Published: September 05, 2008 12:45 pm      

Clark County Jail gets emergency funding

The Clark County Commissioners voted unanimously to provide Sheriff Danny Rodden with emergency funding, totaling $214,000, to pay bills due through September.

The County Council informed Rodden that he would need to request money from the commissioners out of the cumulative-cap tax fund — traditionally used for building and street improvements — because the council has not received a budget order from the state.

Rodden needs the money to pay utility bills, gas, food and other bills relating to the Michael L. Becher Adult Corrections Complex and the sheriff’s department.

The commissioners questioned whether money was available in the county’s Rainy Day Fund, which has about $1.5 million. Lacking a budget order, the council thought it best to get a loan from the cumulative-cap fund and pay it back out of the Rainy Day Fund once a budget order is issued.

The commissioners declared an emergency order to get the funds. The council, according to Rodden, plans on repaying the money.

In other business

Commissioners Ed Meyer and Ralph Guthrie, with Commissioner Mike Moore dissenting, signed a resolution approving the progress made by the Clark County Regional Airport board in creating more revenue.

Jack Vissing, attorney for the air board, cited the landing fee, additional revenue sources and the search for a full-time airport manager as reasons why the commissioners should approve the work.

“I’m proud of the changes,” Vissing said.

Moore said there has been ample opportunity and time to increase revenue and wants the airport to be self-sufficient.

“It’s past due the airport realizes when you’re in a crunch, you make cuts,” Moore said. “I have a problem if we’re letting the FBOs (fixed-based operators) run the Clark Regional Airport.”

Moore was referring to the switch from a once-proposed 10-cent-per-gallon fuel-flow fee to instead charging a landing fee. The air board initially proposed a fuel fee, but opted for a landing fee after it met with resistance from the fixed-base operators, aviators based at the airport.

Meyer and Guthrie commended the air board’s actions, and said the best step was in seeking a manager for the airport. Vissing agreed a manager would help increase the viability of the airport.

“I think it’s the right idea to let a professional run the airport,” he said.

The commissioners also unanimously approved a grant application on behalf of the Monroe Township Fire Department.

The department is seeking a $150,000 grant to purchase a new tanker truck, which will primarily serve Underwood, and hold almost twice the amount of water as the department’s largest tanker.

The department will be notified in November if the grant is approved.