Public pushback grows over prosecutor’s office proposal, music center changes

Local News X The second half of the April 15 Brown County Commissioners’ meeting focused on several major county issues, including the proposed new prosecutor’s office and ongoing questions about the Brown County Music Center, both of which drew detailed discussion and public comment. The commissioners also formally approved the hiring of Sandra Pool as the county’s new highway superintendent, filling the position that had been vacated months ago by Arec Burton. Commissioner Tim Clark said the county posted the job, reviewed applicants, and interviewed the most qualified candidates before selecting Pool as the most qualified. The appointment was approved by a vote of the board, with Commissioners Clark and Kevin Patrick voting in favor and Commissioner Ron Sanders abstaining. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal to build a new prosecutor’s office using a “build-operate-transfer” (BOT) method, which differs from the traditional design-bid-build process the county has used in the past. Consultant Dan Cartwright explained the approach in detail, telling commissioners the BOT method allows the county to negotiate directly with a developer, who would take on the financial risk of designing and constructing the building. The developer would then transfer the completed building to the county once it is finished. Cartwright emphasized that under this model, the county would receive a guaranteed maximum price, with no change orders unless the county itself requests changes. He said this approach avoids cost overruns that have affected past projects and shifts financial risk away from the county. However, the proposal drew strong criticism from the public, particularly from Sherrie Mitchell, who raised concerns about transparency, cost control, and the role of the consultant. Mitchell challenged the premise that the BOT process eliminates change orders, arguing the county would still ultimately pay the full cost built into the guaranteed price. “You’re going to pay whatever the bid said,” she said, adding that change costs could simply be hidden within that total. She also questioned why the county is moving away from the traditional bidding process, asking whether officials had conducted a proper comparison of costs and value between the two methods. “Did you gentlemen do a value for monies on this analysis? Why didn’t you go with a direct bid build?” she asked. Mitchell further argued the BOT process reduces transparency by limiting public access to proposals and decision-making. “You’re taking us out of the transparency part of this,” she said, expressing concern that the public would not see competing bids or understand how the final developer is selected. She also raised concerns about the consultant’s role, pointing out that Cartwright has already been paid by the county and questioning whether the process gives too much control to a single individual. “He is not accountable to me. You are,” she told commissioners. Commissioners responded by acknowledging past problems with change orders in traditional projects and defending the BOT approach as a way to avoid those issues. Despite the criticism, the commissioners voted to move forward with issuing a request for proposals for the project. Commissioner Ron Sanders voted against. The meeting also included a lengthy discussion about the Brown County Music Center and a proposed amendment to its administrative agreement. Commissioner discussion revealed differing perspectives on whether to change how excess revenue from the Music Center is handled. One proposed change would redirect up to 100 percent of excess revenue back to the county, rather than allowing 75 percent to go to the Brown County Community Foundation. Commissioner Sanders expressed hesitation about making changes, emphasizing that the Music Center is currently operating successfully. “I just don’t want to take apart a working machine,” he said, noting that the facility pays its bills, supports employees, and relies heavily on volunteers. Sanders said he would prefer a more collaborative approach, stating, “I would like to talk to them and see what they would be willing to do. I don’t want to force this on them.” He also warned against creating unnecessary conflict or legal disputes. Commissioner Patrick pointed to upcoming financial pressures facing the county, including infrastructure needs such as roads and bridges. He explained that without major industry, tourism-related revenue, including the Music Center, is one of the few ways the county can improve its financial position. The board discussed the purpose of the resolution, with some members of the public questioning why it was needed at all. Commissioners explained it is intended to formalize discussions in a public setting, rather than continuing informal negotiations outside of meetings. Resident Greg Taggart called the effort unnecessary, saying, “I think this is a waste of time.” Ultimately, Commissioners Patrick and Sanders voted to table approving the resolution so the music center board could be given an opportunity to discuss the excess revenue issue in a public meeting with the commissioners. Featured Local Savings