Ron Arnold, executive director of Daviess County Development Corporation, was at Wednesday’s Daviess County Council meeting representing the Daviess County Economic Development Commission to ask the council to act as the conduit for a bond issue to build a new facility at WestGate @ Crane Tech Park. The bond issue would finance $800,000 of what may be an $8 to $9 million project for the 50,000 square foot building. The project is estimated to create 10 jobs with a payroll of $416,000 per year.

Arnold said there are currently five buildings in the tech park employing about 500 people. The project would also include upgrades to roads and infrastructure. The WestGate @ Crane Authority is seeking $6 million through grants which would pay for three-fourths of the project. They will also seek $2 million in matching funds.

The council approved the resolution which did not make the county fiscally responsible, according to County Attorney Jeff Hayes.

The council also approved tax exempt bond financing for Parkview Village Christian Care. Hayes said the Village was refinancing to get a better interest rate. The bonds are not to exceed $45 million with a 25-year maturity rate and, again, the county would not be fiscally responsible.

In other business

Sick days

The council approved sick day reimbursements of $1,551.75 for Shirley Blackmore who retired after three years with the county.

Substance abuse program

The council approved an additional appropriation of $5,000 for a substance abuse program. Beth O’Brien said the Youth Services Bureau in Evansville offers the program for up to eight participants at a time. The eight sessions last 90 minutes and cost $150 per person. The county will pay $75.

Additional appropriations

Additional appropriations for EG&G bond payment of $97,937.50 and Olon Industries bond payment of $229,250. Arnold told the council EG&G is doing well and looking at expanding, while Olon has suffered with the down turn in the economy, but is beginning to come back.

An additional appropriation of $6,000 for LCC was approved. The money comes from users fees.