Commissioners approve routine business: library reappointment, claims, records updates and letters of support

At its June 16 meeting, the Dearborn County Board of Commissioners handled several routine administrative items.

The board reappointed William "Bill" Harvey to the Lordsburg Public Library Board of Trustees and approved claims and the minutes from the June 2 meeting on voice votes. Commissioners also agreed to sign letters of support at the request of State Rep. Garrett Bascom and State Sen. Randy Maxwell: one letter would support naming a section of U.S. 50 after Lance Cpl. Donald R. Henry (family farm area near Dillsboro) and a second would request naming a bridge on State Road 46 after PFC Anthony P. Seeg pending family approval; staff noted INDOT requires local letters of support for such naming requests.

Staff reported New York Life contacted the county about an annuity refund tied to a previously sold hospital pension plan. The board approved updating the authorized contract-holder representative list to add current staff (including the treasurer and auditor) and remove several former representatives so the county can receive refund documentation and checks by mail. Commissioners also received a heads-up about an interlocal agreement under review with the City of Aurora that would allow Aurora to fund, install and maintain decorative lighting on the George Street Bridge; Aurora's approval was still pending.

Finally, staff warned that a recent suspension of the state gas tax could reduce county highway distributions and that the Association of Indiana Counties has requested state rainy-day fund relief to replace lost revenue; the county will monitor impacts for highway operations.