County to reorganize planning and zoning department

Several years of increasing spending and decreasing revenue has the Putnam County Commissioners taking a long look at the county planning and zoning department.

Commissioner Rick Woodall noticed the trend and brought it to the attention of his fellow commissioners at a pair of recent meetings. Woodall also has a plan for reducing spending.

As it is composed now, the department has two full-time employees -- County Planner Brett Wagner and his assistant Jessica Jones -- as well as Art Kenworthy, who does business inspections on a contract basis.

This was not the case several years ago, when the department was a full-time county planner, a part-time assistant and no contract inspector.

"I really think we should take those three positions and do away with our contract person and make Brett do the inspections," Woodall said.

No action was taken on the matter, but all parties seemed to be comfortable with the plan. Woodall said he had even spoken to Wagner and Kenworthy about the possibility of the move.

Wagner has been on the job for less than a year and still feels uncomfortable with some inspections, but the commissioners have a plan for that too, with plans to get him certifications as an inspector and to better compensate him.

"I don't know if we've ever had a building inspector with any kind of certification," Woodall said.

Additionally, either Kenworthy or recently-retired Greencastle Building Inspector Dave Varvel will be asked to show Wagner the ropes.

With a more solid plan in place, including working out Wagner's new compensation level, the commissioners plan to take action at an upcoming meeting.

In other business:

* The county employee handbook will be updated regarding rules of online purchasing. Up until now, it has been against county regulation to make Internet purchases with a county credit card.

However, the nature of modern commerce is making this regulation harder and harder for county departments to follow.

"It's the world we live in now," Woodall said.

The commissioners unanimously approved the change, authorizing County Attorney Jim Ensley to draft a resolution that reflects the new rule.

* The Putnam County Sheriff's Department will be turning over a pair of pieces of equipment to other local emergency agencies.

A 2009 Ford Crown Victoria will be turned over to the Russellville Police Department. PCSD Col. Phil Parker reported that the car has already been taken out of service for the county due to its high mileage, but can still be of service to Russellville Marshal Matt Biggs and his department.

Additionally, a large generator that has been sitting behind the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center will be turned over to the Emergency Management Agency.

The unit was acquired by the department a number of years ago through a military surplus program, but Parker said it is not being used.

"I think we would be much better served if Emergency Management used it instead of it sitting out there rusting," Parker said.

Rather than a direct donation, the items are being sold to their new departments for $1.

* Parker also received permission to fill a full-time merit deputy position.

The vacancy is caused by the resignation of Sgt. Gregg Slover, who resigned for a career opportunity outside of law enforcement.