Scottsburg Board schedules public hearing on private developer deal, approves payouts, change orders and several hires

The City of Scottsburg Board of Public Works and Safety on April 23 accepted a recommendation to publish notice and hold a public hearing on a proposed public‑private agreement with Haberman Group Inc., approved multiple contractor payments and change orders for local infrastructure, and confirmed several staff hires and a patrol promotion.

Board members said the board received one proposal for the project from Haberman Group Inc. and that the city’s RFP/Q committee — Mayor Amick, Clerk‑Treasurer Pardee and a committee member identified as Baker — recommended proceeding to the public‑notice stage. The board was told that, under Indiana law, the next step is publication of notice and a public hearing before the board may enter a public‑private agreement. The hearing was scheduled for May 14; no final contract was approved at the April 23 meeting.

The board approved “Temple payout No. 3,” a contractor payment described in meeting materials as $122,922; staff clarified the packet also showed $116,775.90 on the first page and that the larger figure includes a 5% retainage that will be held until project completion. An engineer signed the partial pay application, and board members said the retainage will be withheld until project closeout.

The board also approved a change order on an Elm Street sewer/lining project, funded by American Rescue Plan (ARP) money, to add two manholes so the city can line the pipe. City staff said the two manholes add roughly $24,000 to the work and that the lining covers about 800‑plus square feet; staff…