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Commissioners join K2 fight
GREENCASTLE -- While synthetic cannaboids remain legal in Indiana for the time being, retailers selling the substances could soon face penalties in Putnam County.
At Monday's regular meeting, the Putnam County Commissioners signed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of synthetic cannaboids (K2 or "Spice") and their use in public facilities.
Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter and Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray came before the board with information on the drug and its dangers.
Bookwalter said the substance is essentially synthetic marijuana, causing hallucinations and significant spikes in blood pressure.
"It has spread pretty rapidly through our middle school and high school community," Bookwalter said.
The ordinance will make it a Class B infraction to sell or market the product or to use it in any public place or any property owned by the county. Commissioners' attorney Scott Hoff said a $1,000 fine would come with each infraction.
The law will go into effect once it has been advertised.
Jason Semler of Umbaugh and Associates was on hand to present the commissioners financial information regarding the proposed annex project.
He said if the total cost of the project is estimated at $5.2 million, the county could cover $1.9 million with cash on hand.
"That leaves around $3.3 million that would have to come from some other source," Semler said.
The remainder would likely be covered by issuing bonds, which would be paid back over a 20-year period.
Semler said the county has a $8.4 million debt limit at this time, so the proposed project would fit within the limits.
However, the county has not made any decisions regarding the annex, so the cost, if there is one at all, could be more or less.
"This is just one scenario we've put together," he said.
Michael Rogers and Bill Jennings of the Van Bibber Lake homeowners association came before the commissioners requesting financial assistance with a road on the conservancy's property.
"We realize these roads are the responsibility of the conservancy, but this road is used by three school buses from North Putnam School District," Rogers said.
Rogers reported that the road is in disrepair partly because of the load the buses place on it.
Commissioners and County Highway Superintendent Jim Smith questioned why the buses were using a private road, which is against regulation.
Rogers said it was the only way, as the county road that leads to Van Bibber Lake dead ends at the conservancy's entrance with no place to turn around.
Smith will contact George Huber of the school's transportation department for more information before any action is taken.