Fate of county public works in question

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BY BILL DOLAN
bdolan@nwitimes.com
219.662.5328 | Thursday, September 04, 2008 | (7 comment(s))

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Public Works Department is getting kicked around as budget cutting season heats up.

Several county officials seek control over the department's $300,000 budget, its eight employees and dozens of vehicles and pieces of heavy equipment as the Lake County Council weighs proposals to dissolve or combine it with other government units to cut costs.

Commissioner Gerry Scheub, D-Schererville, said Wednesday he wants the department to remain under the control of the Lake County Board of Commissioners.

"I don't want it to go to the surveyor's office," Scheub said. "That would involve a lot of red tape that would delay its response to emergencies. When I call (public works director) Bill Henderson , he goes right out there now. I don't want to lose that kind of control."

Surveyor George Van Til, who would like to take over the county's public works, said Scheub's remarks are "unfortunate and political."

"The red tape there currently is beyond belief," Van Til argued. "There are multiple layers and decisions that have to be made to get them moving. I could run that department on half the money, half the office space and half the equipment."

The Good Government Initiative, a privately funded effort by the county's largest corporate taxpayers to impose efficiency on local government, recommended eliminating the department in a 2007 study that criticized the department for having an ill-defined mission and too much machinery.

A compromise may be in the works.

Commissioner Roosevelt Allen, D-Gary, said he would like public works employees to report to the County Drainage Board, which is what the Board of Commissioners is called when they deal exclusively with drainage issues.

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Schererville wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:01 PM:

" Scheub is to concerned about running his own personal kingdom The Public Works Department, The Fairgrounds, the Highway Department etc etc. Why not act like a professioanal businessman vs a typical politican with his own personal agenda. Its not the taxpayers agenda for good government. "

Merrillville wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:04 PM:

" Homer,you mourner,you didn't even read the article closely,Van Til said he'd do it for half of the $300,000. Why don't you list your list your real name so we can say something childish and uniformedabout it like you did with Van Til in your september 3rd blog. I agree with common sense. "

Crown Point wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Hats off to Commisoner Allen. This is the best idea I have read. His proposal has a lot of merit. You got my vote. "

Common Sense wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:35 PM:

" First you have to deal with the facts,not emotions, not bashing of elected officals but common sense.
First,read the good government report.
Second,follow its direction and factual findings. This means the best place for the Public Works Department is under the leadership of George Van Til. He already has stated he can cut their budget by 50% big tax savings. He has a proven track record and was cited as having the best run department in the County which is very noteworthy. The good government report recomends that the Surveyor Office needs more equipment and staff. What a great match if Commissioner Scheub would use a little logic and common sense he would move in that direction. Commissioner Scheub please put you're personal and political agenda aside. Do what good for the taxpayers and then you will get my support. "

steelworker wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:23 PM:

" I agree with primus get rid of them.The public works department is the biggest waste of money that we have in our county.I worked for this department for 4 years, so I know first hand. I suggest giving control,all the wasted equipment, and Bill Henderson's job to the highway department.This department is the best run and less controversial that we have. HEY BILL,TIME TO RETIRE "

primus wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:58 AM:

" Get rid of it. Now. Tell Scheub that the few times he has to call them he can call a contractor that would be glad to come right out. There, I just saved the County $300,000.00 dollars in one posting. Please please please do not give this to Van Till. He only wants it because the department doesn't do anything anyhow. Of course he can run it. He doesn't do anything either. Its a perfect match. "

Over Taxed wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:53 AM:

" I suggest giving the 300 thou to Van Till, but he would turn it down as chump change.
Bur he might like one of the pieces of heavy equipment for his kid to drive to school to impress the girlies "

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