Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Ripley County Commissioners honored long-time county attorney Neil Comer at the regular meeting on Monday, December 27. Comer has resigned as county attorney effective the end of this year.

According to Comer, he started his law practice in 1972 and has been county attorney for most of those years. “I’ve enjoyed working with many good commissioners, council members and office holders over the years,” said Comer.

Technology director Kelly Vollet presented proposed changes to the employee policy handbook. One change included the designation of emergency levels in order to remain compliant with state regulations.

According to Ripley County EMA Director Wayne Peace, by designating a color code similar to the State Department of Homeland Security, the county will be in compliance.

There will be no changes to the level designations except that when an emergency is called there will be the addition of a color. For example, level one will become level 1 yellow; level 2 will be level 2 orange; and level 3 will be level 3 red.

Residents are reminded that level 1 yellow means that roadways are hazardous and motorists should use caution while driving; level 2 orange means that road conditions are hazardous and motorists should travel only when necessary; and level 3 red means all roadways are closed to all non-emergency traffic.

Also updated was the amount of compensation time allowed for county employees. Employees can earn a maximum of 40 hours of comp time. Exceptions include 9-1-1 dispatch, employees of the sheriff’s department; and county highway employees who are eligible for overtime.

Employees will not be able to cash in comp time for pay except at the time of retirement or termination of employment. The policy will be effective January 1.

The commissioners unanimously approved both changes. The county employee handbook will continue to be updated throughout the year.

The commissioners received information from Martin Riley Architects and Engineers offering their services for the proposed annex project. According to John Boerger, marketing and development director, the firm has worked on similar projects in neighboring counties.

Brian and David Wyly of Reaction Web Services presented information on their web development services. According to David Wyly, recent projects included a website for Dearborn County.

Wyly noted that a main feature of their website is information that can be updated quickly. The commissioners thanked them for coming in and will take the matter under consideration.

All commissioners were in attendance. The next meeting will be on Monday, January 10 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Ripley County Highway Garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex in Versailles.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Members of the Ripley County Council and Commissioners honored county attorney Neil Comer for 30 years of service. Pictured from right: commissioner Mark Busching, commissioner Gary Stutler; commissioner Rob Reiners; attorney Neil Comer; council member Dephane Smith; back row council member Donald Dunbar and county auditor Bill Wagner.