Mt Tea State Forest – Hiking

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‘Primitive recreation’: New state forest opens in Brown County.

Article on the opening of Mt Tea State Forest by Sara Clifford, Brown County Democrat:

Hiking in Brown County: Mountain Tea State Forest

Feb 9, 2026 If you’ve never heard of Mountain Tea State Forest, you’re not alone; even many locals don’t realize it exists. Quietly tucked into a remote corner of Brown County and only officially named a state forest in 2020, Mt. Tea is one of Indiana’s most recent public land additions. I checked it out partly out of curiosity and partly because I love finding lesser-known places to hike. What I …

Mountain Tea State Forest – visitusparks.com

Mountain Tea State Forest is a beautiful natural area located in the southern part of Indiana. The forest covers an area of 1,200 acres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest is situated in the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the main …

Mt. Tea State Forest, Nashville, IN – Wanderlog

For access to the lake area at Mt. Tea State Forest: take first right past gate then follow path towards cabin before curving left towards the lake; expect obstacles like downed trees to navigate Wear long pants while hiking due to limited foot traffic and potential encounters with hunters or rattlesnakes

Discover the Serenity of Mt. Tea State Forest – evendo.com

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, Mt. Tea State Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing visitors with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The forest is characterized by its rolling hills, vibrant flora, and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for hiking, birdwatching, and simply soaking in the beauty of nature.

Easy hikes and walks in Mountain Tea State Forest – Komoot

Feb 21, 2025 Exploring Mountain Tea State Forest on foot is a delightful way to connect with nature. To help you make the most of your adventures, we’ve compiled the top easy hikes and walks in Mountain Tea State Forest. Perfect for short hikes, kid-friendly excursions, and family-friendly outings, …

Mountain Tea State Forest – BringFido

Mountain Tea State Forest is a popular dog friendly hike in Nashville. Visit Bring Fido for an overview of the trail, along with pictures, directions, and reviews from dog owners who’ve been there.

2026 Primary: Candidate Challenges

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Brown County Democrat – Article on the meeting.

The following  post is at Brown County Matters.

Candidate Challenge: Election Board Hearing, Feb 19, 2026

The board upheld the challenge to Republican candidates Rich Stanley and Sherrie Mitchell and removed them from the primary ballot.

Rich Stanley plans to challenge the Election Board’s decision in circuit court. This legal step is necessary to build a case—if required—for a potential hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding alleged violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. (1)
The challenge and defense of Rich’s candidacy starts at the 44:47 mark. 

The Election Board’s position supports the fact that political parties are considered private entities or clubs and do not need to provide justification when removing a candidate from their ballot. This position has been supported by federal and state courts.

Individuals can still run as Independents if they meet requirements established by both the parties and the state. In practice, winning as an Independent is similar to trying to get rich by buying a lottery ticket.

Justification? The irony is that Rich was removed from the Republican ballot because of his wife’s donation at a fundraiser for Independent candidate Greg Taggart. But the underlying reason was most likely his criticism of Mark Bowman’s leadership as Party Chair.

Taggart’s fundraiser was supported by leaders in the Republican Party despite concerns that it violated Rule 1-25. The precedent is that county partys’ within the state have banned candidates for up to 10 years for violating this rule. At a 2024 League of Women Voters forum, Taggart publicly stated that he was not a Republican and was defeated in the general election by Tim Clark, the Republican candidate.

Rule 1-25 states: “The term “Republican in Good-Standing” shall be defined as a Republican who supports Republican nominees and who does not actively or openly support another candidate against a Republican nominee.”
Those in attendance at the 2024 fundraiser who are on the 2026 primary Republican ballot include:
  • Scott Rudd (Commissioner)
  • Pearletta Banks (Clerk)
  • Greg Taggart (Washington Township Trustee)
Party leaders reportedly supporting the fundraiser included: Robyn Bowman (Vice Chair) and Tanner Bowman (Secretary). Mark Bowman is the Party Chair.

Rule 1-25, in practice, can be overridden by “unwritten rules.” The written rules may be selectively applied—enforced for some and ignored for others.

The “unwritten rules” described by Republican Party leadership include the fact that Individuals may be deemed in “bad standing,” and therefore ineligible to run as Republicans, for criticizing party officials, previously supporting (no time limit) a non-Republican candidate, or for other perceived infractions.
Checks and balances on power are meant to come from Precinct and Vice Precinct Committee members—but these positions can be appointed by the Party Chair. Vacancies may also remain unfilled, potentially limiting opposition. History shows that centralized power can erode trust and accountability over time. Obtaining a list of the Precinct and Vice Precinct committee members has required signing a non-disclosure agreement.
The cost? A monopoly on political power such as exists in Brown County, reduces competition, can contribute to waste, inefficiencies, and moral corruption, and can limit the number of people that want to be involved in county government. Moral corruption refers to the decline of ethical standards and principles, leading individuals or political clubs to engage in immoral or unethical behavior.

A system perceived as corrupt risks undermining the ethics and integrity of those who operate within it—sometimes without them even realizing it.
A Way Ahead?
Organizations like Independent Indiana (IndependentIndiana.org) are working to challenge the system by supporting independent candidates. The belief is that independent candidates may be more focused on serving their communities rather than party structures or special interests. America’s Founding Fathers warned that political factions could become contrary to the intent of the Constitution.
The Brown County Leader Network (browncountyleadernetwork.com) also introduces methods and tools for improving systems and supporting structural reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and improving performance.
The challenge isn’t just about one candidate—it’s about fairness, transparency, and the future of representative government.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Rich Stanley, along with Tim Clark, is challenging a previous ruling that they are not in Good Standing with the party and cannot run as Republicans for five years.  This decision was challenged in federal court, which ruled in favor of the Party and is also being challenged.
    • Clark, Stanley lawsuit dismissed in federal court, Brown County Democrat. “Clark and Stanley have now formally appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, asking the higher court to reverse the decision and allow their case to proceed.”
Oct 29, 2024. Letter: Republican commissioner candidate claims local party …by Tim Clark
Brown County Democrat
Feb 5, 2025.  Letter: Clark responds to ruling on GOP chair complaint, Brown County Democrat

Straight Ticket Voting

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January 22, 2026.  STRAIGHT TICKET STUMBLES: Bipartisan push to reform voting is meeting familiar resistance

“There’s simply too much division,” Clere (R) said. “Partisanship is a big part of what’s driving it. We need to move away from that and try to find ways to come together as elected officials and unite our constituents, our communities.”

Indiana is one of just six states that allow straight-ticket voting, along with Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma and South Carolina, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

While the General Assembly partially eliminated the practice in 2016 by abolishing straight-ticket voting for at-large races, lawmakers and election experts say the resulting hybrid system has only added confusion.

“Voters don’t always understand that they still have to select individual candidates for at-large races when they vote straight ticket,” Clere said. “So they choose not to vote at all.”

Clere, now in his ninth term, said he has authored or co-authored versions of the bill multiple times, first filing it jointly in 2023 with former Rep. Rita Fleming, D-Jeffersonville. He said the issue has only grown more urgent as political divisions have intensified.

2026 Commissioner Office: Meeting notes, Ongoing challenges and Issues

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Last updated: Feb 24, 2026

All Commissioner and Council Meetings are available for viewing on YouTube at: Brown County Indiana Government Meetings. 

2025 Commissioner Office Accomplishments – Year in review

2026 – Ongoing Issues and Challenges

Feb 25, 2026.  Brown County Democrat Article – Commissioner Meeting on Pumplin Ridge Rd

Feb 19, 2026. Election Board Meeting.  The written and unwritten rules of a political party. 

Feb 18, 2026.  Commissioner Meeting. Discussion on one of the more controversial issues: Mt. Tea State Forest – Upgrade of the access road – Pumpkin Ridge Rd.

Feb 17, 2026. Council Meeting – Ongoing Budget Issues.

Feb 4, 2026 Commissioner Meeting,  Long-debated Mt. Tea road plan remains unsettled, no vote yet by Courtney Hughett, Brown County Democrat,

Feb 3, 2026. Clark, Stanley lawsuit dismissed in federal court By  Courtney Hughett

Feb 3, 2026. Brown County pummeled by foot-plus snowfall, forcing rare red travel warning

  • Emergency Declaration and Red State for three days.

Jan 21, 2026. Commissioner Meeting. “Bridges, budgets, and boards: Commissioners tackle complex issues. By Courtney Hughett, January 28, 2026.

Jan 20, 2026. Council Meeting. CVC appointments expose deeper questions about tourism and public safety By Courtney Hughett -January 27, 2026

  • Andi Rogers-Bartels, who owns multiple restaurants, rental properties and retail spaces in Nashville, said she wanted to serve on the CVC to help ensure tourism dollars are used in ways that benefit both visitors and residents. She pointed to the recent increase in the innkeeper’s tax and said, “It’s going to be an important year with the new three percent raise in the tax. We really need to figure out what we as a community want and what we can do with that extra three percent.” She cautioned against simply shifting entire budgets between departments, telling the council, “It can’t just be a whole move of the budget from one entity to another. It’s got to be dissected and looked at a little closer.”

Jan 13, 2026.  Commissioner Meeting Jan 7, 2026.  Public presses commissioners on budget changes, Mt. Tea road plans  By Courtney Hughett -January 13, 2026

Jan 13, 2026.  Joint meeting – commissioners and town council (Jan 5, 2026). County eyes police building as prosecutor’s office alternative ,  by Courtney Hughett

Accounting and Budgeting.

Jan 13, 2026. County Council Meeting (Jan 8, 2026). County Council rehashes 2026 budget after process breakdowns,  January 13, 2026 by  Courtney Hughett.

    • Jan 19, 2026.  GUEST OPINION David Bottorff: Why homeowners deserve property tax relief 
      • From 2012 to 2018, residential assessed values increased by less than 4% per year. But beginning in 2019, annual increases exceeded 8%, fueled largely by rapid growth in home market values that far outpaced other property types. As market values surged, the property tax burden shifted disproportionately onto homeowners.
      • To rebalance the system, SEA 1 phases in an increase to the homeowners’ deduction, ultimately allowing homeowners to deduct 67% of their home’s market value by 2031. At that point, homeowners will pay taxes on only 33% of their home’s assessed value. This phased-in change will gradually shift some of the tax burden back to other property classes, restoring balance to the system.
    • Jan 13, 2026. New and expanded property tax credits will take effect on 2026 bills By Staff Reports
    • Jan 13, 2026. Letter to the Editor: Reader addresses county bond rating, By Sherrie Mitchell.

2025 Commissioner Office Accomplishments

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Brown County Government Website – Calendar of meetings, Agendas, and Minutes.

Jan 7, 2026 Commissioners Meeting – Starts around 4:10

Commissioner Meeting Agendas:  You can sign up at the county website to have these sent to you via email. They are generally available the day before the meetings. Commissioners meet every first Wednesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. and on the third Wednesday at 6:00 pm.

    • Brown County Government Website – Calendar of meetings, agendas and minutes.
        • Agenda Center: “Create a Website Account – Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. “
    • The county council has a working session every first Thursday of the month from 9-12. They also meet monthly on the third Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Meetings Streamed on YouTube.  All the meetings are streamed on YouTube at “Brown County Indiana Government Meetings.”  Transcripts are also available.

Brown County Democrat Newspaper. Publishes government meeting schedules. Reporter Courtney Hughett provides extensive coverage of what was discussed.

Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI tools like Google Gemini can be used to provide analysis and summaries of the meetings. The tool can also inform you of how to prompt for the information you are requesting.

WIP Notes – 2026 Updates – Comprehensive Plan

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Last updated Jan 11, 2025

Preliminary work was done on an update to the county comprehensive plan (cost around 37K). The update process was limited to two public meetings at different locations, on the same day and a survey.  Link to the draft and current version below: 

  1. Third Draft 3 Brown County Comprehensive Plan
  2. Current Version – Revised 2011 Brown County Comprehensive Plan (PDF)

Commissioners declined to approve the Draft without more community engagement to include identifying “communities” within the county. Coud developing and perhaps testing an agenda for future public meetings be helpful to identify the scope of desired changes?

 2025 Comp LMI by Census Tract  (communities) – LMI average is 40.4%.  To quality for OCRA planning grants, LMI needs to be 51% or higher. (The higher the LMI, the lower the income).

Requirements and Expectations – Comprehensive Plan – Public meetings – Residents know the following:

  1. The purpose of a Comprehensive plan (allows a county to manage zoning).
  2. How their property and area are zoned.
  3. What Zoning District (s) are applicable to their property and area
  4. What type of development is allowed within their district
  5. The process for how zoning is changed to include decision criteria.

References:

Brown County — Historical, Cultural and Economic Context

    • History — Rural, Brown County State Park, Artist Colony, Bedroom Community

    • Brown County is a bedroom, retirement, work from home county with tourism where residents desire a more rural lifestyle.  (We have 4 stoplights in the county (the 4th was just added last year (2025).

    • Residents want to live here but generate their income (77%) from outside the county.  Tourism accounts for around 21 million in gross wages. The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of all residents is over 510 million. 

    • Our tax policy is high income (among the highest in the state) and low property (among the lowest in the state.).  Our GDP is around 362 million and the total for surrounding counties is around 30 million. Tourism accounts for around 40 million in GDP. 

      • Lower property tax supports second homes and tourist rentals.
    • Schools. Declining enrollment has been systemic. 
    • Home Costs and Affordability.  Demand and availability of buildable land have increased median home values that exceed what is affordable fort those at the more modest income levels. Affordability defined as spending no more than 30% of pre-tax income on housing.
    • “What are best bets for future of local economy?”  Sara Clifford, Brown County Democrat, Dec 28, 2016. Summary from the Community Readiness Initiative (CRI) facilitated by Ball State.
    •  A New Path for Brown County. A Hypothesis for a Modern Plan for growth and Economic Development in Brown County, Indiana, By Chris Schneider – December 5th, 2024
    • Small Communities in Brown County
      • 10 Secluded Towns Lost in the Hills of Indiana’s Rugged Brown County Region:  Elkinsville, Cornelius, Gatesville, Stone Head, Trevlac, Gnaw Bone, Helmsburg, Bean Blossom, Story, Nashville, 
      • Not included: Cordry and Sweetwater Lakes
    • Jobs:
      • Total (2023): 3840; Tourism Related: 1,026
      • Total Tax Returns Filed: 7,302 (2023).
        • Residents paying tax – no job: 3,462.
    • Wages:
    • Economic Development – Subsidies, Abatements, Tax Increment Financing.
      • The county has not had to subsidize a developer for a project. An abatement (400K) was offered (never used) to the previous owner of the Little Opry to help finance wastewater treatment for a new music venue.  Rebuilding the Little Opry with private money was not feasible.   
      • An Economic Development Area (required) for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was developed for Helmsburg. A TIF was not needed. Private, not public, funding was used to revitalize the area. Habitat for Humanity also built three homes in the area.
      • The state did approve a 39 million dollar concept to provide sewer service along a corridor that runs from Lake Lemon, Trevlac, Helmsburg to Bean Blossom and Woodland Lake. Priority is service in Bean Blossom (about 200 homes), a new plant in Helmsburg, and then extending service to Lake Lemon.
  •  :
    • Medical Services.
      • No hospital or 24×7 Urgent Care Facility. Hospitals and urgent care available in surrounding counties.
      • Medical services provided by two ambulances that serve residents and tourists.
      • Medical treatment can also be provided by volunteer firefighters and EMTs if/when they may be available.
      • IU has a  primary care facility in Nashville.
      • One assisted living facility. 
      • Residents may choose to re-locate when more available medical services are required and assisted living options are needed.
    • Fire and Emergence Services. Provided by Volunteer Fire Departments. Some fire fighters trained as EMTs.
    • Gravel Roads.  Residents can prefer gravel roads that may attract less traffic.
    • New Residents.  Attracted by a more rural environment, recreational opportunities, and amenities provided by tourism businesses.
    • Recreation – Trails
  • Sewer Service:

Broadband. Analysis of FCC data:

    • Fiber is available to 90.31% of Brown County. Individual fiber providers cover:
      • Sci Fiber: 67.84% of the county
      • Mainstream Fiber Networks: 33.29%

Water Services.  Avaialble in 75-95% of the county?  

APC 2025_04_22 Presentation on a Zoing  Change and Enclosures – Decision Criteria 

    • IC 36-7-4-603, Reasonable regard for the following by the Plan Commission and the Legislative body: 
      1. The comprehensive plan;  Brown County Comprehensive Plan (PDF) 
      2. current conditions and the character of current structures and uses in each district;
      3. the most desirable use for which the land in each district is adapted;
      4. the conservation of property values throughout the jurisdiction; and
      5. responsible development and growth.
    • Brown County Comprehensive Plan (PDF)
      • Four Main Principles (Elements). It is important that this comprehensive plan explain the principles (elements) that should be followed when making decisions and also the relative importance of each principle, as this will help those who must make difficult decisions.  This will be especially important in those situations where a decision must balance competing principles. (Ref: Brown County Comprehensive Plan, 2011 Revision).
      • “Criteria” (Four Main Elements (Principles)
      • Preserves – Natural Features and Way of Life
      • Discourages Economic Decline (One Side of the Coin)
      • Fosters Economic Development (Other side of the Coin)
      • Enhances the desirability of Brown County as a place to live in retirement should also be protected, when possible

3. Need: Decision Criteria – Weighted Decision Matrix – to assess (score)  “Relative Importance of each principle.” 

2026 Management Internal Control Program (MICP)

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Last updated: Dec 31, 2025

General Information – ChatGPT Internal Control Programs County Level

Internal Controls – Prevention of Waste, Fraud, Abuse, and Mismanagement.  Both the state and federal governments have Internal control-related statutes, policies, and processes to provide assurance to citizens that tax dollars are used effectively and efficiently.

County – Need for a Management Internal Control Program (MICO). Unfortunately, at the County level, the State Board of Accounts’ (SBOA) scope of review of internal controls is primarily focused on finances rather than operations. Compliance by county offices is generally voluntary.  This puts the burden on county citizens to expect the county to develop and review internal controls, including providing an annual statement of assurance that the controls are adequate and identifies the need for a County Management Internal Control Program (MICP). 

Brown County – 2025 Credit Rating and Audit Reports

    • Credit Rating: The two-notch downgrade reflects our view of heightened vulnerability in management following continuous and numerous internal control findings.
    • Audit Report: Adverse Opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
      • In our opinion, because of the significance of the matter discussed in the Basis for Adverse and Unmodified Opinions section of our report, the financial statement referred to above does not present fairly, the financial position and results of operations of the County as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
    • Audit Report: Opinion on “Regulatory” Basis of Accounting  (1)
      • In our opinion, the accompanying financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position and results of operations of the County, as of and for the year
        ended December 31, 2024, in accordance with the financial reporting provisions of the Indiana State Board of Accounts described in Note 1.

State Board of Accounts (SBOA). Special Investigation Report  – Previous Surveyor – Dave Hardin – 84071I  Note: The Surveyor’s Office is among the areas that are outside the scope of audits by the State Board of Accounts unless a problem is reported.  A viable internal control should have prevented the problems.

    • This is a special investigation report for the Brown County (County) Surveyor’s Office, for the period November 1, 2018 to December 31, 2024, and is in addition to any other report for the County as required under Indiana Code 5-11-1. All reports pertaining to the County may be found at http://www.in.gov/sboa/.
    •  We performed procedures to determine compliance with applicable Indiana laws and uniform compliance guidelines established by the Indiana State Board of Accounts and were limited to records associated with the Surveyor’s Corner Perpetuation Fund. The Results and Comments contained herein describe the identified reportable instances of noncompliance found as a result of these procedures. Our tests were not designed to identify all instances of noncompliance; therefore, noncompliance may exist that is unidentified.

State.  Indiana’s internal control statutes were derived from federal guidance.  “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, known as the “Green Book.”   “The Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)  requires that federal agency executives periodically review and annually report on the agency’s internal control systems.”

  •  

Federal. At the federal level, statutes and policies include the following:

OTHER

Draft Ordinance – Capital Asset Policy BROWN COUNTY ORDINANCE NO (003)

ChatGPT – Draft Internal Control Checklist Capital Asset Policy

PDF File — Policy, IC, and Attachments 

 

 

Issues: Other Counties

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Indiana annexation fight could shape Bloomington’s growth plans, Boris Ladwig, (Bloomington) Herald-Times,  Saturday, January 3, 2026 6:45 PM

    • With litigation pending before the Indiana Supreme Court and a state law under challenge, the council’s decision may hint at how Bloomington will have to grow in the future — lot by lot — if the city doesn’t prevail in annexation-related court cases.

Vernon the state’s last charter town: In a state where every other municipality operates under uniform state statute, Vernon remains Indiana’s lone charter town, governed by an incorporation act approved on Jan. 22, 1851. (Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Commissioners to stop making payments to humane society By KATHRYN BASSETT kbassett@kpcmedia.com   Dec 24, 2025 Updated Dec 24, 2025

    • “The commissioners have supplied the humane society with $50,000 per year with no contract for the past three years. The monies were extended to the end of this year as a gesture of good faith.
    • “The taxpayers of DeKalb County deserve to know how and where their monies are being spent,” Miller’s prepared statement concluded.

Marshall County to repay $1.6 million after historic M.C. Regional Sewer District dissolution , Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:30 AM, By Kathy Bottorff

    • The project drew fierce opposition from residents once they learned of potential costs. While homeowners were initially told monthly costs would be less than $100, county commissioners say that figure climbed closer to $200 after the board failed to secure federal grant funding.On October 31, IDEM determined the district must be dissolved, citing the project as economically unfeasible, unfair, and unreasonable due to project changes, delays, and resident cost concerns.
    • PDF Marshall County to repay $1.6 million after historic M.C. Regional Sewer District dissolution

Fired comptroller’s report critical of Lake County government By MICHELLE L. QUINN  | Post-Tribune | Post-Tribune PUBLISHED: December 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM CST

Morton Marcus: Jobs and Wages

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Last updates Dec 17, 2025

This post at Brown County Matters

“Bureau of Labor Statistics information, unadjusted for inflation, shows how each Indiana county did in the past 10 years in terms of job growth and wage increases.”

Dec 8, 2025. (PDF) Jobs and wages_ The good, bad and ugly

Informative article! Notably, Brown County is among the eight in the “high wage increase and high job growth corner,” which leads to prioritizing economic development resources where the market indicates they are best used.

However, note in the article that you get a big percent change when your base is low, and your increase in amount is average. $10 increase is big stuff when your base is $15, but it’s much smaller when your base is $80.” So, a little more research is needed.
In his article, “Dollars on the Move,” Morton Marcus reported: “Brown County is more typical: 32% of the earnings generated in the county flow out while 77% of the earnings realized by local residents originate elsewhere.”
Brown County is a bedroom, retirement, and work-from-home community with a tourism industry, where residents seek a more rural (country) lifestyle.

The amenities provided by tourism businesses enhance the quality of life and make a modest contribution to the economic base. 
For instance, Tourism accounts for approximately $21 million in gross wages, and the adjusted gross income of all residents filing tax returns exceeds $510 million. The county’s primary sources of revenue are from income tax (among the highest rates in the state) and property tax (among the lowest rates).

Ball State economists reinforced that our best bets for economic growth are Housing (bedroom + community), Recreation, Wholesale, Production, and Retail.

Music Center: Accountability

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Clark seeks more accountability for Music Center; Kemp warns against government control
By Courtney Hughett -October 28, 202

    • “Rich Stanley also addressed the council, identifying himself as a candidate for commissioner in 2026 if his federal lawsuit against the Brown County Election Board succeeds. Stanley said the Music Center “is a public asset that only exists due to the taxing authority of the county,” and urged two changes which are to make four of the seven governing board seats elected officials and send 100 percent of the profit back to the county. “Public assets should not be turned over to private business interests,” he said, adding that he opposes selling the venue but wants profits used to offset county costs.”

The council did not support any changes to the current agreements. Councilman Rudd did not commit one way or the other.

Another option: Instead of 4 of the 7 board members being elected officials, these could be direct appointments by the elected officials. 

Background Information on the approval of the project:

“Ownership” – Lease to Own.

The State of Indiana allows counties, through a third party, to borrow money to fund buildings such as the Brown County Jail and the Brown County (Maple Leaf) Music Center.   A non-profit is established along with a board to manage the building and the required lease payments.  At the end of the lease, the buidling is transferred to the county.

The required lease payments are included in the county’s annual budget, which is reviewed and approved by the state. For the Music Center, the total amount borrowed was $12.5 million.

Financial Documents

Indiana Gateway Bond-Lease Reports:

Bank Documents