Updated: June 12, 2022

Prayer. The commissioners have included a biblical-based prayer as part of their meeting agenda.  Does this imply that the commissioners intend to apply a higher moral standard when making decisions that affect all county citizens?   If so, by what method? What feedback is being used to assess results?

• • • Facebook Post on the topic at Brown County Matters

Judeo-Christian principles influenced the development of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.  These principles include the beliefs that God is perfect, Jesus is the standard of perfection, and man is imperfect and expected to improve. The aim of the U.S. system of government is to work toward “a more perfect Union.”  Meeting this objective requires continuous improvement that results in more needs being met and less harm to people when needs are not met.  Consequently, continuous improvement is a moral imperative.

• • The Preamble  U.S. Constitution.  We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

In the context of a Biblical worldview, actions motivated by love result in outcomes where everyone benefits, or at least, is not any worse off in the long term.  Meeting this objective requires that you ask “everyone” (aka citizens) how they define “more perfect” (better) and the information they need to assess if change results in improvement. 

What’s New? God included variability in his designs.  The variation principle states that everyone and everything is unique, one of a kind; no two things are exactly alike.  Variation represents the gap or difference between the ideal situation and the actual. An ideal represents a standard of perfection.  In the words of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, although perfection is not attainable, if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.   

Systems determine the majority, if not most, of the outcomes. The County Comprehensive Plan is a key document for identifying what citizens want and do not want regarding economic development and quality of life. The county plan is not current, is only 12 pages, and is deliberately vague. Good arguments can be made for or against a project which invites corruption.  A good Plan along with quality leadership would ensure the Plan is aligned with the Budget.  A good budget is supported by a useful financial plan as well as a capital improvement plan and budget for county infrastructure. The county has no capital improvement plan and budget.  A supporting infrastructure plan is an asset management plan for Fixing Roads and Bridges (limited information available).

• • How capable are county government systems in meeting the needs and expectations of the citizenry?  On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, the county would likely be assessed around a 2 (the national average).  More info: County and Community Capability Maturity Model.

A method?  Continuous improvement can be achieved through a secular as well as non-secular approach. It requires reducing the variation from the ideal. 

• • Christianity.  God defines the ideal; God is the moral authority. Everyone can benefit in the long term. More needs are met, and there is less harm to people from needs not being met.
  • Secular Strategy –Man defines the ideal. In quality management, the Customer defines the ideal and in America, Citizens define the ideal

A non-secular approach for improving the quality of county government is provided through the Brown County Leader Network (BCLN).   

• • Overall Context – Quality Management, Continuous Improvement – Overview, History, Examples
  • Brown County Leader Network (BCLN) – Overview of the Concept
  • A Way Ahead for America – A secular and non-secular approach to improvement
  • God’s Insiders – An introduction to the variation principle and its relevance

Avoiding Hypocrisy. If the commissioners continue to include prayer as part of their meeting, they should also be expected to practice what is being preached through the application of better methods.  Another option is to offer a prayer before the meeting starts or offer a moment of silence.

Citizen Responsibility.  In addition to voting for the best candidates, don’t citizens also have a responsibility to get involved in supporting the needed changes? 

May 24, 2022.  Joint Meeting. Helmsburg and Brown County Regional Sewer District (RSD) Boards. Engineering Reports and Rate Studies.

Facebook Post at BCM of this post

Scope. On the scope of the regionalization project (Lake Lemon, Helmbsurg, Bean Blossom, Woodland Lake), Helmsburg will be responsible for contracting for the engineering study to upgrade their current plant to support more customers. They will also be contracting for a “rate study” to identify the amount that can or may be charged to customers.  State money can be used to buy down the monthly rates. It has been identified in past meetings that a $65.00- 85.00 a month charge is the preferred range. Helmsburg customers currently pay  $92.50 a month for service. With more customers, the hope is that this rate might be reduced.

Purpose of the BCRSD? The BCRSD was established primarily to obtain sewer service for Bean Blossom. Their plans to build a new plant in Bean Blossom failed when they were unable to acquire land and after spending $220,000.

They have now assumed a responsibility to identify a  new customer base for Helmsburg. This includes the collection system (lines, lift stations, residential tanks/pumps, etc). They will also contract for the preliminary engineering report (PER) and a “rate study” to identify the monthly charge to customers. The BCRSD will be billing the new customers and will send a consolidated invoice to the Helmsburg RSD.  I do not know if the existing Helmsburg customers will also fall under  BCRSD in terms of billing.

The engineering studies are needed to identify the requirements and needed capabilities required to get state and federal funding.  Both boards received money the county received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to fund the engineering reports and rate studies.

Constraints on existing Service Providers. With the establishment of the BCRSD, an existing RSD cannot expand its boundaries without BCRSD approval.  So now we have two RSDs supporting an area that could be served by one.  There has been no discussions by elected officials about transitioning the BCRSD to an advisory-only role.  A county wastewater strategic plan has been developed and approved by the BCRSD but not yet been shared via their website,  with the public. This plan was intended to identify additional options for wastewater treatment such as “pocket plants.”  The state has identified that centralization of management through a BCRSD (regionalization) is “preferable” to boards that can be appointed by elected officials or through a direct vote by the customers.

Centralization of power can be an impediment to providing the best services. Power corrupts.  BCRSD is a case in point. Do their potential customers need and support sewer service?  Do the customers agree on the criteria (age of homes, lack of records in the health department) that have been used to declare that their septic systems are failing? The BCRSD can mandate hook-ups. The HRSD has made this optional.

The existing RSDs and Nashville that provide wastewater treatment services, do not need a County RSD in order to provide service to customers.  The HRSD service area could be expanded to include Lake Lemon and Bean Blossom. The HRSD could then develop a complete package designed in phases and submit for funding. Helmsburg and Lake Lemon have documented “needs.”   Lake Lemon residents do support services and have a valid need, e.g., failing systems in flooding conditions. The HRSD could also expand its board to include a representative from Lake Lemon and Bean Blossom.  A follow on phase could include serving an expanded area in Bean Blossom for those requesting service and assuming that the required easements can be obtained.

The BCRSD identified an expanded area for service in Bean Blossom that extends out to the Woodland Lake area and as north as Freeman Ridge. They have stated they will need 190 easements that based on the lack of a documented need, may be difficult to acquire. The current need is based on speculation regarding the age of homes and the lack of records in the health department. Any waivers that can be granted are only temporary. Water studies may indicate that “some” septic systems may be failing. If so, the next step is to identify the source and mitigation strategies.

Development through Expansion of Sewers. The core leadership of the local republican party (led by realtors), along with the commissioners and council support “development” through expansion of sewers as a desired outcome, e.g., a “want” in the county and particularly in Bean Blossom. The County Comprehensive Plan does not identify an expansion of sewers in the county as a desired strategy.  The comprehensive plan should represent the “voice” of the citizens regarding what they want and do not want in terms of services and development

The BCRSD supports this agenda.  No analysis has been done on the long-term financial sustainability of expanding sewers in areas without a need.  Nashville has identified that the town’s customer base cannot sustain infrastructure costs – including sewer and water. The maintenance costs of infrastructure tend to continually rise and with a projected decline in the county population, fewer people will be paying the higher costs adding to the increasing cost of living in Brown County that can further contribute to gentrification.

Additional Information

Nashville can’t rely on its tourism industry to fund infrastructure needs _ news – Indiana Public Media

Commissioner Meeting: May 18, 2022. 2:00 p.m.

Audio: Melanie Voland’s presentation starts at the 40:45 minute mark.

Facebook Post at Brown County Matters

Tourism Update.  A new report from Rockport Analytics was presented by the CVB. All is well. 

o. Tourism is always framed as a “major industry” in Brown County. Per the 2020 Report, tourism brings in $12.1 million in wages. The MAJOR INDUSTRY in Brown County in terms of economics is as a “bedroom/retirement community.” This includes people that choose county living but derive their income from outside the county via jobs in other counties, working from home, retirement or investment income. This demographic also supports Brown County businesses.  The Total Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) – of county citizens that filed tax returns was over $424 million in 2019. The county is primarily funded by income and property tax. The “State” is primarily funded by income tax and sales tax (thus the support for tourism via an innkeepers tax). An economic and cultural risk to the county is over-tourism. The Gatlinburg-light vision for tourism along with high-density apartments by many can kill the proverbial golden goose.

• • 2020 Rockport Analytics

Veterans Officer – Chris Snell. The Veterans Officer received approval to establish two non-reverting funds. The intent is to raise money through donations and grants for transportation and financial assistance for veterans.  Kudos to Chris.

Information Technology (IT) Services. Ric Fox is retiring. Rick spent 15 years with the school system and 10 with the county. He wore a lot of different hats from IT to maintenance. A lot of technological chnges -during this time. The county is in the process of hiring a new IT manager and reviewing requirements related to cyber-security. The school system also has a small staff (3) of IT professionals.  It’s a shame that the county leadership does not do a better job of including the missions and functions of the various departments on the county website to recognize the contributions of county employees. High School interns could help write the narratives.

May 19, 2022. Commissioners OK rezoning request despite a negative recommendation by Suzannah Couch

Zoning Decision by the Commissioners. Melanie Voland provided an excellent presentation requesting a reconsideration of zoning for the 24 acres from Residential to Commercial. She made a passionate, knowledgable, and insightful case on the importance of considering residents and quality of life over commercial interests. Her vision which would likely be shared by most citizens should be included in future updates to the County Comprehensive Plan. The current plan was deliberately kept at a level of detail where a good argument could be made for or against a project. This invites corruption into the decision-making process.

Commissioners were not persuaded and reconfirmed their vote. There are restrictions on the zoning to limit development to no more than 5 residential units. However, it’s unclear if other commercial properties can be put on the property.  The intent of the property is for tourist rentals.  The local landowner asking for the change was referenced by his first name by commissioners Biddle and Pittman. The new owners live out of state.  

The Area Plan Commission (APC) voted to recommend a No vote on the change. APC consists of 5 members – 4 voted No and one abstained. Dave Hardin abstained which is normal – he does many of the surveys on the properties being discussed. 

The residents opposing the change did not attend the meeting where the commissioners approved the change. Melanie Voland was not aware of the meeting date and time. Given the No vote by the APC, residents may have believed the commissioners were following the recommendations of their appointed officials. It is rare when they do not.

• • Approval Neubauer Rezone
  • Staff Report Neubauer Rezone

Are You a SAGE Con? by Ann White, Courage for Life Ministry

According to the Barna Group, a SAGE Con is a Spiritually Active Governance Engaged Conservative. The word SAGE Con, I discovered, is an acrostic used to describe individuals who are conservative in their Christian faith, active in pursuit of a closer relationship with Christ, and passionate about the state of our social, political, and moral values.

Recent research conducted by the Barna Group concluded that “nearly all SAGE Cons (99%) think the United States is going in the wrong direction.”

PDF Are You a SAGE Con

Updated May 19, 2022  2:40 pm

Ron Sanders defeated incumbent Diana Biddle in the 2022 Republican primary. His opponent in the General Election is Democrat candidate; Stephanie Kritzer and possibly an independent candidate (s).

Facebook Post at Brown County Matters.

• ELECTION 2022: Brown County Commissioner District 2 candidates discuss roads, and priorities.
  • Stephanie Kritzer: “I believe that we want to have our young people coming back to Brown County and in order to do that we must provide good schools. We must add infrastructure for Wi-Fi and internet so that people can work from Brown County if they need to and that our students can get that. That’s one area that I think is very important. Of course, everyone is concerned about roads and I think we need to take a look at how we’re dispensing those funds and what else we can do to serve people of Brown County.”

May 11, 2022. ELECTION 2022: Incumbent commissioner defeated in primary by Ron Sanders, race set for fall by  Abigail Youmans  His campaign slogan was “Ronald A. Sanders: A candidate for all the people.”

• • Ron Sanders: Top priorities as detailed in advertisements are a “well-funded” sheriff department, and wellness checks on the elderly and at-risk youth.
  • Sanders is opposed to TIF — tax increment financing — with one of his first advertisements stating “keep the tax dollars for the people who paid them.”
  • One of his main platforms was he wants to sell the Brown County Music Center, saying that “people are not happy with it.” …. “Make millions on the sale and save millions on interest, put it on the tax roll and make millions more,” one of his ads states.
  • “Use money from the sale to fix roads and help fund the sheriff’s department and any other programs that need funding, pay on outstanding loans and save taxpayers’ money … We all have a stake in seeing Brown County succeed.”

Political Context

There are three primary special interest groups and advocacies in the county that influence spending, economics, and the culture:

1. Development through expansion of sewers. This included areas such as Bean Blossom where a need has not been documented or requested by the majority of residents to be served.  Advocates are the leadership of the local Republican Party (realtors) and some of their elected and appointed officials.  (Note: Helmsburg and Lake Lemon area residents have identified a valid need and support expansion.)
   • Development can lead to “gentrification” where the more affluent displace those more at the low to moderate-income level.  This is more apparent with housing prices and the income trends that indicate that the trend of those with incomes over 50K is increasing and those under 50K are decreasing.
   • The Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) was developed to support a new sewer plant in Bean Blossom. This is no longer a viable option – service can be provided by the Helmsburg RSD.  Should the BCRSD be transitioned to an advisory committee?
     • Watch List – BCRSD
2. Tourism. 
   • Innkeepers Tax Revenue – Govt Oversight; Preventing Overtourism
   • Tourism: Facts, Assumptions, Myths
3. County Government Employees – Pay, benefits, working conditions. Includes school employees whose leadership has requested additional property taxes via referendums.
   1. School Referendums. 

Not Represented – The Golden Goose. The 80%+ of citizens who generate the taxable revenue that funds the county government through income and property taxes.  Should this group establish and fund its own Political Action Committee (PAC) in order to get adequate representation?

• • Brown County’s Economic Engine?

• • Brown County Community Profile IU Center for Rural Engagement
    • 2017 assessment on commuting patterns (statsindiana.edu)

Additional Questions for Candidates

Wi-Fi, Broadband, Access to the internet.  What is the current coverage in the county? is there a plan (areas, dates) to expand coverage?

• • Per IU, Center for Rural Engagement, only 17% of households do not have internet access.
    Brown County Community Profile

County Comprehensive Plan. The commissioners are responsible for the plan. The County’s 12-page comprehensive plan meets the “minimum” requirements required by the State to manage zoning. The plan should clearly identify what people want and do not want.  The current plan was deliberately designed to be general and vague. Good arguments can be made for or against a project. Final decisions can be determined by who you know. Will you support the development of a new plan and ensure that the desires of the citizens, and not just the special interests, will be represented?

• • Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and Town of Nashville

Fix Roads.  What specifically will you do differently than what is currently being done?

• • May 7, 2022. IVBCIN. Roads and Bridges

Well-Funded Sheriffs Department

• • Sheriff’s Deputies have received a significant pay increase.
    • Aug 11, 2021. Deputies’ pay raise request approved by Suzannah Couch
  • A new cell tower ($900k) requested by the Sheriff has been installed at the overlook;
    • May 7, 2020.  Radio tower active, extending coverage for first responders by Suzannah Couch

• • Apr/May 2022. Jail Costs. Over 700K of infrastructure costs for the Jail have also been identified and shared with the commissioners and county council.
    • In the past, the commissioners have refused to develop a capital improvement plan and budget. Recently, the Council under new leadership has reinforced the need for the county to develop a plan to identify priorities and a source of funding. Will you support the development of the plan and future refinements?

Wellness Checks. This is supported by TRIAD. What more is needed?

At-Risk Youth – What is the problem? What are the current programs?

Sell the Brown County Music Center (BCMC)

There has been community opposition to a “government-owned and managed” music venue. This project was led by the tourism industry.  Despite assurance to the contrary, the Commissioners and County Council did not hold public meetings to solicit citizen input on the desirability of this venue.  Their only meetings were to vote to approve.

• • The Music Center cost over $12.5 million dollars. Revenue from the Innkeepers tax is the collateral.  What is the market value for this venue?  What if it can not be sold at a “profit”?   Note if sold at a loss, the Bank will still be collecting revenue from the innkeeper’s tax until their debt is eliminated.
  • Note: Gov Mitch Daniels sold the Indiana Toll Road (a government asset) and invested the money into roads.

• • Maple Leaf  (BCMC) Management Group.   Diana Biddle is the current commissioner representative on the committee.  Is the BCMC financially viable in the long-term?  Is an independent and objective assessment of the financial viability of this venue and the risk to taxpayers needed?  
    • BCMC – For the Record – 2017 to Current
    • March 23, 2022. Music Center Financial Reports – 2019, 2020, 2021
    • Aug 25, 2021. BCMC Management and Oversight
    • April 22, 2020  Music Center’s Sustainability
    • May 23, 2019. Guest Opinion: Time will tell what music center’s impact will be 

Lower Debt and Taxes.  The county is on track to pay off the $3 million dollar loan that is being used to pay operational expenses (spending exceeded budget) and infrastructure costs. The county routinely renews this debt which maintains existing taxes as opposed to cutting them.  Should this practice of renewing a loan be continued?  What are the decision criteria?

• •  Aug 24, 2021. County OKs borrowing for roads, other projects By  Suzannah Couch. After multiple meetings and comments, the Brown County Council approved an ordinance last week allowing the county to take out a $3 million bond to pay for various projects and road work over the next three years.
  • Total County Debt  (includes Jail Lease Payments, Music Center Principal and Interest,  3 million dollar bond) 2022_05_19 Total Debt by Unit Report_ Gateway
    • DLGF – An Open Door into Local Government Finance

• BC Schools Referendums.  The tax increases are a result of these referendums that are set to expire. BC Schools have indicated its desire to initiate new referendums and maybe increase the tax rate.  Did/does the school’s justification and assessment of pros and cons justify continuing the tax (s)?

• • School Tax Increase (Referendum)

 Tax Increment Financing (TIF).  This is a Town of Nashville strategy. An increase in taxes as a result of development goes to Nashville and not the county. What is the county’s role if any, in approving or rejecting?  Is input from the Planning Office, Auditor, and Assessor required?

• • Feb 24, 2021. Nashville – Tax Increment Financing (TIF) For the Record

Additional Information 

County Comprehensive “Financial” Plan.   The Financial Plan, Annual Budget, and a Capital Improvement Plan and Budget (To be developed) provide the information needed to manage the county’s finances.

The critical weakness in financial planning is the lack of trend data on revenues and expenses. The county has focused on “one year at a time.”  New leadership on the council is looking at the longer-term estimates and projections.  Right now, the data presented in the Financial Plan is not linked to the accounting software.

MISC POSTS

May 9, 2022.  BC Refreshed – Facebook Post – Ron Sanders is not supported by the local Republican party leadership led by Mark Bowman and Robyn Bowman. Their teenage son serves as an intern (part-time, computer technician)  in the county government for a salary of $6,321.00 (Ref: Employee Compensation by Unit.)

• • Ron Sanders Ronald Sanders for commissioner, 812 988 8424, it’s just a few at the top of the party, they are just making their selves look bad, l want to fix the roads and lower our debt and taxes, isn’t that what the Republicans say they always want, l just want to serve all the people, not just a few at the top, a few at the top are just mad because I didn’t take the knee and I will not now just to win, if the people of this county want me as their Commissioner their little act of trying to hold on to power will be in vain, power to the people.

May 2, 2021. Mark Bowman response to a controversial post on the local Republican Party Facebook page.

Updated: May 17, 2022

“If elected, I promise you, the community members, that I will do everything within my power to focus my time and energy on educating myself on the cost of Brown County government.”

County Council – Roles and Responsibilities

• • Indiana – Dept Local Govt Finance (DLGF) –  Responsibilities and Training (AIC)
  • Brown County Comprehensive FINANCIAL Plan

  • (AIC) Association of Indiana Counties. While the Department works in partnership with the Association of Indiana Counties, the Association is a separate entity, governed by its own by-laws. http://www.indianacounties.org/

ELECTION 2022: Republican wins primary race for open council seat

• • Republican Jim Kemp was announced the winner of that race on primary election night with 349 votes cast for him. his website www.jimkemp.com

  • The District 4 seat was held by longtime council member Arthur “Art” Knight for 22 years before he decided to not seek re-election.  … The financial powers of a county are placed in the county council, which serves as a check on the board of commissioners and board of finance. The county council has fiscal control over all county officers, boards and commissions and appropriates funds used by the county and its officers.

  • In that process it became crystal clear in his mind why he’s running: to ensure that the county pays attention to not just every dollar, but “every dime” that is spent of taxpayer money.

    “If we don’t pay attention to every dime we spend every year, what’s going to happen is you’re going to watch those property tax rates increase,” he said. “We’ve got to keep a lid on expenses. We’ve gotta go in and forecast that out and take a hard look. … We’ve got to live within our means.”

    Starting now, Kemp said he has to go in and do research about topics like housing density.   Relevance?

    • Clarification – via email – shred with permission

Letter to the Editor: County council candidate makes promise to voters

• • If elected, I promise you, the community members, that I will do everything within my power to focus my time and energy on educating myself on the cost of Brown County government. This approach will allow the county to leverage my skill sets so we can educate ourselves on the current county government’s financial picture. Then we can work together to ask better questions and to make better decisions that will lead us to a sustainable long-term financial future.

Originally posted May 10, 2022, Updated August 20, 2022

Scope: Includes information from the 2016 Referendum that was passed, School Board’s advocacy against Indiana’s Education Choice (vouchers) policy, ISTA/NEA, and strategy (Political Action Committee) for advocating for the tax increase.

NEW (Aug19/20) – Schools website advocating for the Referendum 2022

To be posted once available: Paperwork submitted and approved by the DLGF.

Aug 16, 2022.  SCHOOL NEWS: Board member to serve on committee; staff changes, donations approved by  Staff Reports    (Post at Facebook – Brown County Matters

• • “A member of the Brown County School Board of Trustees was appointed to the legislative committee of the Indiana School Boards Association…. As a member of the committee, board Vice President Amy Oliver will work to direct the development of the annual legislative priorities and foundational statements that “will guide the association’s advocacy efforts in the coming year.”
    o. Note regarding other associations: The Brown County Educator Association (BCEA) is the local teachers union represented by the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA). ISTA is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA). NEA has taken many controversial positions regarding choice and curriculum.
    o. The BCEA, the past two superintendents, and the school board took a political stance in 2021 against Indiana’s Education Choice policies that include Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and vouchers. The NEA also opposes ESA and vouchers.

Aug 11, 2022. 2022 Referendum – Supporting Documentation – Response to Requests for Information from DLGF and BC School Superintendent

• • BCM Facebook Post

Aug 9, 2022. Part 1  School Referendum – Context and Analysis – Blog post – Part 1

Aug 4, 2022.  EAGLE CORNER: Vote ‘yes’ to operating referendum this fall, By EMILY TRACY, guest columnist.

• • For the average home value in Brown County, this is an additional $3.26 per month, which is less than a McDonald’s Extra Value Meal.
  • Brown County Matters – Facebook Post of the article and comments
    • Lack of situational awareness?  Instead of a tax cut, it is being proposed that the current property tax rate be sustained and increased.  The “increase” was equated to the cost of McDonald’s Extra Value Meal. Economic conditions are a little different this time around than they were in 2016 when the first referendum was passed and expiring in 2023. Information sessions and advocacy for the referendum by school administrators appear to be lacking respect, empathy, and recognition for the economic challenges facing our country and its citizens. These challenges include less income for everyone due to inflation to include those with fixed, declining, low and moderate incomes. The inflation tax along with higher gas prices, drop in value and pension income from 401Ks, yearly increases in county property taxes due to demand and inflated home values, higher utility costs (water and sewer in some cases) and a county government that routinely has been raising property taxes every year contributes to some challenging economic times now and in the foreseeable future.I have yet to see a comprehensive analysis that justifies the “need” as opposed to “wants” for a new referendum. I have made formal requests for information to learn more about the data and decision-making processes. An outline of a decision-making process available at the BrownCountyLeaderNetwork.com

July 19, 2022. School board approves operating referendum question on ballot this fall by Suzanna Couch, BCD. “Once DLGF approves the referendum language on the ballot, Tracy will form a political action committee to educate and campaign in the community. Money from the school district’s budget cannot be used for referendum campaigning, requiring donations be raised by the PAC to support those efforts.”

• • BCM Facebook Post of the article with comments and questions.
    • What is the spending plan if voters “do not” approve the tax increases?
  • Aug 12, 2021. Post: School Board Position Against Indiana Education Choice (voucher) Policy
  • Oct 13, 2021. SCHOOL NEWS: Board approves renovation projects at high school. In July 2021, the school board approved an 8 million dollar loan for infrastructure that sustained the tax rate being paid by property owners.

July 13, 2022. A place to grow: New facility set to open this school year for 3- to 5-year-old By  Suzannah Couch

Referendum:  – estimated to bring in $157,- 709 annually — would go to the school district’s Birth to Five Coalition, which works to provide early education opportunities for the youngest county residents. … Brown County Schools will open its fourth preschool program for 3 to 5 year olds in Nashville when the Early Education Center opens at the Educational Service Center this upcoming school year. The goal is to eventually expand early childhood education in Nashville to care for children from birth to 5 years old. A 2-year-old classroom is expected to open and serve 10 students in January. Ref: School board approves operating referendum question on ballot this fall By  Suzannah Couch  July 19, 2022

June 28, 2022. School Referendum – Yes or No? Voters will decide. Includes Letters for and against in the Brown County Democrat

June 16, 2022. Post: School Information Session on June 14 – Proposed Referendum

• • BC Schools Baker-Tilly Report – The Numbers
  • BC Schools Early Education Handout
  • General info – Brown County Schools (See also their Website)
  • Topics covered in the post: History – Referendum; Who can vote?; State Funding of Schools; Indiana – Education Policy, Justification, Decision-makers, Economic Situation, County Taxes; Continuing the tax vs taxes decreasing; National and State Issues: National School Board Association (NSBA), National Education Association (NEA), Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA); Brown County Schools, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy; Process and Due Diligence on behalf of all citizens; Outline – Community Decision-Making Process; Systemic Decline in Enrollment; Population projections; Demographics.  In summary, the School, through an analysis of alternatives, need to make the case that the new tax levy is needed. Voters can assess the quality of the analysis in support of their respective decision.

May 5, 2022.  GUEST OPINION: Can COVID-19 relief funds solve county’s child care needs? by Maddison Miller, Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF)

• • The request is for $195K from the county.  It was not disclosed that funding for sustainment for the program would be from the referendum.
  • Brown County Matters – Facebook Post of the article

  • Mar 17, 2022. EAGLE CORNER: Schools working to ‘fix’ local child care issue by Deborah Harman is the director of student support services for Brown County Schools.

Department Local Government Finance (DLGF)

• • What is a School Tax Levy Referendum?.  Indiana Code 20-46-1-8 allows the governing body of a school corporation to adopt a resolution to place a public question on a ballot if the governing body determines that the school corporation (1) cannot carry out its public educational duty unless it imposes a referendum tax levy or (2) that a referendum tax levy should be imposed to replace property tax revenue that the school corporation will not receive because of the application of circuit breaker credits.
  • Petition/Remonstrance & Referendum Information. “In the case of the school corporation’s determination to have a referendum, there is no statutory remonstrance opportunity that is separate from the referendum itself. Whether it succeeds or fails depends on the results of the vote.” – DLGF

  • 5 things to know about school referendums in Indiana By  Emma Kate Fittes,   Oct 24, 2019.

1. 1. Districts in the state’s poorest and wealthiest areas are most likely to attempt a referendum.
   2. Only one type of school referendum can be used to increase teacher pay.
   3. Teachers in districts that passed a referendum see larger salary increases.
   4. A school referendum has been attempted in less than half of the state’s counties. At least one referendum has been attempted by a district in 37 of Indiana’s 92 counties, according to the Department of Local Government Finance.
   5. Marion County has attempted the most referendums, and seen the highest success rate.

June 14, 2022. ‘We need your help’: Community meetings discuss the referendum, future of school district By  Suzannah Couch

March 28, 2017. Surprise on school tax cost: Ballot wording means taxpayers will see 2 referendum levies this year

Last May, voters approved adding 8 cents per $100 of assessed value to the property tax rate. The new money would total about $1 million a year for seven years.

That was the second referendum voters had approved for the school district. The first, passed in 2010, was at a 1-cent rate that directly funded the CRC. Voters approved it for seven years.

2016

May 4, 2016. Brown County Schools referendum passes.  Brown County Schools will be allowed to add 8 cents per $100 of assessed value to the property tax rate. Voters approved the school district’s…

Updated:  Apr 20, 2024 

 Roads and Bridges. The condition of roads and bridges probably gets the most complaints in social media comments. The highway superintendent briefs the Commissioners at every meeting (two a month). Occasionally, a citizen or two will provide a complaint at the meetings and rarely gets a satisfying response.

• • Facebook Page – Brown County Highway Department – Indiana
  • Website – Brown County Highway Department
  • Purdue – LTAP Asset Management Plan – Brown County

Dec 7, 2023.  Gravel Road Policy – Safety, Maintenance, Costs.

Dec 14, 2022. County receives $1 million grant for 5th time; Community Crossings funds to finance paving of North Shore, South Shore Drives, Beanblossom Road By  Abigail Youmans

Aug 1, 2022. Commissioner Jerry Pittman Facebook Post – Status on Roads and Bridges  “Please take a look at how Brown County Roads have improved since 2015 when the Commissioners instituted a plan for paving Roads …  Go to Brown County after you get to this site…Tremendous improvement in 6 years! ” Purdue – LTAP Asset Management Plan – Brown County

• • Bridge Priority table
  • 5 Year Road Treatment Summary
  • 2021 Pavement Inventory and Condition Template
  • Objectives and Measures (8) (2)

Aug 2, 2022.  Jerry Pittman: In 2017, 52% of Brown County paved roads were rated as poor…In 2021 only 8% were rated as poor…Today 91.54% of our roads are rated Fair of better…The average PASER rating today is 7.8 (on a scale of 1-10) Sincerely, Jerry Pittman

Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER)

June 23, 2022. Commissioners OK bid to pave 8 roads, discuss future plans  By  Suzannah Couch

Update on Status – Commissioner Jerry Pittman: May 28, 2022

• • Jerry Pittman Folks, An update on your questions and comments below….Roads chosen are generally prioritized by 2 parameters, Paser rating and traffic density. We have advertised for bids for 8 roads out of local paving money for this summer. Lanam Ridge is at the top of the list, followed by, Spearsville, 3 Story Hill, Hornettown, Parkview, and alternates Woodland Lake, Hurdle, and Owl Creek for a total of 20.55 Miles. The bids will be opened at our June 1, 2022 Commissioner Meeting. Of course, it depends on how much the bids come in for whether we can do all these roads. Last year a mile of Hot Mix Asphalt cost about $128,000.00 per mile….We’ll know more on June 1….All of our Road Improvement plans are on the Highway Department page of the Brown County Website.
  •  Jerry Pittman Brown County has 234.83 miles of paved roads. Of those miles, 134.88 have been paved since 2015 and are in excellent condition. In 2022 we plan to pave another 31.10 miles leaving only 79.40 miles to finish in following years. No paving has started this season because of wet and soft roads….We don’t want to damage good roads just getting to the bad ones.
    • By the way, we cannot use Innkeepers Tax to pave roads (by Law), that tax is mostly paid by visitors not citizens. My door is always open to anyone who would like to talk about County issues. My contact info is on the County Website. Once again, we are doing the best we can with what we get from the State. If you are not happy with the funding we receive, please contact you State Legislators. Thanks to all, for your questions and comments. Sincerely, Jerry Pittman

• • Facebook Group: Brown County Road Conditions 2.8K members

Commissioners praise the work that is and has been done and the “record number” of miles of road that have been paved under their leadership. It’s an Endless Loop: “We’re doing great” vs the ‘Roads are terrible.”

A SOLUTION? Demand a Comprehensive Asset Management Plan for Roads and Bridges that identifies priorities (paving and repair) and the type of work being done to include the schedule. The status of the plan can then be briefed at the commissioner meetings and posted online.  The condition and status of all the roads and bridges can also be made available as a layer on the County GIS Map.

• • Example GIS System — Map of Road Conditions by Paser Ratings – Indiana

Planning and Assessment Examples – other counties in the US:

• • County Asset (Roads) Asset Management Plan.
  • MOPAR – Maintenance Operations and Performance Analysis Report (MOPAR)
  • Starke County
    • Starke County Bridge Inventory Report
    • Starke County Highway Monthly Report October-2020
    • Highway Dept – Winter Operations – FAQ, Plan  February-2021

Highway Department – Brown County Indiana

• • Road Improvement Plans – Paving 2021-2023

  • Completed Road Paving Projects (Year 2020 to Current) 

Inventory and Condition – All Brown County Roads. 20200211-pavement-inventory-and- condition

(PASER) Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (Wikipedia)

Purdue University

Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)

Indiana Local Roads – An Asset Management Guide for Cities Towns

For paved roads (PASER scores range from 1 to 10 with a 10 representing a pavement in excellent condition):

• • » PASER ratings of 8, 9, or 10 indicate that little or no maintenance is needed.
  • » PASER ratings of 5, 6, or 7 indicate that some preventive maintenance and patching might be needed.
  • » PASER ratings of 4 or lower indicate that rehabilitation or reconstruction might be needed.

For bridges (NBI ratings range from 0 to 9, with a 9 representing a bridge in Excellent condition):

• • » NBI ratings of 8 or 9 indicate that little or no maintenance is needed.
  • » NBI ratings of 5, 6, or 7 indicate that some routine or capital preventive maintenance
    work might be needed to restore the integrity and serviceability of the bridge.
  • » NBI ratings of 4 or lower indicate that structural improvements, such as rehabilitation or replacement, are needed.

Cumulative Capital (Cum Cap) Development Rate Increase

May 2, 2022. BCM Facebook Post. Delay in getting the remonstrance petition.

April 28, 2022. BCM Facebook Post. 

April 26, 2022. Commissioners vote to reestablish cumulative capital development rate Suzannah Couch . Last week the Brown County Commissioners voted to approve the first step of a possible increase of less than $6 to property tax bills for the average property.

April 19, 2022. Commissioners set to vote on reestablishing cumulative capital development rate this week Suzannah Couch. This week the Brown County Commissioners are expected to vote on the first step of a possible increase of less than $6 to property tax bills for the average property starting next week.

March 24, 2022. BCM Facebook Post: Timeline and Supporting Documentation

• • BCM Facebook Post: Timeline – Required Actions.

2021. Attempt to raise the tax rate failed due to not meeting required deadlines.

May 21, 2021. Cumulative capital development tax rate change delayed. Suzannah Couch –  The tax rate for the county’s cumulative capital development fund will not increase next year after a legal notice was not advertised in time.

April 21, 2021. Commissioners plan to reestablish cumulative capital property tax Suzannah Couch – April 21, 2021 The Brown County Commissioners are set to vote this week on the first step of a possible increase of less than $2 to property…

Updated: May 6, 2022

2022 County Elections. Democrats choosing a Republican ballot in the primary contributed to the upset victory by Ron Sanders over Diana Biddle in the primary for Commissioner, District 2.  Sanders lost by around 500 votes in the last primary and won by more than 200 votes in this primary.

This change in the primary – if it can be successfully sustained, provides needed competition. Anyone that votes in two primaries for the same party is also eligible to run as a candidate. Given the county voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020 and the effects of the current administration on our economy, culture, and security, unlikely the county will turn “blue” anytime soon.

Sanders will face Stephanie Kritzer (D) and possibly an independent (s) in the general election.  The core leadership in the local Republican party has also been reported to be attempting to recruit an independent candidate to run against Sanders. This indicates that like previous successful candidates that were not endorsed by the core leadership, if elected in the general, Sanders may face challenges from the local party.  I am not aware that the party or Diana Biddle has congratulated Sanders on his primary victory and will support him in the general.

The action by the core leadership to include undermining their own candidates, contribute to a culture of Fear in the county to “go along to get along” or “else” risk real or perceived retaliation such as “canceling.”   This leads to the selection of elected and appointed officials that rarely if ever challenge the status quo and do what is right on behalf of all citizens and not just the special interests.

A one-party monopoly on political power always leads to an abuse of power and corruption of the system. The effect is that individuals working in the system lose the ability to tell right from wrong. Some even delude themselves that they can improve the system through their individual capabilities.  When you put good people in a bad system, the system wins most if not all of the time. It is up to the voters to change the system.  Methods and tools that can be applied to support this aim are provided through the Brown County Leader Network.

• • Mar 2022.  Interim Report: State of Quality in the County

A “label” for a political party can be nothing more than a fascade to accumulate , and abuse power. Power is corruptiing and can be more powerful than any drug. Not too difficult to identify the addicted by their behavior – bullying, retaliation, name calling, use of fear, decisions that benefit the few at the expense of the many.  Antidotes include are transparency and a balance of power.

Evidence of the political agenda that benefits the special interests includes those that personally benefit from development. This includes advocacy for strategies to expand sewers to areas without evidence of need such as in Bean Blossom. Other strategies include increasing the cost of government through actions that support a “Spend, Tax and Borrow “ policy.  This along with inflated land and home values leads to higher taxes that contribute to a higher cost of living. The higher cost of living contributes to gentrification. Genetrificam is the situation where those residents in the low to moderate income level (53.1% of our population) are replaced by the more affluent.

The Sleeping Giant?  Ironically, the majority (80+% percenters) that are financing the cost of government are choosing to remain silent or ignorant, represent the proverbial “sleeping giant”.  An economic analysis by Ball State University identified Brown County as a “bedroom community” with tourism. Another phrase could be those that choose country living and accept the occasional disruptions caused by tourism.

The majority of taxable income (over 80%) is derived from residents that choose “country living” but derive their income from sources outside the county. This includes residents that commute outside the county for the higher-paying jobs (or can work from home), and those that chose to retire to Brown County.  The county is primarily funded by income and property tax.  The county now relies on increases in property tax and borrowing to fund the cost of government services.  To reinforce, the economic engine for Brown County IS NOT TOURISM.

• • The State is funded by Income and Sales tax. The state subsidizes the tourims industry by allowing a 5% innkeepers tax that has to be used to support more tourism.  Tourism benefits the State and business owners – many of whom do not live in the county and pay income tax.  Unlike residents whose propoerty can be assessed ever year and are subject to higher propoerty taxes, tourism businesses are assesed less frequently. The requirment for assessments is at least once every four years.

Unwanted and needed development, higher cost of living,  and over-tourism that disrupt “country living” can lead to significant economic and cultural change.  Andy Rogers reinforced this point” : “We don’t need to be slick and highly commercial. We need to be more country. Country is what we sell…. We need to maintain that. Once you destroy that, it won’t come back.”

In 2019, 7,126 residents reported adjusted gross (taxable) income of $425 million dollars. A study in 2017 by Rockport Analytics identified that tourism accounted for 636 jobs and $12.2 million in wages and proprietor income.  The average weekly wage in Brown County is lowest in the State.