RDC – Roads and Bridges. Bill Cayne of the Redevelopment Commissioner (RDC) coordinated a meeting with the new Highway Superintendent, Alec Burton, and an advisor from Purdue’s LTEP program (Pat Connor). Additional attendees included: Council members Gary Huett, Jim Kemp, Commissioner Candidate Kevin Patrick (District 1), and Tim Clark (Commissioner Candidate District 3 and (RDC member).
At RDC meetings, Bill expressed interest in county road conditions and I shared my information on past practices and available information that included the road inventory and status, links to the Purdue LTEP program, and available reports.
Infrastructure and RDC. The availability and condition of infrastructure including Roads and Bridges, is a core function of government and an important aspect of redevelopment.
Commissioners appoint the highway superintendent and have overall responsibility for the operation of the department and the safety of roads and bridges.
Historically, the commissioner’s focus was limited to complaints, road paving, and status on response to weather-related issues – flooding, storms, and snow removal. The county typically receives an extra million a year (1.5 this year) from the Community Crossing Grant for new paving. The highway superintendent provided an update on the status at every commissioner meeting.
Key Issues. Paving is just one aspect of the overall operations. Key issues include the status of equipment and maintenance, the placement and installation of signs, and the requirements for maintaining the engineering standards for roads and bridges. The county is required (and receives funding) to develop a bridge plan that identifies the inventory of bridges and their status and identifies funding requirements. This should be followed by a plan for what needs to be done and when. This would include identifying unfunded requirements and applying for grant opportunities.
Commissioners Responsibility: Communicate the condition of all roads and bridges along with the plan and budget for repairs, replacements, and paving. This is supported by maintaining awareness of the status of equipment, including scheduled maintenance and replacement needs. Provide the support needed for staffing, funding, and contract support. Communicate the status of the scheduled dates/times of closures/re-openings. Support the engagement with Purdue’s LTEP program and advisor to reinforce and support the good work being done by high department personnel and consideration of best practices from other counties. Provide an annual report to the citizens on accomplishments and improvement plans. Website – Purdue/ Local Technical Assistant Program (LTEP) and leverage the capabilities of the county GIS system.
Additional Information
Facebook: Brown County Matters.For “years,” I have routinely communicated the information provided by the Highway Superintendent at Commissioner meetings along with additional research.
Agenda – County Council Meeting, June 17, 2024. Are we On-Plan or Off-Plan?
The Agenda (see link) lists the need for the approval of new appropriations and transfers. I did not see anything regarding the plans for a new general obligation bond not to exceed 4 million. To the relief of many, 2024 is the last year of a budget process that became unsustainable.
The county has historically budgeted one year at a time which led to a culture of fire-fighting. Revenue and expenses were underestimated to “balance the budget,” and the county would jump through the hoops during the year to make ends meet. The council did not always scrutinize the finance decisions of the commissioner’s office; savings were depleted. Weaknesses in accounting for revenues were identified.
Thankfully, a new financial advisor was hired that supports joint meetings between the council and commissioners and longer-term planning. The county has also adopted saving goals. Recovering from past practices will take years and require more improvements. The 2025 budget working sessions will start soon, and I look forward to the changes.
I get that government finance and accounting is not the most exciting topic. In Indiana, the lack of information for citizens and elected officials to have a basic understanding of the process is appalling. A guide for citizens is not available, which leads to a reliance on consultants and advisors.
With a turnover in elected positions and officials who may not have the time or inclination to learn, the default position was to just get through the year. Over the years, a bad process became the norm and required a crisis to motivate a change. Councilman Kemp (elected in 2022 with a background in finance) has spent an extraordinary amount of time digging into the details, raising awareness, and identifying improvement opportunities.
Most citizens are unaware that the budget approved by the council determines the amount of property tax that will have to be collected.
July 19, 2024.Now that the ordinance has passed, proponents have the opportunity to demonstrate that it is a positive change for the county. Everyone will have the opportunity to make their case for any needed changes.
Post at Brown County Matters – ORVs traveling on state roads. Some believe that the state right of way can be used by ORVs. However, the county ordinance restricted the use of state highways. The posts indicate a rough start for the change.
At the county commissioner’s meeting Wednesday, the ordinance establishing rules and regulations for off-road vehicles and all-terrain vehicles passed by a 2-1 vote.
July 8, 2024. Updated Ordinance2024_07_08 Brown County ATV UTV Ordinance Final Draft This post at Brown County Matters … The only change I saw in the updated ordinance was in Section 5.2 where they identified the state highways in the county e.g., 46, 135, 45. where ORVs are not allowed. …. I did not see any changes in the ordinance that reflect the suggestions or concerns expressed by those commenting on one or more parts of the ordinance. … No acknowledgment that ORV use on county roads “cannot” be limited to residents only. Note. The first two public meetings were on June 24-25. The July 3 meeting was moved to July 10.
Updated Meeting Announcement
MEETING CHANGE. The July 3, 2024 meeting (The First Reading of the proposed new ordinance) has been moved to July 10, 2:00. The second and final reading is still scheduled for July 17, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
July 2, 2024. Brown County Democrat. County Commissioners to vote on UTV ordinance by Dakota Burton. Discussion included information that access “could not be limited” to county residents. Mike Moga from Barnes and Thornburg is to confirm. Concerns from those opposing the ordinance are not included in the article.
Summary and Audio from the June 24 and 25 Meetings. – See below.
Commissioner Meetings: July 3 and July 17. Last Chance? Proposed ORV Ordinance – Public Meetings. The next meeting will be July 3, 2024, at 2:00, and may include a “first reading” of the final draft, followed by a second reading and vote on July 17, 2024, at 6:00.
Premise. Most, if not all county residents with an ORV would like to have the option of accessing a county road. ORV access to county roads cannot be limited to just county residents.
What percent of county residents with ORVs still support the ordinance since it would be open to non-residents?
Communication? Support a series of articles in the Democrat informing citizens of the proposed ordinance, the types of ORVs they can see on the county roads to include the comments from the public meetings?
Sunset Clause? Add in a legal provision that provides for the automatic termination of the ordinance unless the commissioners affirmatively act to renew it?
The unknowns with the ordinance include the volume and impact of ORV use by non-residents. Another issue may be complaints by residents of safety issues, noise, dust, and the condition of gravel roads. Include a non-emergency phone number to track complaints and reports of possible violations of the ordinance?
For the July 3 meeting, suggest that comments questioning one or more aspects of the ordinance be documented for the public record. This will provide Commissioners with an opportunity to consider making any needed changes. This might also be helpful in considering future changes to the ordinance.
On the list of ORVs, which categories pose the most risk of excessive noise?
Liability. Identifying risks (things that could go wrong), would also be helpful. This might help county attorneys and our insurance providers to assess the risks of liability to the county. What could occur that would result in a successful lawsuit against the county? What has been the experience (case law) in other counties?
And what if ORV use in one or more areas of the county becomes a serious and recurring problem? What would be the issues? What remedies would be available to residents?
What would be the process for restricting ORV use on a road? (Section 5.2).
Why would you want to restrict access to a road?
Are there standard criteria for assessing the safety of roads?
What is the inventory of all the county roads, including the gravel roads, that could be legally accessed by ORVs? Is this available on the county GIS? This might give residents a heads-up on what they might expect from increased traffic in their areas from locals and visitors. If ORV rentals become an option, “maps” of all the accessible roads in the county would likely be made available.
What conditions would need to exist for the ordinance to be repealed or amended?
How can we assess travel volume on county roads?
June 24-25, 2024. AUDIO and Summary – Public Meetings
Overall, all the positive benefits of allowing ORV use on county roads were reinforced.
Local Residents. Meetings were well attended by residents supporting the ordinance. Residents with ORVs cited the convenience of traveling short distances, utility use such as collecting firewood, helping out neighbors, and the enjoyment of riding in Brown County.
ORV Use “cannot” be limited to residents only. Although Airbnbs’ and tourist rentals can forbid ATV use on their properties, visitors can bring in their ORV and ride on the county roads. Local businesses can also emerge to rent the ORVs and some residents may make their properties available to ORVs.
The Story area would be attractive to ORVs – 25 miles of gravel roads.
On the flip side, would more ORVs on county roads be a deterrent for some visitors? Although it might attract ORV users, it might also repel other visitors who desire peace and quiet.
Hobbyists mentioned that Brown County would not be a destination for serious ORV users who travel to areas that offer more challenging opportunities. But, not all ORV users would fall into this category. Residents from Cordry Sweetwater reinforced the convenience of using their ORV to pick up mail and travel to the beach and other areas within the conservancy. Other residents cited travel in their local area.
The few speaking against the ordinance cited Noise and disruption to their desires for peace and tranquility. They also reinforced the expectation that this would lead to increases in ORVs on county roads from non-residents. And for those living on gravel roads, dust as well as noise may be an issue. The County does not have a noise ordinance.
Enforcement. The sheriff’s office has reported staffing shortages. It would not be easy to distinguish riders younger than 18.
Unknowns. The great unknown will be the number of out-of-county residents choosing to ride ORVs on County Roads and the respective impact.
Risks. Narrow and winding roads, short site lines, lack of signage, and speeding. Bicyclist groups have requested more signs to make drivers aware of the laws and to raise awareness that bicycle traffic may be ahead. Would signs also be useful for ORVs?
Brown County Uniques.
Unlike many other counties, Brown County is a tourist destination. We get over 3 million visitors a year, In addition to cars, vehicles include motorcyclists, RVs, vehicles pulling horse trailers, and campers. Fall is the peak traffic season.
In addition to a likely increase in ORVs (volume unknown), over the past few years, there have been increases in cyclists in the county – mountain biking, road, and gravel. These bikes can range in price from 5K to 15K and up. Brown County is a popular destination for cyclists and events occur throughout the year. Would ORV users be attracted to the same experience as the cyclists?
Reference to a “Sunset Clause” by Greg Taggart at 44:56. A Sunset Clause would identify an expiration date (e.g., one year) unless renewed by the commissioners.
June 5, 2024, Commissioner Meeting. The commissioner’s assistant provided a “Draft” (above) of the ordinance that was developed by a committee and has/is being reviewed by the attorney and sheriff’s office.
The public meeting dates are June 24, 25, July 3, and 17.
Two options were suggested by the county financial advisor:
ONE. Borrow $1.9 million for the Jail AC Units. Money from the general fund can be used “now” to fund the needed replacements. The fund will be reimbursed from the Bond. Admin fees from the bond are 75K. The general fund needs to be reimbursed by the end of the year (see bond timeline).
TWO. Borrow up to 4 million for the A/C units (requirements are identified) and for the other projects — requirements/details not yet specified. Extend the length of the loan to keep the current tax rate at the same level – which increases total costs to the taxpayer. (The previous bond was for 3 million/3 years at less than 1%. The interest rate on the 4 million may be in the 2-4% range.
Commissioners Wolpert and Puttman voted for option 2. Sanders was a No vote, and suggested Option 1.
Grant Suggestions (Whitney Koelling, ARA). 25:00 Mark. Suggest listening to the presentation and options presented regarding grants that include home repairs, infrastructure and trails – to include Indian Hill. The County has contracted with ARA for identifying and submitting grants.
IU Health / Maple Leaf Blvd. 48:04 IU received a permit from the county to access their new Heath Center property via Maple Leaf Blvd. The road is deeded to the Maple Leaf Bldg Corp (a county asset) who wants IU to add 1 inch of paving to about 275 feet of the road. Appears the issues will be shortly resolved.
Highways – Administrative Support. 1:13:20. Local Technical Assistant Program (LTEP), Purdue. County extension service for Highways. Meeting scheduled June 13, 2024, 9 am, EMA Buidling. Overview of the support that can be provided/is available.
“Owen county officials signed their letter supporting the proposed district earlier this year. Brown County is the only one out of the three that has not made a decision about the development district.”
“The discussions are ongoing, but we’re trying to weigh the positives and negatives and I don’t think that we’ve gotten quite across the finish line on that one,” County Commissioner Blake Wolpert said.
Requirements include evidence of community support supported in the County Comprehensive Plan and documented EDAs required Commercial Economic Development Plan (CEDP)
“A CEDS is the result of a “regionally-owned” planning process designed to guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. It provides a coordinating mechanism for individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about the economic direction of their region.”
Presentation Marce King from Own County. Marce is the executive director of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. Presentation supporting a federal Economic Development District (EDD) consisting of Owen, Brown, and Monroe County.
The focus of the regional alliance would be on Trails and Nature and Arts and Culture (areas we have in common).
Opportunity to obtain federal and state grants.
Requires the county to submit a Commercial Economic Development Plan (CEDP) which serves as an application for the Federal Economic Development Agency to consider approving.
A CEDP would integrate and expand where needed on the County Comprehensive Plan. The County Comprehensive Plan represents the Voice of ALL the citizens and not just Brown County’s special interests. It documents what citizens want and do not want in terms of economic development and quality of life. It also influences the economic base.
THE CORE REQUIREMENT. Community-wide buy-in and support.
TIF, TIF, TIF RDC Meeting Notes and Audio, May 21, 2024. IF TIF is the solution, what is the problem?
This post at Brown County Matters. ” Economic Development and Transformation. This is probably one of the more important times in county history for citizens to become aware and get involved in influencing the future direction of the county. “
Background.
Purdue – The-Use-of-Tax-Increment-Finance. Indiana law now makes clear that TIF is intended to fund infrastructure to promote development that would not occur but for the added infrastructure financed by the TIF revenues. Evidence that the development would not happen but for the establishment of the TIF district must be presented before the TIF district is approved. TIF is not meant as a source of revenue for responding to ongoing development nor as a substitute for other sources of infrastructure funding. TIF districts are required to expire once the infrastructure bond is repaid. TIF is not meant as a permanent source of revenue for the enacting government.
Helmsburg Revitalization – Community-led with support from the RDC. A TIF requires the establishment of an Economic Development Area (EDA). Helmsburg was the first EDA created by the county. This initiative originated from the Community, not the RDC.
Resolutions are required from the APC, Commissioners, and RDC.
RDC members present. Ross Benson, Sue Lindborg, Jon Curry, Bill Cayne, Tim Clark (re-appointed in March).
Guests: Gary Huett, – president of the County Council; Blake Wolpert – Interim Commissioner; Clint Studabker – VP of Brown County RSD; Kevin Allen – contractor/consultant. Jimmy and Andrew Tilton (private developers).
5:04 Economic Baseline – Tim. I provided an overview of the value of developing an economic baseline. This includes a review of income, property assessments, and trends in the number and types of jobs within Brown County. The intent is to provide a foundation that can be used to assess the economic strengths and weaknesses and possible priorities for development. It would also be used to provide feedback on the results of investments in infrastructure. Developing and maintaining a baseline presents an opportunity to re-establish a partnership with the IU/SPEA MPA graduate program to get help with information management and analytical support. Better information technologies provide information in seconds instead of downloading individual PDF files and creating/updating Excel spreadsheets.
39:28 RDC Handbook, Purpose, Advocacy, General Discussion – Ross Benson
50:15 TIF Areas – Kevin Allen
1:32:45 – Next Steps – Steps in developing an EDA … (see references to Helmsburg).
1:34:20 – Discussion – Comprehensive plan guides development, TIF Zones, Alignment, Conditions of Roads, Debate
1:53 – Closing – Sue Lindborg, Continuation – Little Opry Property, Alleged septic failures in Annandale, Zoning challenges, Special Exceptions, Discussion/Criticism of Nashville’s Master Sewer Plan and “possible” legal challenges.
Undermining Nashville’s Plan provides a premise for the county’s involvement.
Nashville Sewer Expansion Master Plan. The Nashville Town Council and Utility Serves Board (USB) commissioned this plan. USB members include Pam (Tilton) Gould, who has recused herself from decisions affecting her family’s properties.
The Little Opry property is within Nashville’s service area. They can also submit a funding application (preliminary engineering report) to the State.
County Comprehensive Plan.
County Council. Gary Huett asked Bill Cayne to help write the RFP for the Comprehensive Plan Grant. Bill maintains that more money is needed for road maintenance and paving county roads. (The condition of roads, bridges, budgets and overall policy is a separate issue.)
Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF). The BCCF has also been asked to fund (26k) the development of the comprehensive plan. The BCCF receives revenue from the county via the excess revenue generated from the Music Center. The State (OCRA) offers a 60K grant, and the county matching is around 6K.
Ross Benson, President of the RDC, advocates for the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Revenue from a TIF results from any increase in assessed values in the EDA. RDC members are appointed to one-year terms by the commissioners and council. Money received from a TIF can be used to pay off loans used to build infrastructure.
For example, on the old Little Opry property, providing sewer service would increase the value of the Tilton property that they intend to lease to a developer who may build an apartment building. It is unclear at this point what if any, restrictions could be placed on what is built on the property. It is also unclear if the investment is made and the deal falls through, the risk to the taxpayers. What additional development in the area is expected to help pay off the loan? Given this property is within the Nashville sewer expansion project, what will be Nashville’s investment?
My Position. I support the position that any grand plans for economic development need to align with a “new” County Comprehensive Plan. An application for a grant is being developed. The Comp Plan represents the “voice” of the citizens (not developers or the RDC) as to what they want and do not want in terms of economic development in their areas/neighborhoods, the tax base, and quality of life. The Comp Plan guides Zoning. Zoning identifies all the options for what can be allowed in a respective area.
New Strategy for Plan Development. A new strategy may be needed to engage the citizenry.
An option?: Council and Commissioners represent districts. Districts are further broken down into precincts. A representative from both political parties could get involved in polling/surveying their constituents to identify their respective needs and wants. Video presentations on one or more aspects of the planning process can be made available to be accessed 24/x7. Direct contact by person or mail could also help ensure that residents are informed about what is being planned, where they can go to get more information, and where/when they can share their respective concerns and questions.
Brown County Democrat. Additional coverage on the topic.
Concerned Citizen Groups. Too often, citizens are not aware of pending changes in their area until it is too late, nor are they made aware of what is needed to appeal a decision.
Regarding the economics of a TIF, we also need to see the business case to include the projected (and actual) revenue and costs. A cash flow analysis over the projected phases of the “investment” is needed.
New tax?Remonstrance? When borrowing money to support a TIF, is a new tax (the equivalent of a county referendum?) needed to be passed in order to finance the loan? Are these types of loans subject to a remonstrance?
Non-Taxable Land—Economic Strength. Over half of our land is non-taxable, which is identified as a constraint. However, this attribute is what attracts people to stay or move here. It has also attracted development (Hard Truth Hills) whose owners have not requested a taxpayer subsidy. They developed their property in an area that has access to sewers.
When Forest Hills apartments were built in Gnaw Bone, didn’t the developer pay for the cost of the needed sewer plant upgrades? On any other developments in the county, were tax abatements provided?
What is the problem? Income tax revenues and property assessments are increasing. Manufacturing is now the largest employer in the county displacing education and health care. What county taxpayer subsidies for development have been provided up to this point? What are the goals and calculations for economic sustainability?
Economic Development District (EDD). Brown County has been asked to support an EDD with Owen and Monroe County to help attract more federal and state grant money. The common aim is Trails, Nature, and Arts and Culture. This focus could indirectly encourage more regional residents to retire here, move here, commute to work, or work from home.
What is the opportunity? Gentrification? At one end of the spectrum, is it a desire to develop every square inch of available land possible? Would this Increase the cost of living (utilities and taxes)? Would it increase population and school enrollment, increase the tax base, and result in more housing? Would it help fund overhead costs to include police, fire, medical, water, fire, sewer, road and bridge maintenance, and schools? And exactly, how do you get around the fact of the constraint of 2-lane roads? Do we add more stop lights, round abouts? Will residents get used to increased commuting/travel times?
P.S. And what is the effect of all this development on residents that stay or move here to avoid the effects of what many may perceive as over-development? When is enough, enough?
2:00 Presentation – Kevin Allen on the Brown County and Nashville Trail Study. A(summary) presentation by Kevin Allen on the Brown County Nashville Trail Study. Indiana Dept of Health (IDOH) provided 20K, the County 20K, and Nashville 5,500K.
26:45 Audio Part 1. Presentation Marce King from Own County. Marce is the executive director of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. Presentation supporting a federal Economic Development District (EDD) consisting of Owen, Brown, and Monroe County.
The focus of the regional alliance would be on Trails and Nature and Arts and Culture (areas we have in common).
Opportunity to obtain federal and state grants.
Requires the county to submit a Commercial Economic Development Plan (CEDP) which serves as an application for the Federal Economic Development Agency to consider approving.
A CEDP would integrate and expand where needed on the County Comprehensive Plan. The County Comprehensive Plan represents the Voice of ALL the citizens and not just Brown County’s special interests. It documents what citizens want and do not want in terms of economic development and quality of life. It also influences the economic base.
THE CORE REQUIREMENT. Community-wide buy-in and support.
The auditor is going to start providing monthly receipts and disbursement reports, which is a positive change. This information helps to determine whether the county is on-plan or off-plan when it comes to managing the budget and achieving savings goals.
The auditor received approval to spend $22, 752.77 on new office furniture. The funds were recovered from the recovery of tax money from individuals who were not eligible for a homestead deduction. The county hires a contractor who receives a percentage of what is collected.
Highway Department. The superintendent received approval to recruit for 6 vacancies. Money has been budgeted; the superintendent just needed the council to approve an appropriation.
“Sock Factory” Money.” The balance is $228,608.36. Prior conversations by the council discussed transferring this money to the Helmsburg Community Development Corp. Additional research has indicated that the commissioners need to develop an ordinance and establish a new account to manage the funds.
The ordinance is to document the intent of the gift and guide the management of the fund.
The county acquired the Fore Bare Feet Sock Factory, which it sold in 2014 for $417,000. The funds have been used for a stormwater project in Helmsburg.
June 12, 2024 v2 
Independent Voters of Brown County IN 