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Clinton County Commissioners - page 3

Exterior Renovation of Courthouse To Begin September 25th

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The Clinton County Courthouse will undergo a years long restoration beginning September 25, 2023. The public will begin to see scaffolding erected around the site next week. (File Photo Brett W. Todd, September 4, 2022)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 18, 2023) – Exterior renovation of the Clinton County Courthouse will begin next Monday, September 25th, according to commissioner Jordan Brewer.

Commissioner Brewer provided the update during this morning’s meeting stating the public will begin seeing scaffolding going-up next week.

The exterior project is the first of a $9,442,080 restoration project of the Courthouse with phase two being interior work. Interior work will not begin until completion of the Annex building at the corner of Washington St and Main St. The cost of construction of the Annex is pegged not to exceed $17,750,000.

Annex construction should begin soon with preliminary work on site taking place now.

Planned Cradle-to-Career Tech Center Scaled Back

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The planned Cradle-to-Career Tech Center planned to be built on land owned by the Community Schools of Frankfort will be scaled back due to funding. The Center is planned to be built on land where the current bus garage is located - the far left in image.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (May 10, 2023) – The planned Cradle-to-Career Tech Center to be located on land owned by the Community Schools of Frankfort (CSF) – where the current bus garage is located – will be scaled down from $22 million to $10 to $12 million according to CSF Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda in comments made after Tuesday’s CSF school board meeting.

“We determined we needed to scale the project down – pretty much in half – so we are going to scale down the $22 million, down to $10 to $12 million,” said Dr. Rhoda. “And, we are looking at trying to find funding to hire a fundraiser as well as a grant writer to really spearhead and brainstorm. We are not able, all of us have full time jobs – we are not able to get out and knock on doors and get decision makers from businesses and industry in front of our presentation with the frequency we thought we would be able to do.”

The decision was made after a meeting was held Monday with project stakeholders. Dr. Rhoda said some of those in attendance included Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets, County Council representative Carol Price as well as all four county school superintendents.

“We have been able to talk to NHK. We have talked to Frito Lay, but the people in charge of the money are in Plano, Texas. So we want to have someone who can spearhead this. Would be great to have someone who is both a grant writer and fundraiser. And, we will be looking to raise money to pay for that.”

Dr. Rhoda provided an update on fundraising activities.

“Between the City and County each donating $250,000 and IU Health – they are just about at a million, about $750,000. We have the READI grant, which need to have MOU’s from the schools and resolutions from the City and County by the end of June.”

The facility will be scaled back as well prioritizing the programs offered will need addressed.

“We will scale down the vocational side, scale down the early learning side – mainly not as many labs and pathways going in there. We really need to look at what do want to put in there first. And, what can the early learning side do to still satisfy help our community with childcare. The early learning side is really a small component – the vocational side is where the majority of the cost is going.”

IVY Tech remains key according to Dr. Rhoda.

“We won’t be able to do it without IVY Tech. IVY Tech is a main ingredient, both with what they can do for supporting our kids in pathways and dual enrollment classes as well as what they can do by coming-in in the evenings to train adults for our local industry.”

The building of a facility might be as much as 36-months out; however, Dr. Rhoda sees a 12-month goal for the project being hiring someone to lead fundraising and grant writing.

“Over the course of the next year we want to close to that target, but we have got to get someone to help us with that because more time needs to be spent on relationships with our industry and business leaders to be able get then to come-in and get excited about this and want to be able contribute to the project.”

A signing ceremony for all stakeholders will take place on June 7th at 6pm at the CSF administration building – this is being conducted to satisfy a condition of the READI grant.

State Files Suit Against Kelly’s Seeking Restitution, Adds to Growing List of Cases Alleging Nepotism and Commissary Issues

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Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed suit against Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly and his wife Ashley Kelly on Thursday, March 30, seeking restitution from conclusions contained within a November 23, 2021, State Board of Accounts (SBOA) audit.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (April 2, 2023) – Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed suit against Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly and his wife Ashley Kelly on Thursday, March 30, seeking restitution from conclusions contained within a November 23, 2021, State Board of Accounts (SBOA) audit. The suit alleges the Kelly’s of “malfeasance, misfeasance, and/or nonfeasance”; this action adds to a growing list of lawsuits involving the Kelly’s as either defendants or plaintiffs.

Rokita alleges in the 16-page complaint the SBOA found the Kelly’s violated the Clinton County nepotism ordinance – Sheriff Kelly challenged the merits of the Clinton County nepotism ordinance in its own, separate legal action in a Tippecanoe County court against the Clinton County Commissioners and County Council. The case was originally filed by the County in 2021 and amended in 2022 to include the Sheriff’s complaint. The Sheriff won – the judge ruling the Clinton County nepotism ordinance did not forbid the Sheriff from hiring his wife.

Rokita also alleges the Kelly’s failed to file a conflict of interest form stating Ashley is the wife of the Sheriff and no written contract to perform commissary services by either Ashley or Leonne LLC was provided to the County. Both are at issue in a separate civil lawsuit filed in 2022 by the Kelly’s against attorney Tom Little in Tippecanoe County; Leonne LLC is a company formed in 2018 by the Kelly’s prior to the beginning on Sheriff Kelly’s term, Ashley listed as a 51% owner, the Sheriff a 49% owner.

Court filings in that 2022 Tippecanoe County case allege attorney Little provided in December 2018 a conflict of interest form that described a dependent relationship and commissary work to be performed by Ashley to the then-members of the Clinton County Commissioners and County Council. Court filings also contain two communication logs that allegedly detail back-and-forth, email and messaging exchanges with various elected members of Clinton County government and select employees of Clinton County government attached to some of those communications.

Currently both the Kelly’s and attorney Little are awaiting a judge’s decision on whether any of those communications must be disclosed.

Those same communications and conflict form are at issue in each of the Kelly’s 2022 criminal cases – Rokita described the criminal cases as “correlated” in his filing, the criminal charges relating to the work done in the SBOA audit. In the criminal cases, the Kelly’s claim Special Prosecutor David Thomas has failed to turn over discovery while the Special Prosecutor has requested a change of venue. The judge in the criminal cases has yet to rule on either. The Kelly’s are each charged with four Level 6 Felony counts.

Rokita’s filing also details the monetary amount that was paid combined to Leonne LLC and Ashley, $219,634.65 – an item the SBOA stated was “improperly issued.” Those same payments were questioned by County Commissioners and County Council in the 2021 Tippecanoe County case; the judge ruled the payments were excessive. Sheriff Kelly has a pending case before the Court of Appeals seeking reversal of the judge’s ruling – this is the same appeals case the County Commissioners and County Council have required the Sheriff to dismiss before the respective Boards will sign-off on a 2023 commissary contract.

Rokita is asking for the funds to be paid back, plus the cost of the SBOA to perform the audit; the total of those two approaching $330,000. Also, Rokita alleges Clinton County has suffered “a pecuniary loss as a result of a violation of specified criminal codes” and is seeking treble damages – the amount times three. The suit for repayment comes from the Indiana Crime Victims Relief Act.

The Indiana Court of Appeals in 2023 addressed an issue of pecuniary interest in the Clinton County Commissioners appeal of an e-cigarette case originally filed by Sheriff Kelly in 2021 where a lower court judge ruled the Commissioners had exceeded its power stating, “that the Board cannot regulate by ordinance the conduct of inmates housed in the Clinton County Jail and cannot restrict the right of the Sheriff to sell or of inmates in the Clinton County Jail to purchase and use e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that do not contain tobacco products within the confines of the Clinton County Jail.”

The Commissioners on appeal claimed Sheriff Kelly was selling the product so he and his wife could profit.

The Court of Appeals justices stated, “In their motion to correct error, the Commissioners asserted they were entitled to a relief from judgment based on newly discovered material evidence, specifically that ‘the sale of e-cigarettes was not solely for commissary revenue, but that Plaintiffs acted based upon undisclosed personal pecuniary interests.’ However, we need not consider any alleged newly discovered evidence creating a question of material fact because we have concluded the Sheriff’s Office is expressly granted the authority to control the care of prisoners in the jail under the Take Care Provision as a matter of law.”

Commissioner Jordan Brewer stated in a March 2023 interview the Board is still deciding whether to file an appeal to the Indiana Supreme Court.

In addition to those lawsuits, the Kelly’s have filed a civil claim against Clinton County Prosecutor Anthony Sommer in 2022 alleging defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Prosecutor Sommer denies those allegations and has asked a Boone County court to dismiss the lawsuit; a hearing is set for April 17. Sommer is being represented by an attorney from Rokita’s office according to court documents.

The Kelly’s have 20-days to respond to the Rokita suit.

A note to the reader. Some of the legal cases mentioned in this article involve reporting and interviews conducted by journalist Brett W. Todd; the work produced might be cited as part of specific case litigation filed by various parties in those respective cases.

Clinton County Commissioners Lose Legal Appeal to Sheriff Kelly

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The three members of the Board of Commissioners for Clinton County Indiana discuss a topic during a meeting in this file photo. From left-to-right, Commissioners Bert Weaver, Josh Uitts, Jordan Brewer. (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 18, 2023) – A three-judge panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals unanimously ruled the trial court did not err when concluding the Clinton County Commissioners exceeded its authority when they amended the county smoking ordinance in an attempt to prohibit inmates from purchasing and using tobacco-free products within the jail.

The appellate ruling issued March 9th came after oral arguments in Indianapolis on January 10th regarding whether or not Special Judge Samuel Swaim erred in his October 8, 2021, ruling in favor of Clinton County Sheriff Kelly’s suit when Judge Swaim said in part, “that the Board cannot regulate by ordinance the conduct of inmates housed in the Clinton County Jail and cannot restrict the right of the Sheriff to sell or of inmates in the Clinton County Jail to purchase and use e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that do not contain tobacco products within the confines of the Clinton County Jail.”

On appeal, the Commissioners contended Judge Swaim erred when he ruled in the Sheriff’s favor because, pursuant to the Indiana Home Rule Act, the Sheriff had only the powers expressly granted by statute. Based on their interpretation of the Home Rule Act and cases cited, the Commissioners asserted the relevant statutes do not grant the Sheriff unlimited discretion regarding what is sold to inmates at the Clinton County Jail.

Sheriff Kelly contended the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission regulated the Sheriff’s sale of the e-cigarettes and Indiana law expressly entrusts the Sheriff with the care of the jail and the prisoners therein – known as the “take care” provision.

The Court of Appeals ruled that while the Commissioners “had authority under the Home Rule Act to enact the revised county smoking ordinance as a general ordinance governing the use of e-cigarettes in county buildings, Indiana Code section 36-2-13-5(a)(7) – (the “take care” provision) – expressly gives the Sheriff’s Office the power to “take care” of prisoners and the revised ordinance does not apply to the activity of prisoners in the county jail.”

No public statement as of publishing on whether the Commissioners will appeal this ruling to the Indiana Supreme Court.

Tornado Warning Alert Test Scheduled

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Clinton County Central Dispatch will participate is a statewide tornado siren test on Tuesday, March 14 at approximately 10am as part of Severe Weather Preparedness week, March 12-18.

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The week of March 12 – 18, 2023 is Sever Weather Preparedness Week in the state of Indiana according to a media release issued by Renee Crick, Director of Clinton County Central Dispatch (CCCD).

The release states on Tuesday, March 14 at approximately 10:15am, the National Weather Service will issue a test tornado warning alert, which will be shared through most notification systems. Clinton County will participate in the statewide test by conducting a full activation of the tornado weather sirens in Clinton County.

Now is a good time to talk with your family about what to do in the event of severe weather. A Tornado Watch means conditions are possible; it does not mean a tornado will occur. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a Tornado Warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.

Remember that tornado sirens do not provide coverage for all areas. The tornado sirens are meant to be heard outside and cannot be relied on if you are indoors. Having a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is highly recommended. Many people silence their phones at night, but the weather radio will sound when a warning is issued.

Crick reminds the community CCCD offers a free service, Nixle, that sends out mass notifications regarding events happening in Clinton County such as severe weather, road closures due to construction or accidents. The Nixle notifications can be received via your smartphone by downloading the free app, Everbridge.

State of Indiana Calls Clinton County & Frankfort Opioid Settlement Plan a “Model Communities Should Replicate”

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Members of Clinton County’s Opioid Settlement Funding Committee present their plan to members of the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis on February 3, 2023. Photo provided by Clinton County Government. Pictured (left to right): Commissioner Jordan Brewer, Councilman Alan Dunn, Lorra Archibald, Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 28, 2023) – The State of Indiana invited members of Clinton County’s Opioid Settlement Funding Committee to present their plan to the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder in Indianapolis on February 3, 2023. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said she was “absolutely blown away” with their plan.

Indiana will receive $507 million as a part of the $26 billion national settlement with Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen – the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors – and Johnson & Johnson, which manufactured and marketed opioids. Clinton County will receive a total of $697,445.39 in annual allocations through 2038. The City of Frankfort will receive a total of $386,386.84. Both received their first installments in December according to a media release from Clinton County government.

“Clinton County and the City of Frankfort have worked hand-in-hand on our settlement plan, pooling our allocations and sharing our resources to more effectively touch the lives of those affected by substance use disorder,” says Lorra Archibald, committee chair and Executive Director of Healthy Communities of Clinton County. “It made no sense to work in silos and risk duplicating efforts.”

Restricted funds must be spent on evidence-based prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, behavioral health workforce, enforcement, jail treatment, recovery residences, and other services. Clinton County’s committee has earmarked dollars to be spent on such things as crisis intervention training, support for new and expectant mothers with substance use disorders, peer recovery coach programs, installation of Naloxone boxes, and vape detectors in schools.

“We started by conducting a community needs assessment,” Archibald explains. “We were looking for gaps in service and barriers to getting that service to at-risk and underserved populations. We think we have a solid and sustainable plan that will help our recovery community well into the future.”

Unrestricted funds can be used in any capacity. Clinton County and the City of Frankfort have agreed to put 100-percent of the unrestricted funds toward the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

“We wanted every penny of this settlement to go back into our community to help those in recovery,” says Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “So, we unanimously agreed to use all the unrestricted funds to support two recovery homes – the One80 Recovery Resources, Inc. and the WeCare Recovery Home.”

Clinton County’s commitment to investing 100-percent of its abatement dollars to recovery and the collaborative way in which they did it caught the eye of the State of Indiana. Douglas Huntsinger, Executive Director for the Next Level Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Division, invited Archibald, Sheets, Clinton County Commissioner President Jordan Brewer, and Clinton County Council President Alan Dunn to speak to state leaders.

Huntsinger introduced the Clinton Count members in part by saying, “the holistic approach to developing the plan and both the using the county and the city dollars cooperatively to fill those gaps and this is a model that many communities across our state could and should replicate.”

Others at the meeting, including State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, offered high praise and resoundingly positive feedback. “I am absolutely blown away. This (plan) is incredible and this is exactly what public health is. What you guys have put together it’s exactly what the Governor’s Public Health commission has pushed so hard for – to be able to give more funding to our counties and to our local communities so that they can do exactly what you guys are doing.”

Healthy Communities of Clinton County is a member of the Drug-Free Communities Coalition which makes it eligible to receive matching grants from the Centers for Disease Control.

“We will try to take this money and leverage it further,” Dunn says. “Our Drug-Free Community status means the recovery homes awarded with unrestricted dollars will have the opportunity to double those gifts through matching grants.”

Clinton County’s Opioid Settlement Funding Committee included Archibald, Sheets, Deputy Chief Cesar Munoz with the Frankfort Police Department, Clinton County EMS Director Steven Deckard, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department Jail Matron Ashley Kelley, Community Corrections Director Brett Barton, Clinton County Health Department Administrator Rodney Wann, County Commissioner Jordan Brewer, Chief Probation Officer Nancy Ward, Adult Probation Officer Matthew Risk, and Macy Simmons from INWell. A County ordinance has been established to keep the committee together through 2038.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of this committee,” Brewer says. “It is proof when we organize our resources together that we can make a real difference in our community.”

Sheriff: “Extortion” – Commissioners & Council Demand Sheriff Drop Pending Appellate Case to Receive Commissary Contract Approval

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FRANKFORT, Ind. – “This contract that was provided by Commissioner Brewer, yes, it does feel like extortion,” commented Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly. The Sheriff’s comment was made after Clinton County Today requested a copy of the presented 2023 Commissary Manager contract through a public records request and review of the document.

The contract was presented to Sheriff Kelly by Commissioners’ President Jordan Brewer on January 18 during its public meeting.

During the public meeting, Commissioner Brewer addressed a few of the items contained within the contract; however, he did not mention the specific provision regarding the action the Sheriff must take to receive approval.

The presented document states in line 19, “Approval. The parties agree and understand that this agreement shall have no force and be of no effect unless and until it is approved by the Clinton County Council and Commissioners. In order to obtain that approval, the Sheriff will dismiss his appeal pending in the Court of Appeals under Cause No. 22A-PL-02640.”

The Court of Appeals case referenced in line 19 is pending briefing according to online court entries; the Sheriff’s brief is due on or before February 26, 2023.

Commissioner Brewer was asked for comment regarding line 19 after a January 31 County Council meeting.

“I’d have to look at it,” stated Brewer. “I don’t have it in my memory at the moment.”

Asked if he has no recollection of that paragraph, he commented, “Not the specific language. So for me to comment, I would like to have it in front of me.”

When told of the Sheriff’s comment regarding the contract feeling like “extortion” and asked if he would disagree with the Sheriff’s assessment, he said, “I think I would disagree with that.”

County Council President Alan Dunn was asked about the contract and the Sheriff’s comment after its February 14 meeting.

“No more than I felt extorted when he was gonna cut all my funding from the inmate program,” replied Councilman Dunn.

The inmate program referenced by Dunn is the Federal Inmate Program that houses pre-sentenced federal inmates awaiting final sentencing and inmates sentenced to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDC).

Clinton County Today previously reported on the comments made by Sheriff Kelly during a County Council meeting held August 9, 2022, regarding the commissioners plan to change the county nepotism ordinance and how that might cause a change in programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office and Jail.

Commissioner Brewer presented the change in the nepotism ordinance and it passed first reading to later be tabled and never brought up again for final reading and adoption.

Federal inmates held in the Clinton County jail generate yearly revenue approaching $1.5 million plus an additional $500,000 received from the IDC. The Federal Inmate program was started by Sheriff Kelly and Jail Matron Ashley Kelly, his wife.

Dunn continued, “You know, I think it’s, it’s positioning. It’s trying to have a discussion that moves us in a positive direction. I hope that that’s the way we can take this. I didn’t intend it to be extortion. I intended it to be an effort to settle all of the issues on the table.”

Sheriff Kelly stated in our interview he is not prepared to sign the contract and wave his rights as sheriff or the agency’s rights to the Court of Appeals process.

“This is something that was put on an agenda, an [amended] agenda – the day before this meeting. I was unable to prepare or have my legal counsel take a look at it. And it is something that, you know, it’s, it’s frustrating. It’s something that you know, obviously I’m not going to, you know sign or agree to this contract.”

Ashley Kelly has served as commissary manager since January 1, 2019. For greater than the past 12 months, she has worked as commissary manager without pay or contract due to pending litigation between the County Council and Commissioners and Sheriff’s Office.

“The salary has been stopped due to all the litigation,” added Sheriff Kelly. “And it’s truly the County wants to benefit from work and services provided and yet not pay for that… the county benefits from the commissary fund; it purchases equipment in the kitchen that the county obviously wants us to do, it buys bedding, it buys training, it buys all kind of things that are needed at the sheriff’s office.”

Delegation of Clinton County Elected Officials Discuss Legislative Agenda During AIC Legislative Conference

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A delegation of elected members of Clinton County government attended the Association of Indiana Counties’ (AIC) 2023 County Legislative Conference the week of February 6, 2023. Pictured from left to right: Commissioner President Jordan Brewer, District 41 State Representative Mark Genda​, County Council President Alan Dunn, Council Member Carol Price, and County Auditor Britt Ostler. (Photo provided)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 10, 2023) – A delegation of elected members of Clinton County government attended the Association of Indiana Counties’ (AIC) 2023 County Legislative Conference this week according to a media release sent out Friday; four representatives in total were in attendance.

County Council President Alan Dunn, Commissioner President Jordan Brewer, County Auditor Britt Ostler, and Council Member Carol Price met with legislators to express their concerns about local government issues at the event which was held at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites. The AIC briefed county officials about legislation being discussed in the Indiana General Assembly that would have an impact on counties.

“This conference is one of the most important events of the year for me personally,” stated Dunn. “It gives county leaders a chance to not only learn about new legislation, but also give feedback on those matters that might affect Clinton County directly. Just as importantly, it gives us the chance to interact with our colleagues from other counties to get new ideas and perspectives on how to tackle important issues.”

Attendees heard from Gov. Eric Holcomb as well as several other state elected officials including Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Auditor of State Tara Klutz, Treasurer of State Daniel Elliott, Attorney General Todd Rokita, and Secretary of State Diego Morales. AIC members also met with representatives from other state agencies.

“As a new council member, the opportunity to spend time with our state legislators and get detailed updates on bills that have the power to affect county funding was so valuable,” added new Clinton County Councilwoman Carol Price.

Roundabout Construction to Begin Spring 2023 at S.R. 28 & CR 800 W

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Construction will begin Spring 2023 on a project many hope could be an economic catalyst for Clinton County and the City of Frankfort. A new intersection at State Road 28 and County Road 800 W, just east of I-65, promises to roll out a welcome mat for new commercial development. (Photo: Clinton County Government)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 6) – According to a joint press release from the Clinton County Council and Commissioners released to the media today, construction will begin this Spring on a project many hope could be an economic catalyst for Clinton County and the City of Frankfort. A new intersection at State Road 28 and County Road 800 W, just east of I-65, promises to roll out a welcome mat for new commercial development.

“The interchange is one of the last undeveloped interchanges along I-65,” says Alan Dunn, president of the Clinton County Council. “It represents the single best opportunity for long-term economic development in the county. The return on investment could be astronomical as it has the potential to provide a larger tax base and new jobs.”

Construction on a roundabout at State Road 28 and County Road 800 W is set for this Spring. The project will also include a new leg of 800 W on the southside of State Road 28 to open it up for further expansion. The project is currently out for bids. Renderings are attached.

“Both roads will remain open, but there will be some lane closures on State Road 28,” says Chris Wheatley, Vice President of BF&S Civil Engineers. “We would expect the project to be substantially complete by Thanksgiving.”

Clinton County also spent $30 million to install water and sewer to the area in 2021.

“Being shovel ready for development opportunities is a critical part of attracting new business,” says Shan Sheridan, president of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce. “Site selection decisions used to be made over several months, they are now made in a few short weeks. The lack of utilities in that area was the biggest impediment to developing it.”

The project has already drawn the attention of Good Oil Company who owns the BP fueling station on the southeast corner of the I-65 and State Road 28 intersection. Good Oil recently announced that it would invest $30 million in a 20,000 square foot event center, a 5,000-seat arena, and a 200-site RV campground. A second phase will include a distillery, retail village, and hotel. The project has been dubbed “Banderas Point.”

“We’re so grateful that Good Oil sees the economic potential in this area and is willing to make a hefty investment in our community,” says Jordan Brewer, president of the Clinton County Commissioners. “This project will definitely enhance our quality of place by creating an entertainment district that will include events like riding competitions, concerts, and festivals. We’re hopeful Good Oil’s investment in our community will spark economic interest from other businesses.”

An economic development plan created by the county in 2017 identified light industrial, retail, technology, research, and agribusiness as desired business sectors for growth in the area of the interchange.

“Our agricultural heritage is one of the core strengths of our community and has been a critical foundation of the economic success we have enjoyed,” Dunn adds. “We are excited that Banderas Point embraces this heritage and looks to build on it. We absolutely want to see continued growth in the County, but we want to ensure that growth is smart, well thought out, and complimentary of our community strengths. This project does that.”

The City of Frankfort will annex the area up to I-65 in 2024.

“Clinton County will only get one opportunity to define its gateway along Interstate 65,” adds Brewer. “This throws out the welcome mat and says, ‘We’re open for business.’ We can’t wait to introduce the state to our community.”

A New 3-Story County Annex Building & Courthouse Renovation Could Cost As Much $46 Million over a 20-Year Finance Period

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A New 3-Story County Annex Building & Courthouse Renovation Could Cost As Much $46 Million over a 20-Year Finance Period

FRANKFORT, Ind. – A new Clinton County Government Annex Building was discussed during a special meeting of the Clinton County Commissioners and Clinton County Council Friday morning.

The meeting was held to discuss what to do with the county owned property at 2 E. Washington St., the former Regions building, as well as the renovation of the current Courthouse.

The commissioners and council are seeking to move all non-court related business to the Annex while keeping the Courthouse strictly for court business.

Members of the respective government bodies heard from representatives from Envoy, the company selected to oversee the work and Baker Tilly, the firm that handles the county’s financial planning.

The takeaway. Building a new Annex building is more economical over the long run and the Courthouse needs exterior renovation in addition to interior upgrades.

The price tag will depend on whether a two-story or three-story structure is built and the type of financing used to pay for the work at the Annex and Courthouse.

The Courthouse cost is projected at $9.8 million and members voiced positive comments for the third-story option but need more time to contemplate that decision with an estimated cost around $16.7 million. Depending on the financing option used, the combined two projects will cost between $27 million and $28 million. With a 20-year bond payback, the combined project, with interest, could run between $41 million and $46 million according to documents prepared by Baker Tilly and provided by Council President Alan Dunn.

The County plans to use $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and bond the remaining $22 million to $23 million.

“My personal feeling is that we wanna move forward with new construction on the Annex building on the site of the current Regions building and that we’ll want to do that as a three-story building that gives the county some room to grow over the next 30 years,” said Dunn after the meeting. “And that’s really what we’re looking at is, what our administrative building needs are gonna be over the next generation.”

Council member Jeff Chynoweth voiced a concern during the meeting with how fast a decision was wanting to be made on this combined project.

“Can we chew on this for a week or something,” commented Chynoweth when asked by Dunn of his thoughts. Dunn continued with asking for Chynoweth’s initial thoughts.

“I don’t do anything in 45-minutes and neither does anyone in this room. I know you guys have been privy to a lot of things. I know I heard about this problem in Rural King. So that kind of sets me off a little bit.”

Commissioners President Jordan Brewer also favors building a new Annex.

“I think the commissioners, you could tell by the input today, even though we didn’t take a vote, that there’s a leaning towards going the new, because honestly, it just makes the most economic sense,” stated Brewer after the meeting. “It makes the most operational sense, and it’s what will provide a facility that will have a 30 year life for this community.”

Brewer continued, “And I have been privy to a lot more information than even with Shared today, because I have weekly meetings on this project and so we have a lot more candid conversations. But you know, with the water infiltration, the mold remediation, the potential asbestos, as well as the integrity of the building, we have a lot of unknowns in doing a remodel versus new.”

Brewer stressed the operational efficiencies a new building will bring.

“Although [Envoy] didn’t put a dollar amount on it today in our internal conversations there’s gonna be a huge operational efficiency financial efficiency in the new building compared to remodeling this current one. We have a ton of wasted space in it. As I mentioned, the roof has issues of being even able to hold the heating and cooling system, and there could be some challenges with that.”

The new Annex project design has been shown to the Frankfort Historical Preservation Committee for exterior design according to Brewer.

“So we we went a little proactive and went to the Historical Preservation Committee just to kind of get a better understanding – because one of the concerns we had in our conversation was – are we even gonna be able to do a new build? There was no reason to have all these meetings and put all this effort and time into it if, if for some reason that we couldn’t even tear that down just based on, you know, things within the community.”

Both government bodies are scheduling to vote on the matter on Tuesday, December 13. The Council will vote first at its scheduled 9 a.m. meeting followed by a special meeting of the Commissioners at 10:30 a.m.. Both meetings will be held at the Courthouse.

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