cases

“Motivated by Political Purposes”

Charges were recently dismissed against two Brookville residents. Immediately following a July 19, 2022 court hearing, County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp contacted the Indiana State Police and requested that they initiate an investigation of the Brookville Police Department. In response to a media request from Fox 19 News in Cincinnati, the prosecutor issued a statement. It states in part: “The investigating officer …acknowledged that the investigation was motivated by political purposes…The investigating officer also claimed that he was directed in his efforts by his superiors…”

After the fact, the Franklin County Observer received information from the prosecutor, which we are publishing to keep our readers informed. Click to read the prosecutor’s press release. Click to see the dismissals of charges for Mr. Thalheimer and Mr. Pierce. Watch for more coverage as this story develops.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Click to read.

Welcome Back Wildcat Family!

Message from the New

Franklin County High School Principal

Ms. Michelle South, M. Ed.

Join the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Stayin' Alive on Tuesday, August 2, from 6-8 pm for a great evening of food and fun at the Laurel Fire Department for National Night Out.

The purpose of National Night Out is to strengthen communities and to allow us to build stronger relationships with each other and our law enforcement partners. This event is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, build support, and participation in local anti-crime programs.

Submitted by Stayin’ Alive

Back to School Vaccination Clinic

Click the Oglesby flyer below for more information.

Creekside Church Ice Cream Social

Sunday, August 7, 11:30 - 1:30pm

11001 Bossert Rd, Brookville, IN 47012

Submitted by Alan Stenger

Click the golf outing flyer below for more information.

Click yard sale photo for more information.

Around the County

Free Family Fun Day

Laurel Fire Department Station 2

Andersonville

Come spend the day with our firefighters on Saturday, August 20, 12 pm - 5 pm! There will be free food and drinks, bounce houses, dunk tank, touch a truck, spray a fire hose, corn hole, cotton candy, shaved ice and more! 27144 US Hwy 52, Rushville, IN 46173.

Submitted by Brendon Durham



FRANKLIN COUNTY JUNIOR SOCCER LEAGUE

Online registration through August 6, 2022. Go to www.fcjsl.com. Parents may use same account as last year to register. New Parents – create a new parent account to register children. Cost per player: $30.00 ($100 cap for large families) (After August 6, a $5 late fee per player will be assessed.) Questions - Call Ken Schuster: 513-335-8652 or Bob/Kathy O’Bryan: 765-914-3104 or 765-265-5651. First day of League play is August 27.

Submitted by Kathy O’Bryan

Food Pantry Summer Dates - Aug. 2

Franklin County High School Food Pantry Summer Dates

Tuesday, August 2nd    4-5 pm

Tuesday, August 16th   4-5:30pm

Come to Door A16 for pick-up.

Submitted by Tanya Wirtz, FCHS JAG Specialist

COVID-19 Test Site

REOPENS SOON at EMS in Brookville

COVID-19 testing will be available through December 31, 2022. The hours will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4-9pm and the first Saturday of the month 9am - 4pm. The test site is located in the alley behind the EMS building at the corner of 7th and Mill Streets, Brookville, Indiana 47012. Phone 765-647-0234. Go online to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test. Franklin County EMS does not distribute results. For assistance with results, call 877-826-0011- option 2.

Click to find other testing locations in Indiana.

Information provided by Lynn Westerfeld

COVID-19 Shots Available

for Anyone Age 6 Months+

The Franklin County Health Department is giving shots in the Franklin County Government Center located at 1010 Franklin Ave., Room 210, Brookville, IN. COVID-19 shots are Tuesday & Thursdays 1:00 -3:50 pm. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. A mask is required for ages 8 and up. Please practice social distancing. Please call the Health Department at 765-647-4322 for more information. *CLOSED HOLIDAYS.

Submitted by FC Health Department

Free Rides to Vaccine Clinic

Franklin County Public Transportation is offering free transportation to anyone in Franklin County who would like to get to one of the COVID-19 vaccination clinics that are being offered by the Health Department, CVS, etc.). Passengers would just need to call in advance at 765-647-3509 to schedule their ride. This will be ongoing as long as the vaccinations are being offered.

Submitted by Missy Ratz

Director, Franklin County Public Transportation