County Council focuses on budget

The first 2001 meeting of the Monroe County Council Tuesday centered around the appropriation of additional items to the budget and the election of new officers. \nConvening at the Monroe County Courthouse, the hot item of the evening was the county parks and recreation department's request for a $140,000 Hometown Indiana Grant.\nThe state awarded the grant to develop the new Flatwoods County Park west of Ellettsville.\nThe money will pay for trails, landscaping, shelters, playground equipment, a driveway and parking lot and other items. Finishing the nearly 200-acre park is expected to take two to three years.\nCouncilman-at-large Doug Duncan said the county budget will not be affected. \n"The stuff that was passed were no new appropriations," he said. "From what I understand, there's now new additions to the Monroe County budget. \n"We weren't going to take any of the county funds to do it. We're getting this park fixed up, without having to take money from other budget items."\nOther items on the agenda included approving funds for parks, gas, the sheriff's office and maintenance, totaling $112,000. County Commissioner Joyce Poling called for approving supplies, soldier burial, change of venue and juvenile detention, more than $100,000.\nTypically, the council budgets for less money than practical spending levels, and makes up the difference later.\nIn addition to approving funds, the council elected officers. Longtime District 1 councilman David Hamilton switched executive roles with District 2 councilwoman Joanie Reagan. Reagan served under Hamilton for six years. \n Hamilton praised Reagan for her years of service on the council, and indicated he might return.\n "It's time for Joanie to step up to the plate and take her turn," he said.\n Reagan lauded Hamilton and called on members to prepare for a busy session. \n"I look forward to serving a good and productive year," Reagan said.\nThe council also welcomed two new at-large members. \nDoug Duncan replaced Randy May for the Republicans and Scott Wells replaced Julio Alonso for the Democrats. The council remains under 4-3 Democratic control.\nDisrict 3 councilwoman Marty Hawk acknowledged the council's political differences, but seemed confident in a successful session.\n"We're certainly a diverse group, but I think we can accomplish a great deal," she said.