Clark County methadone clinic at center of debate

Clark County

Discussion

December 24, 2008

Moore: Clinic officials not living up to agreement

By MATT THACKER The News and Tribune Wed Dec 24, 2008, 10:15 AM EST

Clark County Commissioners Mike Moore and Ed Meyer had a disagreement at a Tuesday meeting about whether the Southern Indiana Treatment Center, or “methadone clinic,” is to blame for not connecting to a sewer line.

Moore said clinic officials told the commissioners Jan. 23 that they would be connected to the sewer line within 90 days, but that has not happened.

Moore requested Meyer’s blessing to call a meeting with the commissioners, the public and the staff at the methadone clinic.

“I don’t think we can ignore it,” Moore said. “We need to get some of the issues here addressed.”

Meyer said he did not see the need for another public meeting, but would not stop it.

“This is one issue in a list of many where I think the methadone clinic has failed us,” Moore said, citing problems with getting a parking lot built, a traffic light installed and reports that security is not always on duty.

Meyer said he has been told the parking lot was never built because it was held up by the drainage board and Moore.

Moore said he could not remember, but that clinic officials have not been to a meeting in several months to discuss the problem.

He said neighbors who have refused to allow the sewer line to cross their land have probably delayed the progress in connecting to the sewer.

Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan said permits have been issued and the clinic should be connected to the sewer line soon.

In other business

• Past and current commissioners, as well as other local politicians, honored Ralph Guthrie, who retired and will be replaced by Les Young on the board Jan. 1.

Guthrie, who was a commissioner from 1988-2000 and 2005-2008, served at his final meeting Tuesday night.

State Rep. Steve Stemler, D-Jeffersonville, told Guthrie it was a “privilege to be your friend.” He announced Guthrie had been named “honorary state representative” for a day.

“We didn’t always agree, but I have to tell you, he disagreed with class,” Galligan said. “You can’t find a better guy than Ralph Guthrie.”

Sheriff Danny Rodden named Guthrie lifetime honorary deputy of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. He was also honored with the distinction of ambassador of Clark County.

“It’s a total surprise, and I’m not sure I’m deserving of all that,” said Guthrie, who tried to deflect any praise. “History will judge the things I’ve done and whether I was a good commissioner.”

He missed the last commissioners meeting and most of Tuesday’s meeting because his wife is seriously ill. She was recently released from the hospital, but did not have a good prognosis, he said.

He said he will miss being a commissioner but knew it was time to retire.

• It also was the final meeting for Dan Moore, the county’s attorney. Moore said he has begun the process of turning files over to Greg Fifer, his replacement. Moore will take over as Clark County Circuit Court judge Jan. 1.

• Edward Culpepper “Pepper” Cooper spoke at the meeting, alleging that he was not given a fair chance to bid to earn the contract for property, casualty and workers compensation insurance.

“Insurance has not been bid out competitively since I’ve been here for six years,” Cooper said. “Mine was equal to or better than [the selected plan] and 30 percent cheaper.”

Cooper claimed he could save the county $40,000. Meyer said he would look into it, but Moore said he was not interested in making a change.

“If you go out and save us $40,000, I’ll buy you a dinner at Jerry’s,” joked Moore, who owns Jerry’s Restaurant.

• The commissioners agreed to sell one truckload of salt to Utica for the price they paid at $55 per ton, or $440 for the truckload.