Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

A full agenda was awaiting the Ripley County Commissioners at the regular meeting on Monday, March 7.

Garry Wright of Holton, requested assistance with a drainage issue. According to Wright, the pond on his property has been damaged by water draining from US 50 into his pond. Wright explained that debris and chemicals have been deposited into his pond killing his fish.

Wright has made repairs to the pond to prevent further flooding, which has not helped control the flooding. He explained that he was on a fact-finding mission to learn what options he may have to resolve the situation.

County attorney John Ertel explained that Wright’s situation is not under the commissioners’ jurisdiction. He advised Wright to speak to the Holton Town Board regarding the situation and to seek the advice of a lawyer familiar with drainage issues.

Tony Wood, Osgood Wastewater supervisor, presented an estimate for the installation of a sewer connection at the recycle center. The estimate is not to exceed $65,000, but Wood feels that the actual cost could be much lower.

According to Wood, the town will maintain the extension except for the pump with all repair costs the responsibility of the county. Commissioner President Rob Reiners explained that the solid waste district will help to off-set a portion of the costs and that the information will be presented at the next solid waste board meeting before a decision will be made.

The commissioners agreed to sign the notice to proceed, which will start the engineering portion of the project at a cost of $5,000.

Sherri Hinds and Greg Wendling, USI Consultants, explained the new federal mandate for road signs. According to Wendling, regulations require an inventory of signs, location, and that they meet the guidelines.

He explained that there are grants available to fund the project. USI offered to submit the application for the county. The motion to allow USI to submit the grant application on the county’s behalf was unanimously approved.

In other business:

• The commissioners unanimously approved to sign the contract for Rescue 10, Batesville.

• The status reports on grants presented to the Osgood Public Library, Hoosier Hills Regional Water District, and New Marion VFD were approved.

• The county agreed to repair the wood supporting the clock at the courthouse. The Town of Versailles will pay $3300 and the county will pay the remaining $4489. Any repairs thereafter will be split by both entities.

All commissioners were in attendance. The next meeting will be on Monday, March 21 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.