Posey Sheriff Latham to resign; meeting talk turns ugly

By Lois Mittino Gray

Posey County Sheriff Tom Latham gave a heartfelt farewell speech to the Posey County Commissioners at their September 15, meeting. “This may be my last Commissioner’s meeting before I am moving on and I want to thank you,” he began. He will be resigning, possibly as soon as next month, to move to Illinois. State law requires the Sheriff to reside in the county of employment.

“I want the Public to know our county does not suffer from leaders with egotistical minds worried about just themselves. You are doing the right thing for the County. We didn’t always agree on all things, but you were fair and listened and I want to thank you for your service,” he praised. He was wished well by the Commissioners in his new ventures.

Latham requested to purchase his cell phone, which he used both professionally and personally, for $699.10. He said it was paid for from Commissary Funds, and the money will go back into that coffer. His request was approved.

Latham then gave his jail inmate update report as: Department of Corrections-11, Vanderburgh County-13, and Posey County-106 for a total of 130 incarcerations. He reported $18,680 was collected from Vanderburgh County for the month’s per diem payment.

The Sheriff also asked to declare as surplus 29 computers that are of no use anymore anywhere. “We’ve shuffled parts around and tried to save as many as we could, but these are worthless,” he noted. His request was approved 2-0. Commissioner Greg Newman was not present to vote the third aye. A contract with SAS for $9,000 was also approved to look at and operate all video systems at the jail.

Allison Williams and Laura Kuhn also took to the podium as the Directors of Mudpuppy Palace. Commissioner President Bill Collins introduced them with this statement, “A year ago, we agreed to donate 40 acres to this organization for a building. They have three years to start construction on the building, or we can take the ground back,” he explained. “Today we’re going to sign the deed over to them.”

“Thank you for the generous donation and believing in us. We teach STEAM which is Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics concepts. We travel using our Marty’s Mobile Unit right now to students. You helped us see our vision of the future in having our own building. Now we can’t wait to see a physical place for our operation,” they told Commissioners.

Also under New Business, a discussion on the Western Bypass completion progress ensued. “In order to get a grant to finish the bypass, we need about 45 million dollars. We need to match nine to 10 million for our part. If we did get a grant, we won’t actually see that grant money until about 2031. We need to work on starting it now,” Collins said. He asked for permission to go to the Posey County Council to get the okay to apply for the grant “The longer we wait, the more expensive it will get. We can start accruing money to pay our share of it in these next few years,” he offered. Commissioners agreed and voted to begin the grant request.

They also voted to pay $2,400 to purchase an abandoned easement from CSX Railroad for the Western Bypass at this time.

The Commissioners then discussed keeping two eREP contracts. They voted to hire legal services month to month and just be a member of eREP. “We’re trying to hire an economic development person of our own. I say we continue without it and just request a contract to be a member of eREP,” Collins said. Because eREP has become synonymous with data center development in the ongoing controversy, Collins explained why they would be members. “eREP does a lot of good for the county. They obtain grants like READI sewer grants, and for the subdivision in Poseyville. They are good for the region.”

A motion passed to stay with them month to month and to continue the county’s own search for an economic develop director. “In January, we can sign a contract with them to be our lobbyist in Indianapolis to advocate for home rule and local control.”

A service agreement was approved to service fire extinguishers at the Coliseum. Under Unfinished Business, Allen Shorter was hired as a part-time Animal Control Officer for the county.

In Department Updates, Carrie Thompson, Emergency Management Agency Director, said she was still working on service agreements for emergency generators at $840. She told Commissioners that Council did approve purchase of four more warning sirens.

Paul Micheletti, Emergency Medical Services Director, gave his monthly report as 274 requests with 179 actual transfers. $128,376.72 was taken in income. They are down one position in EMS services and are interviewing for a community paramedic.

Kristyn Lowery, Purdue Extension, said she will remain in her position until the end of the year. Office work is being done at this time.

County Auditor Megan Greenwell reported the carpeting project is underway on the second floor of the Coliseum. “Be patient,” she advised. “There is a lot going on.”

During Public Comments, there were fewer speakers at the podium and less red shirts in the audience speaking against the data centers. David Lindsey, Farview Drive, asked for a two year moratorium. “A pause is necessary. This week even the owners of big AI companies are saying we should slow down development. If they suggest it, we should listen,” he urged.

Dana Willis, Blackburn Road, commented , “What is good for today is not good for tomorrow. It’s so rushed, so slow down.” Kristyn Trombley asked for a moratorium to be put in place as others may want to come in the county. “It’s all rumor, till it’s not.”

Carolyn Adler also encouraged a moratorium. “What is the benefit of a data center here?” she queried.

Kelly Collins, said he was there “to beat a dead horse again.” Are there two or three other locations coming?” he demanded to know. Commissioners said they knew of none. He became very accusatory of the men sitting on the dias, making statements about deals with eRep and the Western Bypass. He wondered why eREP lawyers were signing letters he received about questions he had on the centers.

“We hire them to represent us. That is what we pay them to do,” B. Collins explained. “Enough of your accusations,’ a visibly frustrated B. Collins said to him after his rant. “Make your point.”

K. Collins dramatically concluded his rambling talk with, “I am holding you responsible for this. I will not sue officials, I will sue you individuals for the heartache you have caused this county.”