June 29, 2009

BE IT REMEMBERED THAT THE OHIO COUNTY COUNCIL met on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 6 p.m. in the Ohio County Courthouse.
Those in attendance were Council members George Kittle, Dill Dorrell, Howard Wiesmann, Rick Liggett, April Hautman, Tammy Elbright, and Doug Baker; Attorney Ron Hocker; Auditor Connie Smith; Prosecutor Aaron Negangard; and Animal Control officer Jeff Cosby.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge to the Flag.

NOW IN THE MATTER OF ANIMAL CONTROL FINANCES:
Jeff Cosby asked Council for more funding to finish out this year.  He has had 158 adoptions, 251 calls, and 9 animal bites.  He currently has 31 dogs, 14 kittens, and has had to put down 18 animals.  70% of these are within the city limits.  He himself has done many of the repairs.  The shelter has gotten their own dumpster, had sewer trouble due to construction at the 4-H facility, and purchased new tires for the truck.
He told Council that he had turned kids down for their OCCF scholarship hours because he cannot leave them by themselves at the shelter.  He must take any call that comes.
He requested $3900 for part-time help and $400 for supplies to make it to the end of 2009.  He had sent Council a transfer last month for $1,101.81 for salaries for his part-time helpers.  Council wasn’t certain they could increase salaries.  However, the Auditor called State Board of Accounts and was told salaries could be increased for individuals other than elected officials.  Jeff stated he no longer needed this transfer, if they approved additional funds of $4300.
After much discussion, Tammy Elbright made a motion to move $4300 from Riverboat special needs to animal control for funding to the remainder of this year.  April Hautman seconded the motion and it carried.

NOW IN THE MATTER OF PROSECUTOR NEGANGARD:
Prosecutor Aaron Negangard informed Council of the new paperless system for Dearborn and Ohio Counties.  He stated that he has received grants for the cost of this system which will keep everything on the computers.  There will no longer be stacks of paperwork, just emails.  Rising Sun Regional Foundation will grant the cost of the laptops and networking necessary for this county.  He does not need any additional funds for this project.
Mr. Negangard also discussed the Child Advocacy Center.  It will soon be operational.

NOW IN THE MATTER OF GUTS PROGRAM FOR TREASURER:
Treasurer DeeDee Brown presented a proposal to Council for new software for the Treasurer’s office.  She stated that State law requires the County Treasurer to keep a daily record of cash in depositories on approved forms.  The books are oversized and the binders and pages are expensive.  The Government Utilities Technology Service (GUTS) has an Indiana Treasurers Daily Cash Book Program which has been developed to work on the Microsoft Excel Program.  The initial cost of the program to personalize, install and train for Ohio County is $3,000.00.  The annual software maintenance will be $300.00.  The annual maintenance for 2009 prorated will be $150.00
According to DeeDee’s figures, after the initial installation, the yearly maintenance would be less than the cost of the forms.  This could be paid from the Treasurer’s budget without increase.
The Treasurer’s budget does not have the funds for the initial purchase of the program.  However, by moving $1,000 from per diem, registration fees, and tax statements, the Council would only need to pay $2,150.00
Howard Wiesmann made the motion to transfer $2,150.00 from Riverboat special needs to fund this project.  Rick Liggett seconded the motion and it was approved.

NOW IN THE MATTER OF MINUTES AND TRANSFERS:
April Hautman made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting as written.  Howard Wiesmann seconded the motion and minutes were signed.
Tammy Elbright made a motion to transfer $100.17 from mileage to per diem for the Veteran’s officer to pay for funding PG Gentrup’s trip for new Veteran Officers.  George Kittle seconded the motion and it carried.
NOW IN THE MATTER OF PARK BOARD APPOINTMENT:
There has been discussion concerning the Council’s appointment to the Park Board.  It had been tabled for a few months.  Council’s decision has taken a great deal of thought and planning.  After much discussion, Tammy Elbright nominated Deidra Dennis to be Council’s appointment to the Park Board.  April Hautman seconded the motion and Council voted 5-1 in favor of Deidra Dennis. 
Council President Doug Baker requested the Auditor to send letters to Althoff and Dennis informing them of the appointment.

Dill Dorrell gave an update on the legislative actions going on at this time.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

                                                              COUNCIL

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ATTEST:

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Connie L. Smith, Auditor