Whitley County commissioners approve finance officers, accept investment report and take bridge bids under advisement

Whitley County commissioners completed routine business at a January meeting, approving Board of Finance officers, accepting an investment report, taking bridge bids under advisement and approving a series of appointments and contracts.

The Board of Finance convened during the meeting and approved last year’s minutes and officer elections after nominations. Rob Schuen was nominated for chair and Kate Gatton was nominated for secretary; both nominations were approved by voice vote.

The county’s Finance Officer reported interest earned last year of $2,067,453.73 and presented the investment policy. The officer added that the county has been purchasing certificates of deposit on a staggered schedule — “I have 1 that's a 12 month and then 2 that are 3 months,” — and has compiled contact and CD information into a notebook for reference. Commissioners voted to accept the policy and the interest report for 2025.

During a bid opening for the Bridge 51 replacement, three bids were read aloud: Miller Brothers Construction Incorporated — $736,065.88; Marlle McCoy (New City) — $651,237.94; and Milestone Contractors — $814,813.19. Commissioners voted to take the bids under advisement.

The board reappointed Mike Schrader to the Drainage Board for a three‑year term and reappointed Mike Hippenhammer to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a one‑year term. Commissioners also approved an engineering agreement presented by engineer Brad Allen for replacement of the noted structure on 800 South (design‑build scope and cost estimate were provided); that motion carried.

Clerk Cindy Doolittle presented a four‑year contract for Infinity Voting Systems for the county’s voting machines. Commissioners noted the contract language referring to being "subject to an appropriation" and an incorrect party name in the boilerplate (a reference to the "Board of County Council"). The board approved the contract "subject to those changes."

Other routine actions taken included approval of a county road‑cut/right‑of‑way permit for Wall Family Farms, approval of an out‑of‑state, grant‑funded travel request for three Community Corrections staff to attend a national conference in Nashville, payroll approval and accounts‑payable claims.

Votes at a glance

- Approve Board of Finance minutes: approved (mover: Unidentified Commissioner S7; second: Unidentified Presiding Commissioner S5) - Elect Board of Finance chair (Rob Schuen): approved (voice vote) - Elect Board of Finance secretary (Kate Gatton): approved (voice vote) - Accept investment policy and interest earned ($2,067,453.73): approved (mover: Unidentified Commissioner S7; second: Unidentified Presiding Commissioner S5) - Bridge 51 bids — take under advisement (Miller Brothers: $736,065.88; Marlle McCoy: $651,237.94; Milestone: $814,813.19): approved - Reappoint Mike Schrader to Drainage Board (3‑yr): approved - Reappoint Mike Hippenhammer to Alcoholic Beverage Commission (1‑yr): approved - Approve engineering agreement for replacement on 800 South: approved - Approve Infinity Voting Systems contract (4‑yr) subject to edits/appropriation language: approved - Approve Wall Family Farms road‑cut/right‑of‑way: approved - Approve Community Corrections travel (3 staff, grant funded): approved - Approve payroll and accounts payable: approved

The meeting adjourned after a public‑comment period and follow‑up on a records request.