The Marshall County Commissioners took action last week to approve extended hours for the purposes of tax collection as requested by Treasurer Angie Birchmeier.
County to Dispose of old Law Barristers
The Marshall County Commissioners have authorized the sale of old law bookcases that are no longer needed.
When asking for additional space for a legal resource center in the courthouse, Circuit Court Judge Curtis Palmer told the commissioners that the bookcases in the basement are about 20 years old and are of no use to any attorneys or court personnel.
Marshall County Joins 250 Other Jurisdictions in Opioid Litigation
Marshall County Attorney Jim Clevenger told the county commissioners this week that 250 other counties, cities and towns have joined in the multi-district, federal litigation against the manufacturers and distributors of highly addictive prescription medications.
Building Inspector Reports Record Number of Building Permits
The numbers show an uptick in construction in Marshall County. In his yearly report to the Marshall County Commissioners, Building Commissioner Chuck DeWitt said a record number of permits were issued in 2017.
Sheriff to Buy Squad Cars, Presents DEA Report
Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel asked the county commissioners Monday morning to purchase four new squad cars for the department.
Hassel explained that the four vehicles will be purchased from Oliver Ford in Plymouth for $103,996 which includes state bids quotes with trade-in values. Funding for the purchase is included in his budget for the year. The commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Hickory Road Bridge Project Let for Bid
The Hickory Road Bridge project was let for bid on Wednesday. Laurie Johnson from DLZ told the Marshall County Commissioners on Monday that eight potential prime companies were set to bid the project.
In the meantime, Johnson said trees will need to be removed to make way for the project.
Highway Supervisor Updates Commissioners on Winter Operations
Marshall County Highway Supervisor Jason Peters updated the county commissioners on mailbox policies from neighboring counties.
Marshall County Commissioners Discuss Proposed Program at Shady Rest Facility
The Marshall County Commissioners discussed the Shady Rest Committee’s recommendation of allowing the addiction recovery program, David’s Courage, to be run out of the Shady Rest Home on Lincoln Highway in Plymouth.
Committee Chair and County Commissioner Kurt Garner explained that the committee approved a favorable recommendation for the program and if the commissioners did not decide to approve the program then the county would divest the property.
Commissioners Sign Grant Paperwork for Multi-Purpose Building
The Marshall County Commissioners reviewed grant paperwork that will be submitted to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs on Friday. The Marshall County 4-H Fair Association is seeking a $500,000 grant to build a multi-purpose building on the 4-H Fairgrounds in Argos.
Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Today
The Marshall County Commissioners will meet this morning. They will receive information from the Shady Rest Committee concerning the committee’s favorable recommendation of an addiction recovery program to be conducted in the Shady Rest Home facility on Lincoln Highway in Plymouth.
Shady Rest Committee Approves Recommendation for Commissioners
After weighing public opinions that range from benefits to the community to safety and security concerns, the Shady Rest Home Committee Thursday afternoon approved a recommendation to the commissioners with a majority vote.
Commissioners Sign Contract for North Michigan Street Paving Project
Marshall County Supervisor Jason Peters presented a contract with Walsh and Kelly to the Marshall County Commissioners for a paving project on North Michigan Street in Plymouth.
Peters reminded the commissioners that three projects were awarded Community Crossings funds but when the bids came back the county could only fund two projects with the grant money. Those projects included Beech Road from U.S. 6 to 3B Road and South Michigan Street from Dewey Street to State Road 110.
Marshall County Commissioners Receive Insurance Update
Marshall County will see a reduction in insurance costs in 2018.
A $32,000 reduction will be realized. Brian Kubicki from Gibson Insurance told the Marshall County Commissioners this week that the county will save money in workman’s comp premium rates as they have gone down in Indiana. The county has also managed claims and prevented loss and injuries to employees which played a big part in the cost reduction as well. The safety committee is doing what they can to educate employees on safety issues, which Kubicki said is working.
Marshall County Commissioners Discuss Copier Agreement
The Marshall County Commissioners were presented with a master agreement for the lease or purchase of copy machines for all county departments.
County Councilman Bill Githens worked with Ricoh representative Patrick Nau to formulate an agreement to be presented to County Attorney Jim Clevenger for review. There are five departments who have copier replacement requests in their budgets this year and it is the hope that this contract would save the county thousands of dollars in copier leases or purchases and maintenance and service fees.
Argos Clerk-Treasurer Seeks Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement
Argos Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Mullaney asked the Marshall County Commissioners to consider an intergovernmental agreement between the county, Town of Argos and Building Commissioner Chuck DeWitt for building and planning services.
The Town of Argos is looking toward economic growth. Mullaney said town officials need help with planning and Board of Zoning Appeals assistance to move forward. Mullaney commented that the members of these boards are volunteers and not qualified professionals so guidance from DeWitt would be appreciated.
Commissioners, Highway Supervisor Discuss Damaged Mailboxes
The Marshall County Commissioners would like to see what other counties do in terms of mailbox replacement during plow events.
Highway Supervisor Jason Peters presented a proposed policy during the last meeting that outlined a procedure of how mailboxes are replaced if damaged during a snow event. If the force of the snow knocks down a mailbox or damages a post, the county highway will not accept responsibility for that. If the plow strikes a mailbox, the highway department will replace it.
Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Today
The Marshall County Commissioners will have several discussion items before them when they meet this morning.
Argos Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Mullaney will discuss an intergovernmental agreement for planning services. Clerk Deb Vandemark, acting on behalf of the Marshall County Election Board, will present a contract with Microvote and Brian Kubicki will have an annual agreement with Gibson Insurance for approval. Treasurer Angie Birchmeier will have a tax billing contract proposal from Worrell Corp. and Planning Director Ralph Booker will present a right-of-way dedication for approval for Carl Stockberger.
Judge Makes Decision in Restitution Reimbursement Motion
A hearing regarding the return of restitution to former Marshall County Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck was held in Marshall County Superior Court No. 1 before Judge Robert O. Bowen Thursday morning.
Haeck and his attorney, Stanley Wruble, filed a motion requesting the return of restitution and Community Corrections fees after the Indiana Court of Appeals overturned Haeck’s conviction on a theft charge in 2016.
Plymouth BOW Discusses Intergovernmental Agreement
The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members discussed the intergovernmental agreement between the city and the county for planning services when they met Monday night.
According to Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver, the board members learned that the Marshall County Commissioners amended the agreement to pay Planning Director Ralph Booker for the first three months in 2018 and then conduct an evaluation of work in order to continue on with the contract for the next quarter. The board members agreed to the amendment.
Support Given for Fingerprint Machine Purchase
The Marshall County Council members discussed the purchase of an iTouch Biometric Fingerprint system for the probation department.
Sheriff Matt Hassel presented the request to the Marshall County Commissioners in December who supported the effort. He presented the same information to the county council Monday morning.
