Two contstruction companies are vying for road paving projects in the county.
On Monday, members of the Board of Commissioners opened sealed bids from Milestone Contractors of Indianapolis and Rieth-Riley of Lafayette that ranged from $1.3 to $1.4 million.
The proposed work is part of the 2022 Community Crossings Matching Grant Paving Project. Roads to be paved as part of this project include: C.R. 1100N between C.R. 325W and C.R. 100W; C.R. 325W between New Richmond an C.R. 1100N; C.R. 700E between Darlington and C.R. 575N; C.R. 300N between C.R. 425E and C.R. 625E; C.R. 775E between U.S. 136 and C.R. 500S; and C.R. 400W between U.S. 136 and Old State Road 55.
The bids were tabled for review. Recommendations will be submitted at the board’s Feb. 14 meeting.
In other business, commissioners:
• Gave support for the proposal by Ritter Strategic Services of Hagerstown to study county-wide EMS services. The study will analyze three options: contracting services with city; creating a county department or agency that serves all townships; or contracting with a private company.
Cost of the study is not to exceed $15,500 and is expected to be completed by April. The county council has already approved the study.
• Acknowledge the receipt of a petition to vacate a portion of Oak Hill Road. Rob Hudson, 907 Lafayette Road, is requesting the vacation of the road which is adjacent to his used auto dealearship. He also has submitted a similar request to the city since half of the road is within city limits. A hearing is set for Feb. 14. The county also move forward with proceedings.
• Approved the compensation of $2,800 to surveyor Tom Cummins for his certification of 358 miles of legal drains and 1,042 section corners. The compensation is provided by state law.
• Introduced an ordinance that creates a fund to establish a Volunteer Adult Guardianship program through Superior Court 2. The grant is for $38,500 and will be used to recruit and train five volunteers by June 30.
• Approved the first reading of an ordinance for the annual re-establishment of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund. Its tax rate is .0333 per $100 of assessed value. The CCD fund may be used for expenses related to capital projects, such as construct or repair of public buildings, improvements in right-of-ways and sidewaks, vehicle purchases and information technology purchaes.
• Approved the first reading of an ordinane for the annual re-establishment of the Cumulative Bridge Fund. Its has a tax rate of .075 per $100 of assessed value. The fund may be used for expenses related to the construction and repair of bridges.
• Re-appointed Linda Swyers to the Darlington Library Board for a four-year term. She currently serves as the board secretary and has been an “excellent board member” according to librarian John Dale.
