July 23--NEW ALBANY -- Floyd County employees will be getting a nice surprise in a few months.

The Floyd County Commissioners approved a plan last week to disperse a one-time payment to employees who are covered by the county's health insurance company, Humana Healthcare. Since the county's premiums were less than anticipated, county employees overpaid $169,748. Around 260 employees will receive the rebate check, which should total around $600 each.

The Floyd County Council still has to approve the plan. The rebates will be taxed, and it will only apply to current employees.

"I think the most fair way to disburse the money is to give it back to the employees," Commissioner Chuck Freiberger said at the meeting.

The county council will likely vote on the measure next month.

Solid Waster advertisement

The Floyd County Solid Waste Board approved a plan to sell advertising space on the side of the district's three vehicles. Money raised will be used to fund scholarships for high school seniors.

Mary Lou Byerley, operations manager, said the Solid Waste District handed out two $1,000 scholarships in May and would like to give out more next year.

Advertisements cost $500 and $900, respectively, depending on size and where it is placed on vehicles. The cost is for six months.

Byerley said no political or religious ads will be sold.

Commissioners moving

The Floyd County Commissioners will hold their Aug. 7 meeting at a new location at the old Pine View Elementary School, which has been transformed into a youth shelter/government center.

The new meeting room will be much larger than the current one on the second floor of the City-County Building. It will seat around 100 spectators, have a new sound system and will have the ability to webcast meetings. The county council and plan commission will also meet at the new location.

"I think it's exciting," said Floyd County Commissioners President Steve Bush. "We will be able to accommodate more people and have up-to-date technology. It will be much more professional looking and I really like the idea of being able to webcast meetings."

The renovated facility will host an open house at 10 a.m.Aug. 11.

Energy audit

Robert Vollrath, with Perfection Group in Cincinnati, told the commissioners he would like to do an energy audit at the City-County Building which could save the county up to $100,000 a year. He said his group recently completed an audit in Dubois County.

Bush said he would pass the information on to the Building Authority which oversees operations of the building.

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