Montgomery County Commissioners took steps at Monday’s regular meeting that will lead to the demolition of the Alamo Gym. The gym has been an eyesore to the community for several years and the present owner’s deadline to tear down the building has expired.
Today, commissioners will request an additional appropriation from the county council in the amount of $250,000 to raze all the buildings on the property. The county plans to apply for a state grant that would reimburse 80% of the cost of demolition.
The additional appropriation funds will be placed into the Unsafe Building Fund which is in the process of becoming reality after commissioners heard the first reading of an ordinance to establish the fund. The future source of funds moving into the Unsafe Building Fund will be from appropriations and fines associated with properties deemed unsafe.
Commissioners also passed a resolution to advertise for contractors to raze the Alamo Gym. The bids will be opened at 8 a.m. Sept. 28 at the commissioners’ scheduled meeting.
The former Tri-County Petroleum Corporation gas station located on U.S. 231 South has been remediated according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Commissioners. Commissioners approved a resolution enabling them to transfer the property to a person or entity that can repair and maintain the property. The resolution also invited those interested in repairing and maintaining the property to contact commissioners.
Commissioners heard first reading a matter concerning vacating two alleys and portions of two streets located in an unincorporated area outside of Ladoga. The petition requesting to vacate the properties was filed by Charles and Elizabeth Summers. A public meeting on the matter will be held at 8 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Montgomery County Government Center.
At the request of County Auditor Mindy Byers the commissioners approved an agreement with TrueRoll. The company will perform audits on property tax payments that declare exemptions and credits thereby reducing the amount of tax the owner pays. Abuse of exemptions and credits is a growing problem in Indiana.
The agreement initially will cost $5,000. Subsequent annual payments of $23,254 can be paid from Indiana Ineligible Homestead Fund.
Commissioners also passed, by ordinance, new changes to benefits for employees regarding health savings accounts, paid time off and maternity leave.
Commissioners approved County Recorder Nancy Cox to enter into a contract with ePN for the routing of documents.
County Administrator Tom Klein reminded commissioner that the county’s Mapping Department Director Mike Davis will retire Friday. Davis requested to not have a retirement celebration event.
Klein reminded commissioners county budge meetings will be at 4 p.m. Aug. 24-25 and can be viewed on the county’s YouTube channel, Montgomery County Indiana Government.
The county MUST meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 26 will also be broadcast on YouTube.