WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 17th, 2021.
Later in the program, WFHB Producer Michael Glab speaks with Dave Askins of the B-Square Bulletin, during an excerpt from Big Talk – a one-on-one interview program with different guests each week, learning about their lives, their hopes, and their accomplishments.
In today’s excerpt, Askins discusses, independent journalism here locally and his news and civic service website, the B-Square Bulletin. More coming up in today’s feature report.
Public Safety Local Income Tax Committee
The Public Safety Local Income Tax Committee discussed the county’s local dispatch budget. At the August 13th meeting, United Central Dispatch Policy Board representative Amy Hensley requested funding for additional staff. She said that neighboring counties have more staff and higher pay, which could drive interested candidates away from jobs in Monroe County.
Committee member Jim Sims pointed out that central dispatch wants to have a “healthy reserve” of funds. He questioned what group gets to decide how much reserve money would be considered healthy. City Attorney Mike Rouker responded that ultimately the Central Dispatch Policy Board decided. He added it would be wise to create a working group to establish and review a 10 year capital plan to help determine how much central dispatch needs in reserves.
The committee voted to adopt the budget as presented 7 to 0.
Bloomington Utilities Service Board
The Bloomington Utilities Service Board discussed the ongoing water rate case. At the August 16th meeting, City of Bloomington Utilities Director Vic Kelson presented a request to hire a consultant for the C-B-U’s current water rate case. He explained the consultant would help analyze the city’s rebuttal and help answer questions presented during the case.
Kelson said that the C-B-U was pushing for a settlement. He added that the City would need more funds in case a settlement isn’t reached.
Board members approved the funding unanimously.
Bloomington Redevelopment Commission
CEO of Fine Tune Rich Ham made his case to buy the downtown Showers Administration building to the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission. At the August 16th meeting, Ham talked about the company’s bid to purchase the Historic Showers Administration building. He said Fine Tune wants to use the building as its headquarters.
Ham emphasized Fine Tune’s connection to Bloomington. He said his company staffs many of its finance functions with interns from the Kelly School of Business.
Commissioner Deborah Myerson asked if the petitioners were confident that they could get the supplies necessary to finish renovations in one year. Petitioners clarified that Fine Tune needed to commit to the renovations within one year, so supply delays would be ok. Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously.
Richland Bean Blossom School Board
The Richland Bean Blossom School Board opened a project bond at their August 16th meeting. Bose McKinney and Evans LLP Partner Jacob McClellan talked about the process authorizing a bond. He said the funds for the bond would be used for a number of facility improvements including upgraded technology and general renovation.
Board members voted to approve the bond unanimously. The School Board also discussed hiring a therapist. RBBCSC Superintendent Jerry Sanders introduced the position, which he said is possible through a partnership with family health clinic Adult and Child. He explained the position would be at Edgewood High School, and that funds could be split between Medicaid and other local funding.
Board members voted to approve the position unanimously.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, Michael Glab, host and producer of WFHB’s public affairs program, Big Talk, speaks with Dave Askins of the B-Square Bulletin. Askins discusses local, independent journalism – and ideas to expand the B-Square Bulletin. To listen to the full program, click here.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Jake Jacobson, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Michael Glab.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
