Kicking, swearing, and lending
New year brings new faces to county government; Community First named Small Business Lender of the Year
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Commissioners kick off new year
The Howard County Board of Commissioners experienced two new things as they kicked off the new year: a new member in Jeff Lipinski and a new president in Brad Bray. And the public wasted no time in entreating the new board for changes.
Bray was nominated by Lipinski to lead the board, and Commissioner Jack Dodd was elected vice president of the board. Dodd also was appointed to the North Central Indiana Committee – the organization responsible for preparing economic development proposals for funding through the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant.
The region, comprised of five north-central Indiana counties, was awarded $30 million in 2022 for use in spurring economic development. The final disposition of those funds has yet to be determined.
Dodd asked that former Howard County Commissioner Paul Wyman be appointed to the board alongside him due to Wyman’s extensive work with the committee prior to his retirement from public office.
“A commissioner has to be on the board, which is why I was appointed,” said Dodd. “But Paul did such a great job on that board. I checked and was told we could have an appointment to the board as well, so I asked Paul to serve. It just makes sense.”
When Bray opened the floor for public comment, county resident Brad Simone took to the microphone to express concern about the board’s recent decision to livestream its meetings, which began in December.
“My concern is that we are (streaming) live,” said Simone. “It kind of puts my home in a vulnerable situation. My kids are at home ... We all know there are crazy people out there who could be watching this video right now … Safety is a big deal. I want everybody to be safe. I want our homes to be safe, but now everyone knows you aren’t home right now. I just had to give you my name and address, and I’m not home.
“I understand that we’re trying to be transparent and want everybody to be involved. Go ahead and record the meeting, but release it when the board minutes come out.”
The board reacted favorably to Simone’s suggestion, and after the meeting Dodd confirmed that livestreaming the commissioners meeting will cease in favor of a delayed release.
County resident Clee Oliver also had a suggestion which was not as well received.
“I’m on the Clay Township Board, and I know that Galveston (Volunteer Fire Department) (GVFD) is dispatched to Kokomo,” said Oliver. “Money comes out of my township’s budget for them, but unless they actually transport a patient, they don’t get paid.”
Oliver inquired whether the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars were completely spent or appropriated. Dodd explained that the money hasn’t been spent completely, but it has been appropriated. The county had until 2024 to appr
“If there is still money left, I think something could be done to help them out,” said Oliver. “I know Galveston is dispatched out a lot more than the others. Maybe some of the ARPA money could be used to supplement them.”
The GVFD recently reported that it was dispatched into Howard County 267 times in 2022 – nearly 43 percent of all calls for service the department received.
Dodd explained that some of the ARPA money was allocated to the townships – up to $5,000 per township. But sending Howard County’s funding over the county line gave the commissioners pause.
“We do appreciate everything they do,” said Dodd. “But they are in Cass County.”
Swearing in
Three newly elected public officials were sworn into office on Jan. 1. Center Township Trustee Drew Durham, Monroe Township Board member Keith Olmstead, and Taylor Township Board member Ray Shepard all took an oath, administered by Howard Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray.
The ceremony took place in the Circuit Court courtroom, with family and friends on hand to witness the officials’ first day in office.
Community First Bank named Indiana Small Business Lender of the Year
Community First Bank of Indiana is Indiana’s Small Business Lender of the Year for 2022. The annual award is given by Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corporation (ISCDC), which works with local lenders to provide financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program. The SBA 504 loans help owners of expanding or startup small businesses buy real estate, buildings, and equipment. The main feature of the 504 loan program is that it allows borrowers to pay a below market down payment and repay the loan with a fixed low interest rate over a long term.
Community First Bank is headquartered in Kokomo and also has 5 locations in Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. The commercial loan officers providing the winning loans were Duane Kamminga, Jonathon Malin, and Greg Gordon.
“We were honored to receive this recognition from the ISCDC. From the day Community First was founded almost 20 years ago, one of our primary missions has been meeting the borrowing needs of small businesses throughout our market. The SBA 504 program and our partnership with the ISCDC is a great tool for helping businesses to expand and grow successfully,” said Bob Hickman, Chief Credit Officer.
The winner of the Small Business Lender of the Year Award is the institution that generates the largest volume of loans with the Indiana Statewide CDC as a percentage of bank deposits. Loans made by the end of the Fiscal Year, September 30, qualify for this annual award. Twenty-eight financial institutions contended for this year’s award. Community First Bank was announced the winner of the Fiscal 2022 Lender of the Year award at Indiana Statewide CDC’s annual meeting.