Issue 1179

Sept. 20, 2022

Even a house at the end of a 3,000-foot private drive on Yellow Bank Road will get access, said Mr. Palmer.

As President of the Franklin County Economic Development Commission, Mr. Palmer has been assisting with the Internet rollout as an unpaid volunteer. He said that the federal government offers subsidized Internet service for people with low-incomes. There are several Internet providers installing cable in Franklin County. Spectrum is one of the largest. Click for more information about contacting Spectrum.

Reported by Sara Duffy

"Affordable Connectivity Program"

Internet Discounts

The Federal government provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. The federal government estimates that 40% of American households are eligible for the discounts. Families who qualify for free or reduced price student lunches, or who receive SNAP or Medicaid benefits are eligible for the discounted internet. College students, who receive a Pell Grant in the current year, also qualify, as do Hoosiers with an income below $36,620 for a family of two. Click to read more about how to receive the discount through the “Affordable Connectivity Program.”

Reported by Sara Duffy

Commissioners Offer $75,000 for

Building to House 911/Dispatch

Update: On Tuesday, September 20, the county commissioners voted to offer $75,000 for the purchase of the school corporation’s building at 1020 Franklin Avenue in Brookville. They cited the need for exterior drainage repairs and new gutters as the reason for their price.

Last week, County Commissioner Tom Linkel addressed the Franklin County school board and explained the importance of moving the 911/dispatch operation out of the security center. He said, “It is one of the biggest things we can do for the safety of our county citizens, law enforcement, first responders, jailers. It needs to be done and we have discussed where to go.” He asked about buying the school corporation’s property at 1020 Franklin Avenue. It is located in front of the county’s government center.

1020 Franklin Avenue is currently the administrative office for the town of Brookville. Commissioner Linkel said that the town board agreed to temporarily move into space in the government center until the town’s new offices are ready in the former Zimmer Tractor building.

Photo: County Commissioner Tom Linkel addressed the school board.

The commissioners hired a 911 consultant who rejected other locations: the basement of the government center and the Franklin County Mutual Insurance building. The county could construct a new building at the county fairgrounds, but the cost would be “big bucks”, and would require adding a sewer system and telecommunication lines at that location. Commissioner Linkel concluded, “The best scenario is your building.”

NO DECISION ON BUILDING SALE TO COUNTY

School Superintendent Tammy Chavis said that the school corporation had two options available; they could simply transfer the building to the county as another government agency, or the school corporation could sell the building to the county. Commissioner Linkel was interested in a sale, because the county plans on renovating the lower level.

Board member Sharon Wesolowski said that it was too soon to make a decision. The school board must receive written notice that the town of Brookville will vacate the building and the board must have time to hold an executive session.

Commissioner Linkel said that his timeline for a decision was “yesterday” and he will secure a letter from Town Board President Curtis Ward. County Commissioner Gerald Wendel also attended the school board meeting.

Reported by Sara Duffy

File photo: Brookville’s Waste Water Pollution Control Facility.

More to Learn About Sewer Expansion

& 200 New Homes on Reservoir Road

John Palmer, Franklin County Economic Development Commission President, addressed the Franklin County school board about plans underway for private developers to build 200 new single-family homes or condominiums on Reservoir Road near the Brook Hill Golf Course. The home prices would range from $250,000 to over $500,000. To achieve the maximum number of homes, a sewer line and a short water line would need to be installed. With a municipal sewer system, the houses could be on ¼ acre lots. Mr. Palmer said this new housing is “an ideal project” for a matching state grant.

Originally, the town of Brookville applied for a $4.5 million matching state grant for the sewer line. Brookville’s plan included a voluntary annexation of the Reservoir Road area and a bond to pay for the sewer line. The town board voted recently to drop plans for annexation, which means no matching money from the town for the sewer line.

Since the new housing and the sewer line would be within Franklin County, Mr. Palmer has been working with the county commissioners to secure a $4.5 million sewer grant. He talked about creating a “residential Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district” to pay for the sewer line. The TIF money comes from property taxes.

FRANKLIN COUNTY - A “BEDROOM COMMUNITY OF CINCINNATI”

Mr. Palmer talked about attracting people who work from home or work in Cincinnati to come live in Franklin County. He said that the new housing would draw young families with children who would attend Franklin County Community Schools. Some school board members and the schools’ business manager raised questions about whether the housing project would actually increase student enrollment. Could young families afford the houses? Would they send their children to public school in Franklin County or elsewhere?

School Board Member Beth Foster noted that young people have already bought lots in the Reservoir Road area.

School Board Member Grant Reeves said that the housing project must incentivize a variety of homes. “We can’t have just all condos or all mansions or we are not going to have families with kids.

Could Brookville’s sewer system accommodate another 200 homes, if a new sewer line would be added? Mr. Palmer said that Brookville’s sewer system is at 50% capacity, but the system needs maintenance that is estimated to cost $300,000 to $400,000.

WIDE RANGING DISCUSSION

As his presentation continued, Mr. Palmer covered a wide range of topics. He said that economic development should tackle affordable housing, help raise the income level of residents, assist people in finding affordable health care and support volunteer firefighters. Mr. Palmer objected to volunteers having to “sell more chicken dinners” to be able to afford fireproof gear to fight fires.

Mr. Palmer and School Board Member Reeves agreed that changes must be made now to improve economics and to increase student enrollment. Mr. Reeves said, “If we don’t do anything, we are never going to grow.”

WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT FROM SCHOOL BOARD

This reporter asked Mr. Palmer to clarify if he was asking the school corporation for a letter of support, for financial support or for the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money that would go to the schools as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT). Mr. Palmer said that he was providing information and it was too soon to ask for the school board’s support. He is still working on how to pay for a bond for the sewer project.

School Board Member Francis Brumback started a motion for a letter of support for the housing project. Another board member interjected that it was too soon for a letter and that the board needed more time for discussion.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Student Enrollment, Synthetic Turf & Tax Levy

School Board News from September 12, 2022

• The initial student count was both good and bad news for enrollment.
• The school board held three public hearings and voted to proceed with additional spending of $500,000 this year and capital projects next year financed by a $2 million bond. The projects include roof and a/c repairs plus synthetic turf for athletic fields.
• No increase was requested in the current property tax levy rate of $1 per $100 of assessed valuation.

MIXED NEWS ON ENROLLMENT

Superintendent Tammy Chavis reported an initial student count that was both good and bad news for enrollment. Overall, there are 28 fewer students than last year, which equates to a loss of approximately $196,000 in state funding for this school year. On the other hand, two more students (173) entered kindergarten than graduated from high school (171) last year. An increase in young children should help stabilize enrollment in the future. Laurel and Mt. Carmel Elementary Schools went up in enrollment; the other three schools went down. The official count for state funding is made on September 16, 2022.

School enrollment

2020 - 2,033 students

2021 - 2,062 students

2022 - 2,034 students (unofficial count)

MARKETING FRANKLIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

While talking about enrollment, Superintendent Chavis praised the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2022: seven students earned two-year associate degrees while in high school by taking college level courses; 24 completed one year of college courses; 64 students worked as interns during their senior year and six were hired after graduation.

CAPITAL PROJECT FOR REPAIRS &

SYNTHETIC TURF FOR HIGH SCHOOL FIELDS

As required by Indiana statute, the school board held a public hearing about a proposed capital project valued over $1 million and funded by a bond. They received one favorable written comment. A facilities study, which was completed in March 2022 by Lancer + Beebe, LLC had documented a pressing need for repairs. On the list of expenses is an a/c chiller at the high school for $450,000, roof repairs at the middle and high schools for $750,000 and a “synthetic turf project” for the soccer, football and other ball fields with no price tag announced. The board unanimously voted in favor of the capital project. Last month, they hired Fanning Howey Architecture at a cost of $50,000 to do the design work for the projects. Superintendent Chavis wants the turf project completed by August 2023.

$2 MILLION BOND

How will the school board pay for necessary repairs? By issuing a $2 million general obligation bond.

Matt Schumacher of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company advised the board that they could “fast track” a $2 million bond and repay it in 2-3 years without raising the property tax rate. He explained there is no need for a tax rate increase, because housing and farmland prices have zoomed up in Franklin County and statewide. The assessed value of properties in Franklin County for tax purposes is up by over 17%. The school corporation can request the same tax rate and receive a boost in tax revenue, because properties are worth more.

Photo: Chart shows the tax rate remains the same after a new $2 million bond.

Mr. Schumacher stated that the current property tax rate of $1 per $100 of assessed valuation would remain the same, even with a new $2 million bond.

The bond interest rate would be 3% - 5% with an estimated interest expense of $159,000 and an issuance cost of $100,000.

The school board voted in favor of issuing the bond.

2023 TAX LEVY

County residents want to know if their property tax bill will go up next year. The school corporation’s financial consultant predicted no increase in the current tax rate of $1 per $100 of assessed valuation even with the school board voting for a new $2 million bond. The tax rate may remain the same at $1, but tax bills for many residents will go up, because their homes and land are now worth more money in today’s economy.

Below is a levy comparison from Indiana Local Government Finance’s Gateway public access system.

Franklin County Community School Corporation

$7.7 million 2022 certified tax levy

$9.6 million 2023 proposed levy (an increase of 24%)

ADDITIONAL SPENDING

There were no public comments about additional spending of $500,000 more than the original budget. Business manager Kendra Franks explained that an additional appropriation would allow the school corporation to spend all of the state funding it received and the remaining money from the bond issued in 2021. The school board was unanimous in their vote in favor.

2023 BUDGET OF $27.2 MILLION

Ms. Franks proposed a 2023 budget of $27.2 million, which is an increase of 12% over the 2022 budget of $24.2 million.

Director of Operations Keith Isaacs read a long list of items to paid from the 2023 budget that included one bus, one truck with snowplow, a portable stop light at SR 101, water heater, cafeteria freezers, sonic touch pads, fiber optic cabling, a new projector, concrete walks and curbs. The budget also includes potential purchases that might be needed such as more roof repairs, HVAC and asphalt.

The school board will vote on the budget next month. The proposed budget and tax levy must be approved at the state level. More information about the 2023 budget is available online.

OVERALL FINANCIAL IMPROVEMENT

Board President Rick Gill complimented Superintendent Chavis and her staff for the success of their cost cutting measures over the last year.

Most of the school corporation’s fund balances have greatly increased when compared to last year. The one exception is the Operations Fund, which receives revenue from property taxes. It is only 70% of the balance last year at this time. This fund was in the red for two months earlier this year and has now recovered.

The cafeteria fund hit a record high of $645,000 due to federal payments last school year for breakfasts and lunches for all students as well as the summer food program. Free meals for all students have now ended. Parents are once again paying for school lunches. Some students still qualify for free or reduced price meals based upon their families’ low incomes.

Click to view personnel actions,, expenditures and donations approved by the school board.

The next regular school board meeting will Monday, October 10, 2022 at 7:00 pm.

Reported by Sara Duffy

A Summer of Mural Painting

At Laurel Elementary School

Photo: Laurel staff in front of the new mural in the cafeteria that says “Kindness Matters.”

During the September 12 Franklin County school board meeting, Principal Shannon New gave a video presentation of the new interior of Laurel Elementary School (LES). Ms. New, with help from others, spent the summer painting the interior hallways, cafeteria and many of the offices with motivational sayings and cartoon characters. School Superintendent Tammy Chavis commented, “Every single hallway is painted. It’s phenomenal.”

LES has 263 students this year. However, on Back to School Night over 1,000 people toured the building to view the artwork. The new look at LES has been well received by students, staff and the community. The school board applauded Ms. New, Carol Blake, Becky Dalrymple, Amber Dunham, Patience Dunham and Brandi Murray.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Photos below: A few of the hallway paintings.

Batesville’s New Skatepark

The groundbreaking ceremony for Batesville’s new skatepark was held on Tuesday, September 20 at 5:30 pm at 671 Pohlman St, Batesville, IN 47006. The new skatepark will be located at The Plex, which allows for easy access to other amenities, as well as Liberty Park. It will be accessible by the trail system and available for daytime use. The photo is one view of the proposed skatepark. For more design photos, go to Batesville-IN-Skatepark.

Submitted by Tricia Miller

Community Development Director

Meet the Economic Development Commission

Photo: L-R: Seated John Palmer and Greg Orschell. Standing Jessica Hansel

The Franklin County Economic Development Commission consists of three unpaid members who promote the county as a good place to live and to open or expand a business. The commission has an office in the government center, one employee and one consultant. They hold public meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 11:30 am, except the next one will be October 17, 2022. However, much of their work in done outside of the office when they attend meetings and field phone calls about potential future development. 

John Palmer, local resident and a retired chemist, is appointed by county council. Greg Orschell, farmer and businessman, is appointed by the county commissioners. Jessica Hansel, Brookville’s Director of Special Projects, is appointed by Brookville’s town board.

During their meeting on September 12, the members gave updates.

Mr. Palmer reminded everyone that Franklin County and Brookville jointly received a $1 million matching grant from the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Project (HELP). The county and town were grouped with Connersville, Richmond and Wayne County and are expected to work cooperatively on a project. Formal meetings and decision-making will begin in January 2023.

Nevertheless, Mr. Palmer has been talking with the other representatives about promoting overnight tourism to the region - especially to the smaller towns. Mr. Palmer said that there is not enough money for an actual “trail” to connect the communities. However, the region could be connected by an auto "audio trail” of historic places from Brookville through Metamora, Laurel, Connersville, Cambridge City to Hagerstown.

Example of a QR code.

Brookville has already installed some plaques at historic sites with QR codes that play a short audio description when accessed by a smart phone. Mr. Palmer wants to expand on this idea. He related that an old cemetery in Laurel is being researched as a possible burial ground for freed slaves.

Ms. Hansel talked about Brook Hill Golf Course hosting a group of 30 people who were participating in an overnight golf tour of several courses in the area. Non-professional golf tours are gaining in popularity. There were several comments that the community benefits more economically from an overnight stay as compared to a day trip to the lake in which tourists might only buy beer and ice.

Greg Orschell talked about working with an unnamed person interested in starting a meat processing facility. Everyone agreed it would be worthwhile to develop a plan that included private financing and possible grants.

Looking back at the local impact of the pandemic, Mr. Palmer had good news. Franklin County experienced no drop in employment during the pandemic. The reason cited was that many residents work outside of the county. County government suffered only an estimated $50,000 loss in tax revenue. A larger loss had been expected. Federal grants during the early part of the pandemic provided free PPE as well as many benefits to the county such as laptops and printers for employees to work at home.

The next FCEDC meeting will be October 17, 2022 at 11:30 am.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Speaker: Dr. John Johnson, Batesville Medical Specialties

The focus of this presentation is to educate and inform family, friends, and veterans about the signs and symptoms of Veteran Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and what to do about it, to include what local resources are available. The whole community is invited to attend. Event sponsored by Brookville VFW Post 2014. For additional information contact Bridget Hayes at bridget.c.hayes1@gmail.com or call (314) 917-2060   

Submitted by Bridget Hayes

Massey Harris & Ferguson

Tractors Featured

The 27th Franklin County Antique Machinery Show will return to the county fairgrounds on September 22 - 25, 2022. Featuring tractors, equipment, demonstrations and tractor/horse pulls. For a flea market spot, call 765-265-6245. $5 gate fee. For more information, go to https://fcamc.org.

Submitted by FCAMC

Whitewater Canal Trail 

Great Outdoor Weekend September 25

Photo: Historic Grist Mill in Metamora, Indiana

Walk or bike the Whitewater Canal Trail. The WCT volunteers have been busy improving the trail this summer and have some fun things to show you. Join us on September 25 from 10 am - 4 pm at the historic Grist Mill in “downtown “ Metamora. Guided walks to historic canal features and the scenic Whitewater River valley will be at 10:30 am and 1 pm or you can walk or bike on your own. This 11-mile trail is a “must see” if you haven’t walked it yet. You can also get some really fresh corn meal at the mill.

Submitted by Shirley Lamb

The Batesville Kiwanis AppleFest event, now in its 32nd year, is a premier family event with games, entertainment, an apple pageant, arts & crafts, delicious food to sample, and lots of participating vendors. The community event is held at Liberty Park, 716 S. Park Ave., Batesville, Indiana on Saturday, September 24 from 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday, September 25 from 11 am – 4 pm. For more details, please follow us on Facebook. Proceeds from the Kiwanis AppleFest are channeled back into our community through our programs and sponsorships. For further information, contact Jay Reichmuth at (812)-934-3201.

Submitted by Tricia Miller

Community Development Director, City of Batesville

United Way of Franklin County (UWFC) is excited to be kicking off our annual Coats for Kids drive. This year UWFC will collect monetary donations. The proceeds of this campaign will help us purchase new coats for all students in need! Please give through the Facebook fundraiser, or mail a donation to PO Box 105 Brookville IN, 47012 with Coats for Kids specified in the memo.

Submitted by Kelly Bulmer, Executive Director

United Way of Franklin County

Around the County

Fall Fish Sale - Order by Sept. 23

The Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District holds its Fall Fish Sale. Visit our Facebook page to download an order form. The last day to order is Sept. 23 and pickup is Oct. 6 at 10 A.M at the SWCD office. Call (812) 212-0579 or email scott@kreuzmanconsulting.com .

Submitted by Scott Kreuzman, FC SWCD Board Member

Fund Raiser at Dairy Cottage

 Grab some delicious food at the Dairy Cottage, 1116 Main Street, Brookville IN and help support United Way too. All day September 23, a portion of the profit will be donated back to United Way. Get a treat and treat United Way too!

Submitted by Kelly Bulmer, Executive Director

United Way of Franklin County

Industrial Strength Bluegrass - Sept. 24

Presentation by Fred Bartenstein. Dinner at 6 PM with free program to follow. Email meal reservations to: metamoramusic@gmail.com. Click for more information.

Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts

VFW Hog Roast Dinner Saturday, September 24

The VFW will have a whole hog pulled pork dinner/sandwich at the Post on Saturday Sep 24 from 3 to 7 pm. Come visit with the local veterans. The event is open to the public.

VFW Sunday Breakfast September 25

The VFW will serve breakfast Sunday Sep 25 from 8 am to 12 pm at the Post. The event is open to the public.

Submitted by Dave Pelsor

Celebrate National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24-25

National Public Lands Day, which is Sept. 24, is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort involving public lands. Many DNR properties are hosting volunteer events, but every act of kindness counts. Whether you pick up trash on a walk on your own or volunteer at an event, you will be leaving the place better than you found it.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, Indiana State Parks, State Forests, and State Recreation Areas will offer free admission where entrance fees are normally charged. And remember, there is never a fee to visit a DNR Fish & Wildlife area. This is a great time to explore a DNR property that you haven’t visited before. Click o read more.

Submitted by Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Food Pantry - Oct. 4 & 18

Franklin County High School Food Pantry: 4-5:30pm

Come to Door A16 for pick-up. Click to see the future dates.

Submitted by Tanya Wirtz, FCHS JAG Specialist

Creekside Church Chicken Dinner - Oct. 2

The public is invited to Creekside Church drive thru chicken dinner on October 2, 11am to 3pm. Includes 4 piece chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green beans, coleslaw and pie for desert. Credit cards accepted. Online basket raffle. From Brookville IGA take Blue Creek Rd. (1Mi) to 1st stop sign. Bear left onto Highland Center Rd. Follow Highland Center Rd. (4Mi) to 11001 Bossert Rd, Brookville, IN 47012.

Submitted by Alan Stenger

Mt. Carmel School Fall Craft Show

Sunday October 16th 12:00 - 6:00

This event will run in conjunction with the Mt. Carmel School Trunk or Treat. Spaces are $25 each. If you have questions, or for more information, please call Savannah Hofer (765) 580 - 2634 or email: mcs.apples@gmail.com. APPLES is a non-profit organization. All proceeds from this event will benefit Mt. Carmel School. Here is a link for online vendor registration

https://forms.gle/2Jaarg9QBWnYXZuf8

Submitted by Savannah Hofer

Plein Air Painters - Oct. 21 - 23

Plein Air Painters will be in Franklin County on October 21 & 22 and their art show will be at the library on the 23rd.

Submitted by Marty Mullin