Countywide law enforcement considered
Staff reporter
More discussion was heard Monday by Marion County Commission regarding the possibility of countywide law enforcement.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said he had been approached by two councilmen from two cities regarding a countywide law enforcement effort.
Commissioner Dan Holub said things could be done better as a group than individually.
He also has been approached by members of fire departments to have a countywide fire agency.
Eighth Judicial Chief Judge Michael Powers, who was at the meeting for another matter, said he could recall a time when Morris County considered a similar consolidation in the 1980s which never occurred.
"It's a trend worth looking into," Dallke said, and the commission can determine at a later time if a task force is needed.
More research will be conducted and discussed at future meetings.
In other business:
— With the recent event of the deterioration of a downtown stone and brick building, the commission decided to move forward with planned repairs to the foundation of the courthouse and an inspection of the health department building.
Plans were made last spring to use grant funds to restore a part of the foundation of the courthouse. County clerk Carol Maggard asked the commission if she should move forward with the plans. She had obtained bids for the project and will check with the vendors to see if the bid price is still valid.
The county health department building, located at 230 E. Main, Marion, will be inspected by a structural engineer.
Holub commented that he has seen holes in the mason work.
Possible plans for improvements to the upstairs of the building have been discussed but the commission wants to be assured that the building is in sound condition.
— County appraiser Cindy Magill reported that property valuations will be mailed Thursday. Overall there was a three percent increase countywide in new residential construction.
— Magill requested a clarification regarding applications for the county's neighborhood revitalization program.
When applicants apply in January and February, the current year valuations cannot be used because they are not completed until March 1. Magill said it wasn't fair to use the previous year information for some and not all applicants. The commission decided that those who apply before the current year valuations are completed will not receive that information until such time the valuations are known.
— A law enforcement agreement with Lincolnville was put on hold because there is a possibility that state laws could require a magistrate and a special court system software program used for the proceedings.
— Technology consultant Lloyd Davies of Great Plains Computers and Networking presented a technology plan.
One of the purposes of the plan was to avoid budget surprises with purchasing of computer equipment and programs.
Davies reported his company had provided 400 hours of technical support at a price of $26,000.
— The commission signed an agreement with Associated Environmental Inc. regarding the removal of one water well and the installation of another at the former county landfill site.
— A meet and greet breakfast with the board of directors of Marion County Farm Bureau was postponed until 7:45 a.m. March 26 at Stone City Café.
— The commission reviewed applications received thus far for the lake superintendent position. The application deadline is Friday. A formal review of the applications will be made on Monday with interviews arranged.
