by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Indiana Landmarks Foundation has presented Hamilton County with their award for ‘Historic Preservation for Continued Use,’ naming the Courthouse as a best example of preserving a public building. The Courthouse is 140 years old this year. In the architectural style of French Second Empire, the structure was restored in 1994 with many original features retained. County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt accepted the award Thursday.

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Duane Brenton will be the Libertarian Party candidate for county sheriff in this fall’s general election. The Fishers resident will oppose Dennis Quakenbush, the Republican nominee. No Democrat has filed. Brenton will apparently be the only Libertarian on the county ballot.

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Property owners have until June 15 to appeal their recently updated real estate assessments. Notices of annual trending of assessments were sent last month. For property owners who got no notice, there will be no change in their assessment. Property taxes for next year are based on assessed value of land and structures. Folks wishing to appeal may get further information from the County Assessor’s office.

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Officials report no decision has yet be made on countywide financing of 911 communication costs. The issue arose early this year when county officials asked towns and townships in northern Hamilton County to help pay for the increasingly expensive costs of operating the vital communications center. At present the county along with Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield pay the entire cost. Seven other units get calls answered and dispatched from the center at the county sheriff’s office. A meeting with the northern units was held last month, but no resolution was reached and no further meeting has been set. County officials want a decision for 2019 operations, budgeting for which is made this summer.