The Crothersville Town Council is still discussing the best option for a new town hall. And it seems that the longer they discuss, the more options come forward.
After they thought they had narrowed their options to purchase the leased building where town hall is currently housed & renovate the existing structure, build new on the former town hall property, or consider a purchase of property at the corner of US 31 & Main Street owned by Hyla Cartwright; last Tuesday evening during their regular August meeting representatives of the Methodist Church asked the council to consider purchasing their former annex building across the alley from the current town hall.
Council president Ardell Mitchell, a project manager with Harmon Construction, advised his colleagues that whether new construction or renovation, the cost of the project will be around $250,000 for a turn-key structure.
Clerk-Treasurer Nalona Bush pointed out that the town had a proposal from LK Rose Construction from Scott County for a 1,600 square foot metal sided building built for $110,260.
Mitchell pointed out that the price included no site preparation costs, running water, sewer and electric lines to the structure, no paving, sidewalks or landscaping.
“When a town hall project—any of the town hall projects we are considering— is finished it is my experience that the price will be around a quarter of a million dollars,” said Mitchell.
In a poll of council members, Karen Mains said she wanted to see a new town hall built of the former town hall property. “Everything is there, there’ll be plenty of parking,” she said.
Mitchell said he was leaning toward purchase and renovation of the current town hall facility. It is estimated that the property could be purchased for $130,000, he said.
Town attorney Travis Thompson reminded the council that at least two appraisals must be obtained before considering a purchase and that the town cannot pay higher than the average appraisal.
Councilman Bill Nagle offered that to make an informed decision the town should get real estate appraisals on the current structure to fairly weigh the town’s options.
The council approved getting a couple of real estate appraisals and consider their next move at another meeting.
In other business, the council:
•Heard a request from Brenda Holzworth to change the number on the town council from three to five. “There would be more representation and input on important town business,” she said.
“I’m in favor of it but I am wondering if we will have trouble getting people to run,” said President Mitchell.
The council agreed to look into the request. But they will have to consider it quickly as any change cannot be made in the year the town council is elected. The town elections will be held in 2011.
•The council received proposals for security cameras and recording devices as well as alarm systems for town hall and the police station.
For cameras and digital recording devices at both places, NI Tech of Brownstown proposed a system costing $5,643, DSI of Jeffersonville’s price was $9,397, Mantz Sound & Sign of Seymour proposed $6,914 and Sam Kuehn Construction of Crothersville turned in a price of $3,459.
For alarm systems at town hall and police station, DSI proposed $3,423; NI Tech,. $1,854 and True Alarm of Indianapolis proposed $1,049.
The council tabled any decision until they could study the proposals.
•The town agreed to hired Jerry Anthony Backhoe Service to repair water leaks to the town utility system. He will be paid $85 an hour at a cost not to excess $7,000.
Other proposals were received from R.L. Vuckson of Scottsburg for $10,750, Lawyer Excavating of Seymour for $7,525 and Dorsey Plumbing of Crothersville at a rate of $70 per hour plus materials.
•The council approved a new town credit card policy which went into effect upon passage last Tuesday.
