As commissioners, it is our duty to listen to the people, identify problems, build consensus and develop solutions. This means that as commissioners we must be problem solvers. We must see challenges in our community not as roadblocks but as opportunities. Most importantly, we must do so while listening to and engaging with the residents of our county.
Commissioners started the Connect with the Commish column to make sure residents stay informed about what is going on inside their county government. We wanted to make sure people knew how the problems they faced were being solved. Today, I want to give residents an inside look into the process of problem-solving and the due diligence that county officials take to be good stewards of taxpayer money.
Last year, residents from Mace reached out to me with a longstanding problem. Because of drainage issues, for decades the folks in Mace have had to endure standing water, septic tanks that don’t function correctly and structural problems. Unfortunately, every time residents tried to get this issue addressed, they were met with opposition, often being told the project would cost too much.
Like the residents of Mace, I was unsatisfied with that answer. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to work for the people who elected us; in this case, that means working hard to find creative solutions to Mace’s drainage issue. We have to seek solutions with common sense and due diligence so that the solutions we find are long term, sustainable and fiscally responsible.
To start the process, we engaged engineers to complete a feasibility study. This gave us the facts to analyze the situation and make informed decisions. Taking this step paid off. During the feasibility study, we found that the drain in question is partially in INDOT’s right of way. Having found this out, county officials engaged INDOT in the process. INDOT has responded positively and expressed interest in helping cover a portion of the costs.
This is great news! Having INDOT on board means that all the costs will not fall on the county. Currently, a survey and cost study are being completed to determine the cost of the project. After that is completed, we will continue the conversation with INDOT to determine the final cost.
But we won’t stop there. Regardless of how much INDOT is willing to cover, know that the commissioners will work tirelessly to find a creative funding solution so neither the county nor the residents of Mace will be required to bear an undue financial burden.
I began this column by describing the role of the commissioners as problem solvers. The drain issue in Mace is a perfect example of how with the right attitude problems can be solved. Finding the right solution doesn’t happen overnight. It requires following a process, researching and doing due diligence. Right now, we may not have all the solutions, but we are engaged in a process and determined to find them.
What we can assure you is that we are working hard every day to find creative solutions to the problems our county faces. I can also promise that the commissioners will keep the people informed as we move forward in the process and that will we always listen to your concerns. Whether it is a drain in Mace, going after funding for road improvements or attracting economic development, the commissioners are dedicated to working hard to find solutions and improving the lives for county residents.
Montgomery County Commissioners:
• Jim Fulwider, Jim.Fulwider@montgomerycounty.in.gov
• John Frey, John.Frey@montgomerycounty.in.gov
• Dan Guard, Dan.Guard@montgomerycounty.in.gov
Follow the commissioners on Facebook@montgomerycountycommish.
