[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6344705,"mediaKeyId","2250302-4df64e81f8e495a6c0fc7c5c90f4ed66","parentId",2250302,"title","Commissioners discuss county radio upgrade, Toshiba copier complaints, grant rules and IT vendor transition","audioSeconds",336,"startMs",3406000,"endMs",3742000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2250302-4df64e81f8e495a6c0fc7c5c90f4ed66&start=3406&end=3742","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2250302-4df64e81f8e495a6c0fc7c5c90f4ed66/thumbnail_3406000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6344705/Owen-County/Indiana/Commissioners-discuss-county-radio-upgrade-Toshiba-copier-complaints-grant-rules-and-IT-vendor-transition","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344705-f7959c6aa6c91b52557b55c0de0ae446/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436505&Signature=HIEuUzccO~feepnn5bc99KQhE0M0wmzR02d1uE3ZNaFhhqSsgbAth3sIQuMUcHcvWvccYjrp8UQ0srubQSOu0fXbq00oV3~d453g2tsAYYMhT0CWEP8qktbiaaqt35xaZ1djC-4r7Y~lcPU08gtDwjnYFkQ7sbLac4Co5pF9S2B-eigrlFLDHuCw7aUMAKYpAUECP2EcBGPbl5PUjewBCE~ic5HiUntCjkvS01asN~G~LJWJhfWOsd0Xo~Iaud4a~eeh-ErRB07rmpr5rZ8plO2deC9mrVtAeapAlKVTOgWZK1~sYJ1xwHXy1PQDap1ZuCjsLnIB334QjWJKi3hIZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Owen County IN","date","2025-02-06T18:21:05Z","article","Commissioners on Feb. 6 received updates and gave direction on several technology and communications items: the county's radio system buildout, outstanding copier/contract complaints involving Toshiba, needed updates to the county's grant‑application ordinance, incoming vendor lead times for radio equipment and an immediate plan to solicit new information technology support proposals after the county's current vendor announced a near‑term exit.

Radio project and subscriber units

The county's radio coordinator reported the vendor has begun ordering backbone equipment but that the budgeted $150,000 for subscriber radios (handhelds, mobiles and base stations) will not cover the number of radios departments need. He said he is actively seeking grant funds to cover extra units and that repeaters the county needs have an eight‑month lead time, which could push completion beyond the June/July timetable previously cited; the county has ARPA funds tied to some of the project and must track federal deadlines.

Toshiba/copier vendor meeting

Representatives from Toshiba explained their state‑vendor relationship and said many service issues stem from gaps in communication between department users and the vendor's service line. Toshiba representatives urged department heads to report copier problems and said Toshiba's equipment overwrites data on internal hard drives per security specifications; they offered to meet in a department‑head forum to review contracting scope and per‑machine capabilities.

Commissioners directed a mandatory department‑head meeting (to be scheduled within two weeks) with Toshiba and with county IT so staff can air service complaints and clarify contract terms. The board also asked the county attorney to update the county's grant‑application ordinance: current language requires prior approval for grant applications, and staff said that rule slows competitive grant opportunities.

IT vendor transition and scope of work

The board announced Fourth Phase (county IT contractor) had signaled a change in service. The county attorney and commissioners said they will distribute a written scope of work for short‑term county IT services and accept responses, with a two‑week turnaround, because the county needs continuity of service; the board said any new agreement will not exceed one year while the county tests providers and seeks a long‑term solution.

Comcast broadband request

A Comcast representative asked the commissioners to sign a single county support letter for a federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD/BED) grant application that would bring fiber to about 850 service locations in the southeast corner of the county as part of a larger multi‑county project. Commissioners asked the county attorney to review the letter and the deadline (Feb. 12) before signing; they did not sign the letter that day. Comcast said the round‑one award window guarantees fiber and that later rounds might offer only non‑fiber options.

Why it matters

The radio system upgrade affects emergency communications countywide; copier contracts and grant rules affect day‑to‑day productivity and department ability to access outside funding. The IT vendor transition creates an immediate need for an interim service plan to maintain county servers, desktops and public services.

Next steps

- County attorney to review the Comcast support letter and return findings to commissioners promptly, given the Feb. 12 grant deadline.
- County attorney and staff to update the county's grant‑application ordinance to allow more timely approvals for grant applications while preserving oversight.
- Schedule a mandatory department‑head meeting within two weeks with Toshiba and IT to catalog copier/contract issues and determine contract compliance and remedies.
- Issue a short, one‑year scope‑of‑work solicitation for IT support and accept responses within two weeks to maintain continuity while the county evaluates longer‑term options.

Ending

Commissioners said they will pursue grant funding for the radio project, revise internal grant approval rules, press Toshiba to clarify service scope and issue a time‑limited IT service RFP to avoid a lapse in county systems support.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Owen County Commissioners February 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County commissioners heard updates Feb. 6 on the county's radio replacement project, copier service complaints involving Toshiba, an urgent IT‑support transition and a Comcast request for a grant‑support letter; they directed staff to revise the grant‑application rules, schedule a department‑head meeting with Toshiba and issue a short IT scope of work.","taxTitle","Owen County, Indiana","taxId",53880,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6344709,"Owen County shifts building department out of courthouse, advertises for building administrator and HR administrator",402,488000,890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2250302-4df64e81f8e495a6c0fc7c5c90f4ed66&start=488&end=890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2250302-4df64e81f8e495a6c0fc7c5c90f4ed66/thumbnail_488000.jpg","/articles/6344709/Owen-County/Indiana/Owen-County-shifts-building-department-out-of-courthouse-advertises-for-building-administrator-and-HR-administrator","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344709-58b9c8242f0ba0e71d41556d3923264e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436505&Signature=UJC2hgCzXjfSsXrj0OwsyzSm84T4L74x8LcKUHLS4rxFZqmSWY1UeYqjy7xpJveuKBbUJ~qvd1XHTJ9pgqAmLWkTymS8DU7mz1JbZyf2mb7wNSDfJNIl8omSLcMtMJKKtwINVl-edtXaRgeOwhGuvWaL9bRI6e4xcx8ylgBG3HIYBYXYBy9T~bZHdYXjQSb2VlmMmWANeKoFkAt6mLqRU58f5C0Rli9idR2-km-oPGiLHchRSTQL6Wzn95AKtbsmHWo5wCbn0ruxQds~ElopDoFPeGtshB4sFf6vvjf1DPrzXqOKHBfdKDteEpg7T9neaUmsegUv0G8XX9oZ2AV0gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Owen County commissioners on Feb. 6 approved immediate operational changes in the county's building department structure, accepted the retirement of the building coordinator and authorized advertisement of two new positions: a building administrator and a human‑resources administrator.

Commissioner Risk told the meeting that Suzanne (Suzanne/Suzette) Zimmerman retired \"effective immediately\" from the building department and commissioners approved moving the building department out of the courthouse into the adjacent brick building where veterans'services are located. The commissioners said the move is intended to improve public access and reduce traffic inside the courthouse.

The commissioners also instructed that mapping functions be moved back to the auditor's office and that the new building administrator would not be responsible for storage‑unit management or mapping. Sheila, the county auditor, confirmed there was authority to hire and that the mapping work historically originated in the auditor's office.

The board voted to advertise immediately for the building administrator position and to advertise a separate human‑resources administrator post. Commissioner Risk said the county's employees need a dedicated HR officer so staff can raise personnel concerns without going through county legal counsel or the commissioners. He said interviews for the HR role will include commissioners, council members and any department heads who wish to attend.

Why it matters

The changes reorganize local administrative duties: building inspections and permitting will be consolidated under a new building administrator located outside the courthouse, mapping will return to the auditor, and human‑resources responsibilities will be placed in a new, separate office. Commissioners said the intent is to streamline access for contractors and taxpayers and to create a dedicated HR channel for employees.

Key actions and details

- Location change: Motion approved to move the building department from the courthouse to the brick building (voted \"aye\"). Commissioners said the brick building has a lobby and a front window to make contractor and public interactions easier.

- Mapping and storage units: Mapping duties will be returned to the auditor's office; the building administrator will not manage storage units or mapping, according to the motion. Commissioner Risk said the storage‑unit fund currently contains about $152,779 and that a small maintenance reserve (about $5,200) would remain for repairs and supplies if the county stops using the building department to manage storage units.

- Staffing: The board authorized immediate advertising for a building administrator and for a human‑resources administrator. Commissioners said job descriptions will be revised to reflect the narrower building administrator duties (inspections, permitting) and the HR administrator's duties (employee relations, policy and compliance). Commissioner Risk said he hoped to fill the HR role within 30 to 60 days.

- Driveway permits: The board discussed returning driveway/culvert permitting to the county highway department by ordinance; the chair said the county attorney would draft the ordinance to transfer driveway permitting responsibility back to highway.

Resignation accepted

The meeting later received in writing the resignation of Suzanne Zimmerman as building and mapping coordinator, effective immediately. Commissioners accepted the resignation and asked staff to catalog outstanding permits and ensure an uninterrupted transition. Interim responsibilities were assigned to existing staff while advertising proceeds.

Context and next steps

Commissioners said they will update the job descriptions and advertise the two positions, asking the county council to consider any related pay or funding changes. They told department heads to be prepared to assist with the transition and to bring facility and operational needs (files, office space) to a follow‑up meeting to ensure records and daily services are not interrupted.

Ending

The board described the changes as a short‑term reorganization intended to improve public access to building services and to create a dedicated HR function for county employees. Those interested in applying for the posted positions will see job descriptions and application instructions once they are finalized and posted by the auditor's office.","The Owen County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 6 to relocate the building department out of the courthouse, accepted the building coordinator's immediate retirement and authorized advertising to fill two new positions: a building administrator and a separate human‑resources administrator.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6344713,"Owen County moves storage‑unit funds into new jail project account; commissioners hear financing options for new facility",979,1507000,2486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2250302-4df64e81f8e495a6c0fc7c5c90f4ed66&start=1507&end=2486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2250302-4df64e81f8e495a6c0fc7c5c90f4ed66/thumbnail_1507000.jpg","/articles/6344713/Owen-County/Indiana/Owen-County-moves-storageunit-funds-into-new-jail-project-account-commissioners-hear-financing-options-for-new-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344713-0a9e750c0b57fd5e7331c86c9d2146a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436506&Signature=ojEdVvWiphQM53KprfjU6wkgKXJsScCrNRf79UZxmnffaqIv7S-s4bxronGN3xCDkTkx~fX4NBW8Mhm9G1GxXafOS9rnqXO1f8pimQ5nr-q7dzWDlq4kn3vIrzcqZDeP-VU9UbmXPgde-esh15y-X~DH3HXB3tU67-IbHUfRqWnKOBhGcGsj2W5zD9jIQ0s3e6JTnk4~2UKwnAeZEqwdY65WVd9ibyBhfX-HONw5Ikcst6HTkZeYUeAsqZxxaxneMqQ1m7oJPbFvaJrQ7Rm7S4jcHm1JgpBoj~F88sDEwJY-IZNdPbGUdnJzK0LcVP~iaQ33OS-EN0DZbL-TeQfFFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Owen County commissioners voted Feb. 6 to move the county's storage‑unit fund into a new jail project account and spent much of the meeting discussing how to pay for a proposed new detention facility.

The commissioners passed Ordinance 2025‑002, creating a \"jail project fund\" and directing the transfer of the balance of the county's storage‑unit fund to that new account. Commissioner Risk made the motion; the motion was seconded and approved by the commissioners present.

The vote followed a detailed briefing from Jeff Peters, an outside municipal finance adviser who outlined financing options the county could pursue, including municipal bonds sold on the open market, use of the Indiana Bond Bank and U.S. Department of Agriculture financing programs. Peters told the commissioners the full project estimate presented to the board was roughly $31.4 million, including construction, design, contingency, utility extensions and bond issuance costs. He said the county already has about $3 million in cash set aside for a correctional facility and expects about $1 million additional this year.

\"We can only build what we can afford without straining the rest of the county's budget,\" Commissioner Risk said during the discussion. \"You can't rob everything to do something and strain everybody else's budget to the point that our services are hampered.\"

Why it matters

The ordinance makes a dedicated account for the jail project and moves existing restricted funds into it; the financing discussion showed the county faces a multi‑million‑dollar gap between available revenues and projected debt service unless additional revenue or cost reductions are identified. County leaders said they will need to identify how much of local income‑tax or public‑safety revenue can be pledged and whether other revenue sources or multi‑year amortization could reduce annual shortfalls.

Most important details

- Ordinance: Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025‑002 to create the jail project fund and transfer the balance of the storage‑unit fund into it. The storage‑unit fund balance cited at the meeting was $152,779; commissioners said a modest maintenance reserve (about $5,200) would remain to cover upkeep tied to the existing storage operations pending transfer details.

- Cost estimate: Peters summarized the adviser's current estimate for the project at about $31.4 million (construction estimate, soft costs/contingency, utility extension and bond issuance were included in that figure). He said the construction line estimate supplied by county estimates did not include soft costs, contingency and issuance fees.

- Available cash: Commissioners reported roughly $3 million already accumulated in correctional facility reserves and an expected roughly $1 million this year from prior distributions.

- Debt‑service gap: Using the financing scenarios presented, Peters said the county would face a projected annual shortfall of about $935,000 if the bonds were amortized over 17 years under the assumptions he used; that shortfall would shrink to about $710,000 on a 20‑year amortization. Peters and the county discussed options to close the gap, including pledging additional local income‑tax streams, extending amortization, or using property tax backing (which carries remonstration risk). He also said USDA 40‑year loans could reduce annual payments but may reduce bidder competition and raise project costs for construction contractors who must meet USDA requirements.

What commissioners said and next steps

Commissioner Risk said the county will hold more work sessions with the council, sheriff, chief deputy and other stakeholders to identify potential offsets, including whether additional carve‑outs of local income‑tax revenue for debt service are feasible. Peters advised the county to pursue follow‑up research with bond counsel, the bond bank and underwriters on debt‑service reserve options and whether combining income‑tax streams (correctional and public‑safety LITs, for example) would improve market reception.

Peters also recommended exploring property sales and other non‑tax revenues to reduce borrowing needs; commissioners discussed the possibility of selling the existing jail property and studying revenue from housing inmates for other jurisdictions as potential program income but cautioned additional beds would increase staffing costs.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2025‑002 (create jail project fund; transfer storage unit fund balance): Motion by Commissioner Risk; seconded; outcome: approved. Vote recorded by the chair as \"aye\"; tally not formally recorded in roll call minutes at the time of the vote.
- Approval of meeting minutes (Jan. 9 and Jan. 23): motion and second recorded earlier in the meeting; approved.
- Approval of payroll and claims totals: recorded and approved earlier in the meeting.

Context and constraints

Speakers stressed they are not committing to a final funding plan: Peters's figures are estimates used to illustrate options. Several potential legal and policy constraints were flagged, including statutory limits on income‑tax pledging and the possibility of remonstration if property tax is used as the exclusive backstop for bond repayment. County attorney follow‑up and additional legal review were requested.

What to watch next

Commissioners and the county council agreed to schedule additional work sessions to narrow revenue options and to ask county staff and bond counsel to model alternatives (longer amortizations, different pledge mixes, property sale proceeds and potential grant or program income) before any final financing action or construction contract is authorized.

Ending

The ordinance creates a dedicated account intended to centralize the county's jail planning funds; commissioners approved it and asked staff to return with more detailed revenue and borrowing scenarios so the council can determine whether and how to proceed on a new detention facility without unduly constraining other county services.","Owen County commissioners on Feb. 6 approved Ordinance 2025‑002 to transfer the county's storage‑unit fund into a newly created jail project fund and heard from a financial adviser on financing options, estimated project costs and annual debt‑service shortfalls that the council and commissioners will need to address before construction proceeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners discuss county radio upgrade, Toshiba copier complaints, grant rules and IT vendor transition

Owen County shifts building department out of courthouse, advertises for building administrator and HR administrator

Owen County moves storage‑unit funds into new jail project account; commissioners hear financing options for new facility