County looks at possible Assessor's office changes

Putnam County Commissioners Gene Beck and Jim Baird talked to County Assessor Wanda O'Neal about a proposal from Tyler Technology to work with the county on assessments prior to their regular meeting Monday evening.

Tyler Technology manages assessments for all sizes of entities. Their services range from data collection and valuation to consulting on complex projects.

Commissioners are considering a proposal for them to take over some of the duties of the assessor's office. The company will present their proposal to the Putnam County Council at tonight's meeting.

"We are exploring possibilities," said Commissioner Gene Beck.

Joy Marley with People Pathways gave an update to commissioners regarding the pathway and the Putnam County Comprehensive Plan.

Marley presented the group with a Putnam County Bike and Walking map developed with the help of Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"This is an outcome of your comprehensive plan. I just wanted to let you know what we can do when we partner together," said Marley.

"With the help of Steve Raines, Rita Schendel and Carla Lawless, we have a map that shows how to reach every corner of the county from Roachdale to Cloverdale to Bainbridge to Fillmore," she added.

The maps include pathways "Quick Guides." These show the miles between points and total distance on the pathway. The maps are color coded by the individual pathway.

The inside map shows bike routes all over the county with details about the trail. Eight trails are laid out. They include loops for Roachdale, Mt. Meridian, Deer Creek, Putnamville, Dick Huffman Bridge, Northern Walnut Creek, as well as an Eastern and Western Loop.

The maps are available at the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 12 W. Washington St. in Greencastle.

The commissioners also approved a recommendation to add Roger Bailey from the Farm Service Agency to the GIS committee. Other members of the committee are Robbie Cudnik, Steve Fenwick, Dave Costin, Bill Dory, Dave Penturf, Tom Swenson, Beth Wilkerson and Kim Hyten.

Commissioners also approved a request from DePauw University Bicycle Club for a race on Saturday, March 7 on Heritage Drive and Sunday, March 8 at Big Walnut Sports Park.

On March 7, the road would be used from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be no road closures. CR 100 N will also be used for a 60 minute race from 5 to 6 p.m. near Fillmore. This event will be headquartered at the Dixie Chopper Plant.

The group had already received permission from the Heritage Property Owners Association and Dixie Chopper as well the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

This is the fourth year for the event.

On Sunday, the group will run a race on a course around and through Big Walnut Sports Park, using the newly paved access road through the park, CR 275 E, CR 150 S and the west Sports Park Access Road. All roads will remain open for local one-way traffic.

Approximately 300 cyclists will take part in the race and is an economic boon to the local economy.

Information about the races is available from Kent Menzel at 658-4492.

Commissioners also approved a motion to allow Old National Bank to offer direct deposit to county employees contingent on the approval of County Auditor Stephanie Campbell's okay.

Deputy Auditor Evelyn Owens told the commissioners she would welcome the addition of direct deposit. She said she uses about a case of checks each payroll and would save by not issuing actual checks to employees.

Details will have to be worked out as far as check stub statements and learning how to do the direct deposit.

Two items on the meetings agenda were tabled until more information was made available. These were the Cloverdale Town Wage Committee Appointments and purchases wooden blinds for the county judge's offices.

Putnam County Commissioners meet on the first and third Monday of the month at the county annex.