It’s time for a recruiting website to make its move.

Jay County Commissioners agreed Monday to allow Jay County Development Corp. (JCDC) to move forward with an offer through MakeMyMove, a company based out of Indianapolis. Hopes are for the company to recruit new residents by targeting remote workers willing to relocate. It will cost about $50,000.

The technology business’ database spans 80 million, about 40% of whom work remotely. MakeMyMove offers a financial incentive for its movers estimated at $11,000 per person. Indiana Economic Development Corporation is providing a 50% match for the program.

Travis Richards, executive director of JCDC., noted the dollars have been set aside for the project. He added that he has spoken to several board members who are in support of the program and would likely approve it at the next board meeting.

Bryan Alexander, Portland resident, and Richards approached commissioners Sept. 12 with the proposal. County attorney Bill Hinkle reviewed the paperwork and suggested commissioners allow JCDC to move forward with recruiting nine workers for a cost of $50,000.

“With the potential for return on investment, you know, our population’s been declining again, so we can try to reverse that trend, and I think this is a good opportunity for Jay County at this point,” said commissioner Chad Aker.

Answering a question from commissioner Brian McGalliard, Richards noted the process will take place over a one-year period.

“The one concern I have is the lack of housing to move in,” said McGalliard.

He voiced support for bringing more folks to the county but asked Richards if he thought the potential residents would be able to find housing.

Richards mentioned the planned CB Development condominium project off of county road 75 South near Jay County Junior-Senior High School that he said should have six spaces completed within the timeframe of the project.

“I think over a 12-month period, I don’t think it’s unreasonable,” Richards responded.

McGalliard proposed JCDC move forward with the proposal, with the stipulation that the committee overseeing the process consists only of Jay County residents.

Also Monday, commissioners agreed to allocate $36,963 to Dunkirk Public Library and Dunkirk Glass Museum per a recommendation from Jay County Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) Advisory Committee. Both the library and glass museum — they occupy different portions of the same building — are undergoing renovations totaling $175,000. The cost for the library’s renovations is covered by a memorial fund. The glass museum’s renovations will include foundation work, sandblasting and painting the stairwell as well as making the west side entrance stairs compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. LEDs will also be added to the showcases.

In other business, commissioners Aker and McGalliard, absent Rex Journay:

•OK’d moving forward with raising ambulance fees for Jay Emergency Medical Service. Director John McFarland — he was not present at the meeting, but director Gary Barnett brought his documents — provided statistics, stating that in order to break even, each ambulance run would need to generate an additional $162. His proposal suggests lower fee increases for Jay County residents.

•Accepted an agreement with Mindbase, an application designed to care for first responder mental and emotional wellness.

•Discussed but took no action on enacting a hiring freeze, which would require department heads to get approval before hiring new employees to fill empty positions.

•Decided to pay $6,143.50 to participate in the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District for the remainder of this year and for 2023. Aker said the five-region district could help the county secure federal grants.
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