Issues between Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly and the Clinton County Commissioners just won’t die.
On Friday’s Partyline program, Kelly took the time to illustrate how things between the two parties have continued to grow.
At Monday morning’s Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bert Weaver took time during the ‘Commissioners Report’ time allotted to any of the Commissioners and rebutted accusations by Kelly.
“I was disappointed in Friday’s interview that the Sheriff had on WILO and the comments that were made,” said Weaver. “I felt like some of the things needed to be addressed from the county’s side.”
The main issue appeared to be the School Resource Officer issue that has yet to be signed. Kelly said Monday that both Clinton Central and Clinton Prairie will each have one officer assigned to them. However, he added that the contract for this to happen and take care of all the legalities have not signed by the school because the attorneys have told school officials not to sign the agreement.
Kelly also said that the Commissioners needed to sign the agreement which they haven’t as of yet.
“We’re in favor of the deputies at the various schools. It’s 100 percent a safety issue that we need,” said Weaver. “However, details have to be worked out especially when you have a school corporation and the county six months from now, things change. You have to have it in writing that says this is what we’re doing.”
In the initial contract that was given, Weaver said the County felt like things needed to be addressed, which they do.
“We’ve never said ‘no’ to it,” said Weaver. “However, the details have to be worked out and put in writing so when Mister Weaver is no longer a Commissioner and somebody else comes on board, they have the details in front of them.”
After Weaver’s speech, Kelly wanted to speak, but was denied that opportunity by Commissioners President Jordan Brewer. Kelly had already addressed the Board during ‘Department Head Reports.'”
After the meeting was over, Brewer was asked his feeling about the matter.
“To some level from a public standpoint I have to control as far as leading it,” said Brewer. “In terms of the other Commissioners, they have the ability to speak freely on anything. We’re all equal. So, based on what I heard on Partyline, Commissioner Weaver had a lot of thoughts that were addressing issues that needed to be brought up.”