MIAMI COUNTY COUNCIL
25 N BROADWAY
PERU, IN 46970
MARCH 21, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President Stephenson who led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

It is noted Councilman Cook is absent.

Councilman York asked that the minutes from the previous meeting be amended to read the representatives for Dukes Health Care Foundation are Councilmen York and Click. Councilman Click made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was 2nd by Councilman York and passed 6-0.

Councilman York updated the group on the activities the Foundation. Blair Ridge has a positive cash flow. The Foundation has awarded scholarships.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

The first additional was for Reassessment for $26,960.00. Nancy Gates explained the money is needed for Legal fees for Eagles Point appeal. Councilman York moved to approve. Councilwoman Mull 2nd and the motion passed 6-0.

The next additional appropriation was for MCEDA in the amount of $33,166. Jim Tidd addressed the Council and explained that they were not ready to do it this month. Councilwoman Mull made a motion to do this next month when the paperwork was ready. The motion was 2nd by Councilman Robertson and passed 6-0.

Ivy Tech was next on the agenda for $75,000 for a 3 year period. Councilman York made a motion to appropriate $75,000 for this year and put $75,000 in each of the 2007 and 2008 budgets. The motion was 2nd by Councilman Click and passed 6-0.

COIT ADOPTION HEARING

Council President Stephenson gave each Council person a handout he had put together showing the % of the budget each group is and approximately how much the new COIT would cost each taxpayer based on a population of 37,000. He was concerned that if there were no or very little growth in Miami County over the next 10 years what it would end up costing each taxpayer. Councilwoman Mull stated that she believes that Miami County would have a large increase of population due to the fact that in the last two weeks there has been a new house and a new foundation for house on 300 N.

Commissioner Greg Deeds explained that the Bond payment would be approximately 1.1 million and the COIT will bring in approximately $850,000.

Councilman Robertson stated that the liability right now with the overcrowding is incredibly great and the lawsuit would be almost as great as the cost of the Jail.

Commissioner Boyer stated that it is very important to continue with the COIT and not put the entire burden on property tax.

Councilman Click stated he did not want to see all of the operating cost of the new Jail on the property tax. He wanted to know if we could use the rest of the COIT we have within the 1% to use for operations.

Sheriff Roland stated that Kimme & Associates did a snapshot of the inmates and found that out of the population that day only 5 were in for misdemeanors.

Mr. Morris (citizen) said it is difficult for the taxpayers to try to do everything at one. He also asked about the possibility of a small sales/fuel tax.

Mrs. Torrence, City Council, asked if it was this big of deal when we built the last jail and are they looking at land to build this on. Mrs. Torrence also asked if the current jail was built to expand up. Councilman Robertson said it was but it would only increase by 15 beds but would increase staff to watch those 15 beds.

Tim Hunter, Deputy, explained that we need to do it right this time so we don’t have to do it again in 20-25 years.

Dave Vitek, Captain of the Sheriff’s dept, stated it will improve the quality of life and address some Economic Development issues.

Councilwoman Mulled moved to adopt the additional COIT. Councilman Robertson 2nd the motion ant it passed 6-0.

Council Click informed the Council that he had attended an LCC meeting and was very impressed with all of the activities of that group.

Councilwoman Mull made a motion to adjourn. The motion was 2nd by Councilman York and passed 6-0.

Respectfully submitted,



Jane Lilley
Chief Deputy Auditor