By David Fenker
david@nmpaper.com
Indiana Landmarks and the old Wabash County Jail were discussed once again at the weekly commissioners’ meeting.
At the Feb. 13 meeting, County Attorney Steve Downs informed the commissioners that he had redrafted the memorandum of understanding, which is to be reviewed by County Coordinator Jim Dils and Indiana Landmarks Northeast Field Office Director Paul Hayden.
“I think the only real issue is how much time we need to get our stuff out of there,” Downs said, referencing last week’s discussion regarding the county property that is still stored in the building.
The preservation group hopes to have possession of the property by April.
“They would like it essentially cleaned out before the Historic Preservation Conference starts on April 27. They intend to tour the old jail,” he added.
Dils noted that they are attempting to close on the property by March 1, pending how soon the survey can be completed.
Chairman Scott Givens reminded those present that the property is being given to Indiana Landmarks for a variety of reasons, including that this option was half the cost of demolishing the structure.
He noted that since Indiana Landmarks plans to rent out part of the building as office space, the county will be able to collect property taxes on that portion of the building.
“Our $75,000 is to be used as a match,” Downs added.
“They’ll put in a lot more than that. Our $75,000 gets dispersed only as they submit bills, and we match those bills up to $75,000. So it’s not like it’s just a gift, we are doing it in order to improve the condition of the property.”
In other news, Sheriff Bob Land reported that there are 81 inmates in the Wabash County Jail, with 55 being held in Miami County and seven in Elkhart County.
“We’re holding 40 [level 6 felony offenders], so it’s going up about four a week,” Land added.
He also requested additional funds for radio reprogramming.
“It was approved for $7,895,” he said, adding that due to three extra radios needing reprogrammed, the actual cost was $8,975.
The commissioners approved the request.