Health board continues septic ordinance discussion

The Brown County Board of Health still wants to make several revisions to the county septic ordinance.

Board members had expected to vote to accept the ordinance and pass it on to the Brown County Commissioners, who would then vote on whether to put it into effect.

Most of the revisions the board looked at Jan. 17 dealt with wording and references that cite other laws or regulations.

They also agreed to develop exceptions for the septic inspection requirements when a transfer of home ownership involves something such as a divorce or close relatives.

The board will meet again at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the County Office Building.

Board member Cathy Rountree offered a correction on previous information published in the Brown County Democrat regarding the new ordinance as it relates to home sales.

She said the affidavit stating the number of bedrooms in the home is only required for new construction, not for all home ownership transfers.

Affidavits for new construction would be filed along with the septic permit at the county health department and with the deed at the county recorder’s office, she said.

Septic inspections would be required for sales of existing homes, and part of that inspection would be determining if the septic is the correct size for the number of bedrooms the home is being marketed as having.

Commissioner: Courthouse mortar becoming a problem

Brown County Commissioner Diana Biddle wants to try to get some work done on the historic courthouse by April or May.

She recently toured the courthouse with Mark Dollase, vice president of Preservation services for Indiana Landmarks, and Biddle said Dollase raised concerns over the condition of the exterior, particularly of the mortar between the bricks.

She hoped work could be done to correct problems like the mortar by spring.

Commissioners President Dave Anderson reiterated his desire to meet with the public again about how to fix other problems with the courthouse, including its condition and the changing needs of the court.

No decisions were made on a next step.