Jasper Board Approves Transportation Projects

Jasper County board members had a good start to this week's meeting.

Connie Elliott, who was joined by several 4-H members and ambassadors, shared about 4-H and Extension.  They recognized Local Government Week by presenting board members with cupcakes.

The Jasper Board acted on transportation improvement projects.  A project to replace the Crooked Creek Bridge was approved at a cost of just under $119,000.  The replacement of a bridge along 200 North in Smallwood Township was approved for $2,502 as well as the replacement of a bridge along the Frauli Road in Ste. Marie Township for $5,586.24 with the county and the township splitting the cost.  It was learned a project to replace a bridge south of John Flynn's is on the April bid letting with an estimated cost of $189,530.  A soil cement project involving four miles of the Shamrock Road was also approved at a cost of $494,019.

Also, the Jasper Board discussed salaries of elected officials for the next four-year terms were discussed, but the matter was tabled to the April meeting.  A sitting board cannot change their own pay, but is tasked with setting pay rates for those who will serve during the coming term.

The Board also discussed the need to update computer systems because Microsoft is ending support on some systems as of April.  A quote from SDS for 21 new Dell systems for $20,853 will be utilized to replace hardware in the various county offices as funds allow.

County board members agreed to make a $1,000 contribution for the CEO class that will start at Newton Community High School next year, and also discussed a residency requirement for ambulance service employees.  There is a requirement that employees must be able to reach the department within five minutes of receiving a call.  The service is shy one fulltime paramedic, and can't find one living in Newton.  It was decided to suspend the residency requirement for six months and hire someone to fill the vacancy in the meantime.