Kramer makes pitch to commissioners

GREENCASTLE -- An independent consulting firm has offered its services to the county as officials continue to explore courthouse annex options.

Kramer Companies owner Dan Sulkoske made a presentation to the Putnam County Commissioners at Monday's meeting.

Kramer is a project delivery consulting firm that acts as a representative of the owner in construction projects. Sulkoske said his company's goal is transparency.

Although the project remains undefined at this time -- commissioners and council have taken no action -- Sulkoske estimated the county could see $500,000 to $1 million on this project.

Commissioner Gene Beck asked Sulkoske what percentage of the savings Kramer would charge. Sulkoske simply said they would work out a split, but gave no figures.

Commissioners took no action on the matter, with Beck simply thanking Sulkoske for his presentation.

County Planner Kim Hyten came to the commissioners with a request for qualifications for an energy savings contract on the county's buildings. The program would be a way to fund energy improvements in county-owned buildings.

Between uncertainty at the annex and budget season just around the corner, commissioners were not ready to make any moves on this front.

"I hate to allocate any more money than we need to spend at this time," Beck said.

"I think we'd like to get through the budget a little deeper and see where that's at," Commissioner Jim Baird added.

While cleaning her office recently, Treasurer Sharon Owens found a glass paperweight and an old combination lock. She decided to give the items to the Putnam County Museum.

"I know most of this stuff gets thrown away when people clean out offices," Owens said.

The county does not, however, give items to the museum; it simply loans them. Auditor Stephanie Campbell said she had paperwork at her office for the commissioners to sign regarding the issue.

Commissioners told Owens they had no problem with her actions, they just wanted to be informed.

"Good idea, but we just wanted to know too," Baird said.