MIAMI COUNTY COUNCIL
25 NORTH BROADWAY
PERU, INDIANA 46970
January 15, 2008
Vice President Mull called the January meeting to order. Councilman Hunt led us
in prayer and all recited the pledge to the flag.
It is noted that President Click is out of State visiting his daughter.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilman Hunt to approve the December minutes. The motion
was 2nd by Councilman Wiles and passed 6-0.
INNKEEPERS TAX
The final reading of the Innkeepers tax was discussed. There were two versions
presented at the December meeting and the final draft of the changes requested
was presented to the Council for review. Councilman McAuliffe moved to add that
the money would be appropriated prior to a check sent to the Tourism Commission
for payment. This motion was 2nd by Councilman Duckwall and passed 6-0.
A motion to adopt the Innkeepers tax with the amendment was made by Councilman
McAuliffe and 2nd by Councilman Duckwall. The motion passed 4-2 with Councilmen
Hunt and Kendall voting against.
Council Vice President Mull stated that the number of the ordinance should be on
the document when it is presented to them for consideration.
Charles Gray from Best Western had some question about the funding going to
Council prior to distribution. He feels this is in conflict with the IC code.
Attorney David Grund will review this question.
The Board discussed an effective date. The Board of Commissioners recommended
July 1, 2008. Commission Hawley said he feels this gives time for the local
hotels to get notices established and for the County to establish the procedures
they want to see happen.
The County Treasurer also wants to be notified when the procedures are
established since she must establish a Fund for collections.
Councilman Duckwall moves to establish an effective date of July 1, 2008. The
motion was 2nd by Councilman McAuliffe and passed 5-1. Councilman Kendall voted
against.
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
Judge Banina and Angie Bever told the Board that he is the Chairman of the
Community Corrections Board and the Board had agreed to give Angie a raise
comparable to a first year Probation officer. It is noted that she has served as
a Probation officer prior to joining Miami County as the Community Corrections
Director. Judge Banina explained that when the paperwork was given to the
Auditor’s Office to apply the raise the Auditor said no. It was the
understanding of the Auditor that only the County Council can establish salaries
and since this is between budgeting cycles they would need to come before the
Council for approval. The amount of the raise is $3,841. It was noted that she
operates out of a Grant and that user fees would pay the raise. Councilman
Duckwall said he needs to be sure how to handle this and asked if could be
postponed until next month. Councilman Wiles moved to table this until the
February meeting. The motion was 2nd by Councilman Kendall and passed 6-0.
MEXICO SEWER DISTRICT
Mr. Stevenson told the Board he wants to be sure the funds are re-appropriated.
He was assured that the money is in the Commissioners budget and he needs to
send in a claim for payments when needed. He explained that they have applied
for two grants. Each grant is for the amount of $500,000. One is from the
Federal Government and one is from Rural Development. He also stated it would be
2009 before a shovel is in the ground on the project.
SHERIFF ANNUAL REPORT
The Council was given a report on the Sheriff’s annual report. No action was
taken.
DUKES HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION REPORT
Councilman Duckwall gave a report on the giving of $180,000 to IVY Tech for
Laboratories. The grants are from proceeds of the sale of Dukes Hospital. He
stated that the Foundation has between 6.7 and 7 Million Dollars.
Council Vice President Mull thanked him for the report.
3% RAISE FOR EMPLOYEES
Councilman Wiles stated that a statement made by County Highway Supervisor Sam
Waltz at the last meeting concerns him. He said his heart has always felt we
need to take care of the employees. If we have to cut the budgets to do it then
each department will have to find the places where to cut.
It was noted by Commissioner Hawley that if the Council waits to give the raise
it would be a nightmare for the payroll clerk. Commissioner Hawley said he would
encourage them to give the raise now and if they need to cut at a later date
that will done in other areas of the budgets.
Councilman McAuliffe moved to approve the 3% pay raise. The motion was 2nd by
Councilman Kendall and passed 5-1. Councilman Duckwall voted against because he
said he had not seen enough information to be comfortable with it.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Julie Sisson commented that not to take away from the Community Corrections, but
the Highway Department is not funded by County General either.
GOVERNMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES
The Council discussed the consulting services by Melissa Ambre. The services she
provides are an analysis of Counties financial situation and assist in
projecting 3 years out how to get back on track with having an operating balance
the County can work with.
Councilman Duckwall will contact Mrs. Ambre and tell her they may use her
services later in the year.
MATRIX QUESTION
Julie Sisson questioned the matrix issue being settled. The Council explained
that it was established as a 16 year plan and there is no need to address it.
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Kendall and 2nd by Councilman
McAuliffe. The motion passed6-0
Adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Weaver, Auditor
