Article by Emily Wang, White River Now
During a regular Batesville City Council meeting last week, several topics were addressed, including funding needs for the Independence County Sobriety Program, new city beautification efforts, and updates on public services and infrastructure.
Independence County Sobriety Program
Bruce D. Winston II, who was recently appointed coordinator of the Independence County Sobriety Program, highlighted the need for funding to maintain a donated vehicle.
“The sheriff’s department has donated a transfer vehicle which will allow us to make home visits, transport individuals to and from court, and attend meetings. However, we need funding for fuel and maintenance to keep the car operational,” he said.
Winston requested that the matter be added to the agenda for further discussion. Independence County District Judge Chaney Taylor also shared his support, noting that home visits are “the number one tool that we have to combat impaired driving. We respectfully ask for some maintenance cost and fuel for that vehicle.”
Beautify Batesville Initiative
James Scales started the Beautify Batesville initiative to improve areas around the city each Tuesday.
Crediting his daughter for the organization’s name, Scales told council members the group plans to build planters, remove graffiti, and clean up uninhabited properties. Scales proposed that businesses allow employees to volunteer for this initiative during work hours while still receiving their usual pay. He highlighted Bad Boy Inc. as an example of a local industry looking to be involved.
“Bad Boy is talking to their CFO to see if they can give us 40 hours,” Scales told the council. “They’re going to volunteer 40 hours a month, along with equipment, and that’ll allow 10 employees to get off early on Tuesday and actually still get paid to come and work for the city for four hours, clean up, and everything.”
Scales shared that Beautify Batesville is starting its work at Our Father’s Table with wood donated by Bad Boy to build planters. He said Bad Boy is also helping provide lawnmowers to maintain the Bank of America lot.
“We will then move across the bridge to attack the graffiti,” Scales said. “Sherwin-Williams is actually going to give us a lot of paint where we can cover up all of the graffiti that is there, but even better than that, which is why we need the city involved, is they’re going to give us something that’s been out since 2011 — it’s anti-graffiti coating.” This special type of paint, to be applied every two years, allows graffiti to be pressure-washed off the next time it happens.
Scales said those interested in getting involved should meet at Our Father’s Table on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.
PrideFest Report
Karen Beller provided a report on the recent PrideFest, noting it was much warmer than previous events and delayed until 5 p.m. Despite fewer attendees during the day, food trucks and vendors reported satisfactory sales. Beller acknowledged the presence of protesters but emphasized the peaceful and successful nature of the event within its confines.
Police Chief Report
Chief John Scarbrough reported an increase in traffic enforcement and arrests, attributing it to heightened activity from his team. He also shared an incident where an officer saved a man’s life by performing CPR at a local Burger King.
Scarbrough noted that Officer Larry Ring was recognized as the Rotary Club of Batesville’s 2024 Role Model of the Year for his exemplary service.
Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh praised Ring, saying, “He’s a very good officer, proud to have him.”
City Engineer’s Update
City Engineer Damon Johnson discussed maintenance at the water treatment plant and the need to keep it operational until the new plant is built. He also reported significant damage to a traffic signal pole at St. Louis and Harrison, with efforts underway to replace it, encouraging the public to be cautious until a new pole is installed.
Johnson noted the city can expect to see progress in the coming months as the Riverside Park revitalization begins. This will include the removal of the fire training center and the empty Conoco gas station. (A recent update on the city’s efforts to condemn the VFW Post 4501 as part of the park upgrade can be found here.)
The council also approved several key resolutions and ordinances, including a request for water service outside city limits and a resolution for Future Fuel Chemical Company to participate in the Tax Back Program. Additional resolutions authorized the mayor to apply for funding from the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, set a public hearing to discuss abandoning a city street, and approved the purchase of real property.
Debbie Jones was appointed to the City of Batesville’s Advertising and Promotions Commission.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for July 9.
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