WASHINGTON

In a 17-minute meeting Tuesday, Washington County Supervisors approved two personnel matters, agreed to naming a Riverside creek and deducted $3,763 from the Orchard Hill remodeling project. The deduction, a change in door openings for buildings, totals $1,538,88 and is part of changes that have lowered the project budget shortfall to about $80,000, well within the $150,000 contingency fund that has not yet been used.

Regarding personnel, unanimous approval was given to the FY2025 Washington County Ambulance Services staff pay for full-time, regular part-time and casual part-time employees and includes a cost-of-living adjustment effective July 1 annually. Additionally, with approval from the supervisors, the ambulance director will have the discretion to start new employees at whatever level believed warranted, based on years of experience or other factors.

The board also approved termination for Garren Stacy, equipment operator for Rubio, Secondary Roads, effective December 6. Stacy resigned to accept a position in Jefferson County.

As for the previously mentioned creek in the small watershed east of Riverside, there was no hesitation in approving a letter of support for ‘Lincoln Gate Creek,’ in honor of the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The request was made by the Riverside Enterprisers, a 4-H Club, who has now made a request to the U.S Board on Geographic Names to make it official.

According to club leader Kate Janini, club members researched all aspects, including soil and environmental aspects, of the waterway. They also had the assistance of local historian Mike Zahs in finding historical and geographical background information. A public meeting to discuss possible names, at which some 30 to 40 residents were expected, drew more than 100, and 90 minutes later, Lincoln won.

In its letter support, the board noted that the initiative by the club presented “an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy promoting environmental stewardship and establishing a meaningful landmark.”

During the supervisors’ comments, supervisor Marcus Fedler, whose district includes Riverside, noted he has had calls from residents in Crawfordsville regarding the Highland School District’s $15 million bond issue referendum that passed with a 22-vote margin. Ainsworth resident (in the Highland School District) Ron Greiner submitted a petition to the county auditor’s office last week with 29 signatures, more than required by state law, challenging the outcome.

While the petition was acknowledged, Greiner needs to pay a $3,000 bond to formally file it. That would allow the matter to go to a court where a judge would make the decision. County Auditor Dan Widmer told The News Tuesday that “the county has no authority” in the issue, and that “it is up to the judge” if the petition is formally filed.

Fedler had voted against certifying the election after the canvas of the vote last month.

If the bond measure is enacted, it would finance a new multipurpose facility, new entrances to the elementary school, and other upgrades at the high school to be repaid over a 20-year period.

Fedler said Tuesday that he would talk with any who called him about the matter.

The board also noted for the proposed wind energy conversion ordinance, a second public hearing is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the courthouse to review some revisions made by the board following the first hearing on Nov. 18.