MUNCIE — Over the objections of a crowd — and one of their fellow officials — the Delaware County commissioners moved forward on their $45-million, 500-bed jail project on Monday.
Commissioners James King and Shannon Henry voted to introduce a measure that will ultimately result in a lease with Delaware County Justice Partners, an entity created to oversee the project, and an amendment to the commissioners' economic development income tax (EDIT) plan to earmark as much as $3.6 million a year for as long as 25 years to the project.
Commissioner Sherry Riggin echoed many of those who spoke during Monday's 90-minute meeting and sought a delay in affirming the measure for more discussion. Many of those in the audience at Monday's meeting wanted another public forum.
King and Henry didn't second Riggin's motion for a delay and Riggin didn't add a third vote to their introduction of the measure.
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The commissioners could finalize the lease and EDIT amendment at any future meeting. Henry told The Star Press after Monday's meeting that County Attorney John Brooke just hadn't finished the amended EDIT plan yet.