County to levy fee for mobile home transactions

Owners of mobile homes in Bartholomew County would pay a fee when they move or sell their homes under a plan considered Monday by Bartholomew County Commissioners. County Treasurer Pia O’Connor proposed the $10 fees for mobile home transactions.

O’Connor said that state law allows for the fees, but the county has never collected them before.  She said that many people expect to pay fees when they come in to make the transactions. Under state law, the county is allowed to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs of providing services, she said.

The proposed fees are the same as those in Jennings County, she said.

O’Connor said there have been about 240 mobile home transactions this year, which would have raised $2,400. That money will go to the general fund, she said.

In the past, O’Connor has said that property taxes are so low on mobile homes that it actually costs the county more to collect the money than it brings in.

Commissioners approved the proposal on first reading Monday and will consider it for final approval next week.

In other business, Bartholomew County Commissioners recognized emergency management director Dennis Moats with a ceremony and proclamation Monday. The long-time director is retiring at the end of the year after more than 24 years with the county.

Dennis Moats receives a plaque from Martha Myers of Columbus Regional Health at a ceremony Monday at the Bartholomew County Commissioners meeting.
Dennis Moats receives a plaque from Martha Myers of Columbus Regional Health at a ceremony Monday at the Bartholomew County Commissioners meeting.