County reports roadwork progress; courthouse landscaping under budget, staff reminded to cross-train

Vigo County staff told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 14 that crews are continuing road maintenance and that landscaping and improvements at the north side of the courthouse are nearing completion and under budget.

Scott Barber (identified in the meeting transcript as providing the road update) said crews were finishing chip sealing in the southern part of the county and moving north. He listed recently paved roads as Gallagher, Palmer and Cassidy and said crews completed paving around the Union Hall. Barber said the county planned to stripe center and edge lines and expected to work on edge lines through the rest of the week. He said additional paving work around Spring Hill Road was possible depending on the budget.

During a separate operations update a county staff member identified as Joanie said work on the property to the north of the courthouse should wrap up later in the week. The record states water was being installed for an irrigation system, sidewalks and drive approaches were finished, fencing around a tower was in place and grass seed and straw were expected to be applied within about a week. Joanie told the commission the project was “a million dollars under budget” on the record.

Officials also announced flu shots were available to county employees the day of the meeting and asked department heads and elected officials to ensure personnel are cross-trained. A county official said staff shortages on a recent Friday left some tasks unfinished and urged managers to make sure someone on staff can perform essential duties when primary staff are absent.

The meeting closed with an announcement of a ribbon-cutting at 6 p.m. for an educational center. No public controversy or formal policy proposals were raised during these operational updates.