County Council okays airport land trade
By BILL RICHMOND
City editor
Randolph County Council Tuesday granted final approval in three readings of an ordinance approving an administrative settlement regarding a land trade to facilitate an expansion of the Randolph County Airport.
The land trade gives the airport a 3-acre easement to provide clearance for airplane take off and landing; sells 28 acres of airport-owned land; and buys 4.7 acres owned by the Marcella Mae Keys Revocable Living Trust. The airport will receive $42,000 which has to be used for airport-related purposes as the airport land was purchased with federal aviation grant money.
Airport Manager Eric Livingston said the groundbreaking date for an expanded runway will depend on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as they have final approval. He said the airport still seeks additional parcels for the land it needs to complete its expansion plan.
Council also heard a report from County Assessor Beverly Fields on the impact recent state legislative action (HEA 1001) will have on her department.
"I'd like for county council to consider the possibility of allowing the appointment of a chief deputy assessor," Fields said.
She said there may also later be a need for a first deputy to make up for the transfer of duties from township assessors to the county assessor's office.
Council member Alan Orr said the salary of the two new employees will likely be more than is being saved by relieving township assessors of their duties.
Fields said the township assessors will be eligible to apply for the new position or positions.
In other business:
€ County Auditor David Kelly said that according to LSA projections, the county in 2009 will sustain a $150,870 loss in revenue and in 2010 will lose an additional $257,876.
€ Carlton Clevenger told council he was impressed by his recent meeting with Lester "Spike" Shepler, Jr., of Project Management Services Incorporated, Noblesville. Shepler was hired by the by the county commissioners Monday to be project manager for the courthouse renovation and annex construction.
"Before he even applied for the position, he checked with the architect and said everything looked pretty good," Clevenger said.
€ Several council members said the county should consider creating a full-time Information Technology position.
"I've been involved with data processing for many years," said council member Max Holaday. "It's not something that people like, it's not something people like to pay for, but in today's world it's something you've got to have."
