This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, June 1st, 2023.

In today’s feature report, we conclude with Part Four of a series by Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze from an interview with Bill Brown of the Environmental Resilience Institute or E-R-I of Indiana University on how E-R-I assists institutions, communities, organizations, businesses and governmental entities to plan for, mitigate and adapt to Climate Change impacts.

But first, your local headlines:

Ellettsville Town Council

At the Ellettsville Town Council meeting on May 22nd, Town Marshal Jimmie Durnil presented Police Officer Alva Bohall with officer of the year.

Then, Board Member Kip Headdy announced the opening of several fire department positions, three of which would be full time and one would be part time. He introduced Sam Saft as a potential new firefighter.

Headdy walked through the candidates for full time fire department positions, which included Logan Burpo, Branden Johnson and Matt Siebott. The council approved the hiring of full time fire department personnel unanimously.

Next, the council heard the second hearing of the water rate increase ordinance. Pamela Samples asked for clarification why they are raising the water rates. Town Manager Mike Farmer responded.

Council Member William Ellis commented that the cost of not fixing the water infrastructure would be more expensive than this preventative maintenance. Farmer added that they pay attention to when infrastructure will need to be replaced, and shared some history on the water infrastructure.

The council unanimously approved the water rate increase ordinance.

The next Ellettsville Town Council meeting will be held on June 5th.

Monroe County Board of Health

Photo by Benedict Jones.

The Monroe County Board of Health met on May 22nd to discuss and approve contract revisions for Health Department Staff.

President of the Board Carol Touloukian introduced the contract to alter the Administrative Assistant Jaimmie Ford’s position.

Health Department Director Lori Kelley explained what the changes would be, and Touloukian added onto what they are proposing to add the Administrative Assistant position’s tasks.

The board unanimously approved the revised contract.

The Board also approved a contract revision to increase Kelley’s hours from 35 to 40 due to her job requiring more hours than it currently has allotted. Toulokian introduced the contract revision.

Kelley shared that recently she has worked around 13 to 15 unpaid hours a week.

Toulokian emphasized that with the addition of Senate Bill 4, Kelley’s responsibilities will only increase, and she will need more time to take care of them.

Next, the contracts approved by the Board of Health will go to the Monroe County Council who will hear the proposed contract revisions at an upcoming meeting on June 13th or July 11th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, we conclude with Part Four of a series by Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze from an interview with Bill Brown of the Environmental Resilience Institute or E-R-I of Indiana University on how E-R-I assists institutions, communities, organizations, businesses and governmental entities to plan for, mitigate and adapt to Climate Change impacts.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats - Community Access Television Services.

Our feature was produced by Zyro Roze.

Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.

Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.