[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6212988,"mediaKeyId","3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6","parentId",3682688,"title","Commissioners discuss recent paving damage, wheel-tax debate and broadband right‑of‑way concerns","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2190000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6&start=2190&end=2190","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6/thumbnail_2190000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6212988/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Commissioners-discuss-recent-paving-damage-wheel-tax-debate-and-broadband-rightofway-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212988-db6e83ccbbd8585c6930b2e45a5641f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770706356&Signature=HWr2tPYpa9~nCZyVl1UghG6tYGMdBdmPubvvc7xekROIskiXCTdgPDpo3jIP-KDbmvtjwgmRWmRgIXKgFwYQevHFRgYUhlNSYl9nul-ykOGK-SMvs4IAxfgT1-6XErHZFGNJVeaPCuZLjX0PK-JNEFL3wtSqkEywE4AZmiN-klyTKEnYwTH4hbWRkDmPghKIsMoaG5yPrtYNYPWVPTBWRZ33EbApO5MSe5DVNeoLltfTC3W-hDtLUpkTNnTXC5tONqr-z3SrNV-isQK8lbmtxcxevWGT92Il6mExzpBgnD2JiciPYVZ44gjKRVRtDNnjNwiOKxjF-WFQ59j8oczDTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jefferson County IN","date","2025-06-05T21:03:00Z","article","A county commissioner provided an update on June 5 about recent paving projects and a damage incident after new asphalt was placed on Bacon Ridge Road, and used a recent transportation conference to raise questions about a proposed wheel tax and purchasing ordinances.

“After the paving at the intersection of Diamond And Bacon, we had a tandem axle truck that was fully loaded go through the fresh asphalt…destroyed the whole curve in there, killing our pavement about 2 inches deep of tire tracks,” the commissioner said, and added that the paving contractor returned to patch the damage but the county may seek reimbursement from the truck owner.

At a conference the commissioner attended, participants discussed a proposed wheel tax and restrictions on how road funds may be used under different compliance scores. “There was a lot of discussion about it,” the commissioner said, noting the county still has options to raise road funds and may need an ordinance to authorize certain purchases for county highway operations.

The commissioner also raised concerns about broadband construction in county rights of way, saying a manhole and junction box had been installed dangerously close to the traveled roadway in a gravel section and asked that contractors provide a full map of installed fiber to avoid future damage. “I did tell him I would like to have the entire map from this cable because this cable is not just a regular broadband cable…So we don't wanna hit that. That might get expensive,” he said.

Why it matters: Paving damage can create maintenance costs and safety issues; decisions on a wheel tax and purchasing ordinances would affect how the county raises and spends road money. Broadband installations in road easements can pose safety and maintenance risks if not coordinated with county crews.

What was said and next steps: Commissioners discussed asking building‑permit and right‑of‑way permit processes to include road-impact or hauling‑plan information and asked staff to pursue contact information and maps from broadband contractors. No ordinance was introduced or adopted at the June 5 meeting; the commissioner said staff would follow up with contacts and may return with ordinance language.

Ending: The county will pursue documentation from broadband contractors and consider ordinance language on purchasing thresholds and permit conditions at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioner Meeting 6-5-25","oneSentenceSummary","Jefferson County officials reported recent paving work and a damaged pavement incident, discussed the state wheel‑tax and purchasing ordinances, and raised safety and permit concerns about broadband crews and buried manholes; no formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting.","taxTitle","Jefferson County, Indiana","taxId",52164,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6212993,"Jefferson County approves $6,700 wetland delineation for proposed animal shelter site",131,2363000,2494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6&start=2363&end=2494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6/thumbnail_2363000.jpg","/articles/6212993/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Jefferson-County-approves-6700-wetland-delineation-for-proposed-animal-shelter-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212993-a45708effcf677f1e72a0cb058c18074/orig.mp4?Expires=1770706356&Signature=HTKrcaB--ez9P1aypclZZeopmkZGtfNnI0ky4Tsp38cJn5CJd4e0xqM3-oPg-uq8pI8F0EGBfWxQ-eDfmuQtyaFepIzyFRbdoR32bXY9~mG57cjWddhG99-PlpjsiWTrCh9DPbKU-7cowWg0C1-h-g1CINMIvVI6g2CmV2iXpx28BKuB0rgclLlcoFrMT8RGzUbabHmk1XEy51g-PfAeOqSnnidQsuMdKiBsP89MfVykcAp5S7qFfQoI4CxajuOzwv0KSiFZrMNQxBJmffFLQu7YvYGVPkNY3mUFwtDwdaKoMRJRWzNiUY1HlPJ4CIuHH2TlDgEBms85JHABm0kqeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jefferson County commissioners voted on June 5 to hire 3 Rivers Wetland Consulting to perform a wetland delineation on property being considered for a new animal shelter, a county official said during the meeting. The county approved the service agreement, quoted at $6,700, for an assessment covering the property at 1150 Jay Barry Lane, excluding the current jail area.

“We’re gonna have 3 Rivers wetland consulting do an assessment of the area, and, hopefully, they'll do everything but the the current jail area,” a county official said. The county added the delineation findings would be valid for five years.

Shelter staff used the same agenda segment to outline operational proposals and facility needs. The shelter director described a proposed “hero adoption” program that would raise adoption fees modestly on highly sought animals and direct the additional revenue toward medical care, vaccinations, surgeries and behavior training for animals that need longer care. “We were gonna raise, like, a hundred. So, like, for dogs, it would instead of 200, it would be 300,” the director said as an example of proposed fee tiers.

Shelter staff also reported building issues including a leaking wall and failing gutters that have allowed water intrusion at windows, and requested that the county consider creating a full-time service position to hire a long‑time part‑time staff member. Staff and commissioners discussed budget reallocation and salary-ordinance changes as the path to convert a part-time position to full time.

Why it matters: The wetland delineation is a required step in siting a new animal shelter where wetlands may affect building placement or permitting. The shelter’s proposed revenue and staffing changes, if authorized, would affect shelter operations and county appropriations.

What was said and action taken: A commissioner made a motion to approve the service agreement with 3 Rivers Wetland Consulting for $6,700; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Shelter staff were told to submit a formal proposal for the hero-adoption fee structure for a future meeting so the county can consider acceptance and auditability. Staff were also advised to submit budget requests or a salary‑ordinance amendment to pursue making a part‑time maintenance position full time.

Ending: Staff will file the wetland contract for signature and return to the commissioners with a written adoption-fee proposal and any salary-ordinance paperwork needed to reclassify positions.","Commissioners approved a $6,700 service agreement with 3 Rivers Wetland Consulting to delineate wetlands at a proposed animal shelter site at 1150 Jay Barry Lane; shelter staff also discussed adoption-fee changes, facility repairs and staffing requests during the same meeting.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6212998,"Jefferson County renews debt-collection contract with American Financial Credit Services",60,86000,146000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6&start=86&end=146","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6/thumbnail_86000.jpg","/articles/6212998/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Jefferson-County-renews-debt-collection-contract-with-American-Financial-Credit-Services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212998-a9a3710369029e31e5e1025f1dbe692b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770706356&Signature=owVBOYqO~ZFs9V6z~7XEojOevosYbahV12Ble2eAJAJQHewF1~jHFt1z6EVFNuNPN~3sumAl817jx7h3Sx0-AoAbHYUcJlH54IQMgkpE1MZ1~LyYKsyOq8n4AJ2TwvFe2H6syUb9pJm30H5Flaxhwae-uqwtPg4e~FOyOpAJXQpUH8NO47cc8ApFkxm1IlLTZuHO9fQNrDdivokVxG~3h1JS1qeGaAhm6vWXpqkZwfTOIdz7VitFbR3oYh-bPS6UvLpJMCU4z09LXbLhWLajHgn0YKVuk0~XZ8yagWB3LNGB0UEj0U7TWnBxUp4s5i8CtuB8yh1sibRUlkc53XxLHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jefferson County commissioners approved a vendor service contract renewal on June 5 with American Financial Credit Services (AFCS) to resume collection of the county’s judgment debts, a county staff member said during the meeting.

“Yeah. So what I'm doing is I'm just, updating our contracts that we have with AFCS, which is American Financial Credit Services. …they collect our judgment debts,” a staff member said, adding the county has had the contract before but “we just haven't utilized them in the last few years.”

A commissioner made a motion to approve the AFCS vendor service contract and the motion was seconded. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: Renewing a contract with a debt-collection vendor reinstates an option for the county to use third-party collection for outstanding judgments. The staff member said the renewal mostly updates names and administrative details; no contract dollar amounts or contingency-fee rates were presented during the meeting.

What was said and what happened: Staff described AFCS’s previous role: sending certified letters, demand notices and managing communications to collect judgments. County commissioners voted to approve the contract renewal during the meeting; no detailed fee schedule was discussed on the record.

Ending: County staff will carry the renewed contract forward for signature; commissioners did not discuss immediate plans to reengage AFCS on specific accounts during the public meeting.","Commissioners approved a renewal of a vendor contract with American Financial Credit Services to resume collection of judgment debts; staff said the county has not used the vendor in recent years and the contract mainly updates names and contact information.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6213003,"Nonprofits ask Jefferson County for opioid-settlement funds to expand recovery housing and outpatient services",80,704000,784000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6&start=704&end=784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682688-cafac9191c7aac0ac8bc7a1273cf43a6/thumbnail_704000.jpg","/articles/6213003/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Nonprofits-ask-Jefferson-County-for-opioid-settlement-funds-to-expand-recovery-housing-and-outpatient-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6213003-05cfbeb468a4eccffefe81b5004c680f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770706356&Signature=PbXONTrTQmd1uum5LuW6rVXhqFGvgiGx4oY-CRN-zVlViKkW-9~lygys~4DpDil-ZxmNcz93OQzEDxhx0q4C3~uNynMMfyv-OE0CXKLmOIWi7RD0Np02kWOPBn6UPlX6g~CHudrXO7gopHCE17XvvVr~bocX74GXDa-EHm4lD-C9CCDAyD7QsmyR-7yEGZ3KQREkLpZMtL4lK9LePGQ70Yot3GQa1LLcTXFcm0zpKUB~uW9PwbNiaoCyuLkzu1Vk7psyAHRq20jCSqTLHo9Znfo-H9Vg7JW5m4KhLq4DYxDYxI-zankMwt5yO4q5WyjbCFaIPPLgmQj4m9Ce9kjucg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pastor Micah Adkins of God’s Not Done Ministries and Brandy Atkins, director of Ruth Haven, asked Jefferson County commissioners on June 5 during the public-comment portion of the meeting to allocate money from the county’s opioid settlement fund to expand local recovery housing and outpatient services.

Adkins asked the county to support a faith-based, opioid-focused residential recovery program in Madison that he described as a six- to 12-month, Christ-centered program for 10 to 12 residents at a time. “Our total request for an inpatient…what is $375,000,” Adkins said, adding he also submitted an outpatient proposal that would cost $100,000 for year one. He said the inpatient plan would include “trauma informed care, peer coaching, relapse prevention, and discipleship” and that program leadership would be drawn from people with lived experience in recovery.

Brandy Atkins asked commissioners to consider a $50,000 allocation to Ruth Haven, a long-standing transitional home for women at 117 Presbyterian Avenue in Madison. “This funding will help us continue to meet the needs of our residents covering cost associated with recovery resources, transportation, personal essentials, and day to day operations,” she said, and described her own history with the program as evidence of its impact.

Why it matters: Commissioners heard multiple requests for settlement funds that would expand local capacity for long-term recovery housing and outpatient services. Adkins and Brandy Atkins said Jefferson County lacks opioid-focused, long-term residential options and structured Christ-centered outpatient programs; both presenters framed their proposals as ways to reduce relapse and support reintegration after treatment or incarceration.

What was said and what happened: Both presenters submitted written outlines to the county during their remarks. Adkins described the program curriculum as daily devotions, Bible study, life-recovery curricula and one-on-one peer mentorship; he also said outpatient services would allow participants to keep jobs while receiving support. Brandy Atkins said Ruth Haven provides stability and essential services for women reentering the community and sought funds for operating costs and resident supports. No vote or formal appropriation of opioid settlement funds was recorded at the meeting; both requests were presented during public comment.

Next steps and context: Presenters indicated they will submit written proposals and budgets to county staff for further consideration. Commissioners did not announce a formal decision at the meeting; any allocation from the opioid settlement fund would require staff review and a formal action recorded at a future meeting.

Ending: County staff acknowledged receipt of the materials; commissioners did not vote on funding during the June 5 meeting.","Pastor Micah Adkins of God's Not Done Ministries and Brandy Atkins of Ruth Haven asked Jefferson County commissioners during public comment to allocate opioid settlement funds for a Christ-centered long-term recovery residence and expanded transitional services; no formal county appropriation was made at the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners discuss recent paving damage, wheel-tax debate and broadband right‑of‑way concerns

Jefferson County approves $6,700 wetland delineation for proposed animal shelter site

Jefferson County renews debt-collection contract with American Financial Credit Services

Nonprofits ask Jefferson County for opioid-settlement funds to expand recovery housing and outpatient services