Tension between commissioners causes tension at meeting

A regular commissioners’ meeting Monday evening turned into a spatting of words with the commissioners. 
During the meeting, commissioner Bud Krohn Jr. exchanged some heated discussion with Pulaski County Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer and also fellow commissioner Larry Brady. 
Origer approached the commissioners to give a regular update on several of the projects his department has been working on. Those projects include the county home property rezoning, the vacating of CR 60 W., the west side industrial park, the Hometown Collaboration Initiative, and the proposed adopt a river program.
Origer said he just recently received a first draft for the redirecting of employees and truck traffic in regards to vacating CR 60 W.
In regards to the west side industrial park, Origer said he has looked into a land swap but that idea has been tabled. He wants to use as little tax money as possible in the acquiring of the property. Because of that idea, the county could sell the county home farmland to create funds to purchase the west side property. 
The county farmland that is about 97 acres is appraised at $615,000. The Medaryville property is appraised at $460,000 for 55.5 acres. 
The funding from the farmland sales could be used toward a local match if grant funds were applied for, according to Origer. 
The county would lose about $20,000 in cash rent. 
Krohn Jr. questioned who authorized Origer to have the farmland property appraised. 
Origer said he spoke with two of the three commissioners and also invited Krohn Jr. to his office so they could discuss the county farmland. 
“It is not my fault that you did not make the effort, as a commissioner, to discuss something that I had asked you to come discuss with me,” Origer said to Krohn Jr. 
Krohn Jr. said he does not believe that Origer has the right to sell the property. Origer said he has read the deed and does not believe there are any restrictions to selling the property.  
“I’m sorry I think you work for the county but you are telling me when I have to meet you,” Krohn Jr. 
A motion was approved for Origer to continue to look into the feasible options to acquire the property for the west side industrial park. Krohn Jr. opposed the motion. 
Krohn Jr. also accused Origer of not speaking with the area businesses that would be affected by CR 60 W. being vacated. Origer said he has only had the proposed plan for about a week and a half. Origer said he has been in touch with the various businesses.  
Later in the meeting, Origer asked Krohn Jr. to not refer to the people in the CDC office as a secretary. There are two summer interns and a highly qualified project manager — not a secretary. 
As the meeting continued, Krohn Jr. later called out Brady in regards to supporting building inspector Doug Hoover. 
Krohn Jr. said during the hiring process, Brady didn’t support Hoover but now is giving him accolades while Hoover gave a presentation to the commissioners.  
Brady said the commissioners’ meeting was not the right venue to say such things. Brady said there were two applicants and he tried to pick the one he thought was the best candidate. 
Brady said he supports Hoover and he thinks that the discussion between the two has become disrespectful. 
Young then interrupted the conversation and said they need to stick with county business. 

See the full story in the Pulaski County Journal, available in print and e-edition.

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

Comment Here