The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

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May 20, 2008

Fountain commissioners plan jail repairs

Board answers DOC’s call to action

BY DENNIS BARTLOW

COVINGTON, Ind. — The Fountain County Commissioners made a commitment Monday night to work on a plan to update the county jail.

The Indiana Department of Corrections is giving the county six months to:

-- Replace duct work.

-- Duct the return air and have the system balanced to ensure better temperature control.

-- Routinely clean HVAC coils and replace filters.

-- Steam clean floor carpet.

-- Remove carpet from walls.

-- Repair the leaking roof.

“It is our unanimous consent that we do whatever is needed to keep it open,” Council President Ron Howard told the commissioners. “I think we need to go to Indianapolis to the DOC and seek an extension of time. I think the state has about had it with Fountain County. I realize there is no guarantee.”

Commissioner Janet Shoaf said she is in favor of an extension, but she said the work needs to start now.

“We need to start moving forward on what the DOC is asking us,” she said. “A year ago we said the ventilation was the top priority.”

Commissioner Terry Ellingwood, president of the three-member commission, suggested doing the roof first.

“The roof would show that we are doing something,” he said.

Howard said the repairs may cost a million dollars.

“Once you come up with a plan, (the council) needs to come up with how to pay for it,” he said.

The three commissioners agreed to have a study meeting Friday to devise a plan.

In other business, commissioners:

-- Agreed to have the Warren County Commissioners contact Terry Foust about work at the Foun-tain-Warren Health Department Building in Attica that was not completed last year.

-- Tabled action on a depository of funds until Treasurer Susan Coffing could meet Friday with the commissioners. The banks submitting bids will be asked to be present to explain their bids.

-- Approved an additional $12,072 in the E-911 budget for furniture.

-- Hired Pete Franzman of Tell City as insurance consultant.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Fountain County Commissioners will meet at 8 a.m. EDT Friday at the courthouse to make a decision on a depository of county funds and to draw up a plan for jail improvements.

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