Vanderburgh County commissioners approve bridge bids, park fee increase and several contracts; back joint tourism tax resolution

Vanderburgh County commissioners on Jan. 14 approved notices to bidders for two bridge projects tied to a Community Crossings grant, a 10% schedule change order for road resurfacing, the purchase of a county vehicle, several contract renewals and settlements, a 10% rate increase across Burdette Park facilities and a joint resolution to seek state action on a tourism tax that funds the convention center.

The actions matter because the bridge projects are eligible for a Community Crossings grant that will cover half of estimated costs if bids are received and awards are made on the timetable staff presented, the Burdette Park fee change affects campground and event pricing countywide and the tourism resolution would send a reallocation and extension of a 2% innkeeper's tax to the Indiana legislature for possible inclusion in the statewide omnibus tax legislation.

The board unanimously approved notices to bidders for BC25-01-01 (rehabilitation of the Clients Road bridge over a branch of Locust Creek) and VC25-1-2 (replacement of the Adler Road bridge, Bridge No. 100). Commissioners also approved the Adler Road bridge cover sheet. John (county engineer) told the board the bids must be received at the commissioners' office by 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11, and projects must be awarded by March 7 to qualify for the Community Crossings grant that would cover half the estimated cost.

The board approved a change order (BC24-05-01) for county road milling and resurfacing that increases the contract by $9,167.97 to reflect material-quantity adjustments. It also approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox from Kenny Kent Chevrolet for $26,495 to replace an aged pickup reassigned to Burnett Park (vehicle purchases were presented as within the adopted budget).

Under right-of-way items, the board approved administrative settlements for Oak Hill Road parcel acquisitions. Parcel 13 (Michael Hoppe) received an increase of $6,300 for a final purchase amount of $33,500; Parcel 18 (Stan Moore) received an increase of $2,900 for a final purchase amount of $27,900. The board voted unanimously to approve both settlements.

In health and IT matters, commissioners approved a proposal for network installation by Drone Electrical Solutions to bring county IT services into a newly…