Derick Olson
A fiscal conservative is challenging a former two-term sheriff for the District 3 seat on the Bartholomew County Council.
When Derick Olson, 39, ran for one of the three council-at-large seats two years ago, the Cummins Inc. employee said one of his main goals was to rescind the local income tax hike approved by the council in late 2017.
This year, the Lundy Lane resident said that if county government doesn’t have a stated reason for reserve funds, it should return the money to taxpayers.
He’s challenging two-term incumbent Mark Gorbett, 64, in the GOP primary. While Gorbett has long been described as fiscally responsible, he has also been among the council members trying to stop a larger-than-normal turnover among county employees.
The wage and benefit study presented Feb. 28 by Kent Irwin caused a stir among some council members. What are the most important things the council and public need to understand about this study?
Mark Gorbett: I would like the public to understand the Irwin study confirms that some of our county employees have been underpaid compared to that of their private sector counterparts. County council has been tasked with validating the data to that of each county division. I am committed to seeking clarity to determine that which we’ve known for years – we are losing trained and dedicated employees to the private sector which only creates a drain on county resources and additional cost in training and development. I firmly believe that when good employees are cared for and justly compensated, Bartholomew County thrives.
Derick Olson: The council should understand that paying an outside company for a study that they themselves could do is wasted tax dollars. The council should make the appropriate adjustments based on our county funds and workloads, not based on what other counties are doing with their tax dollars. We either have the money to increase pay and benefits or not. Annual raises and benefits should be set at the same percentage rate across the board for all department employees when using taxpayer funds. We should have a standard for the county year after year. If elected, I will donate 100% of my council salary to the community.
What is the wisest use of the currently $10 million Rainy Day (reserve) Fund controlled by the County Council?
Mark Gorbett: When I was elected to County Council in 2015, there was no long-term planning. We were near a point of crises; we faced laying off employees or cutting services to those most in-need. We quickly determined that to meet future expenses, we could not rely on revenue alone. As with each county household, unforeseen expenses occur and as with any unplanned expense, fiscal responsibility is the only relief. The suitable balances now held for unforeseen and unexpected expenses will allow the county to manage day to day operational costs while looking ahead as this community continues to grow.
Derick Olson: I believe there are a few options for the abundant Rainy Day fund. First to pay off any county debt that needs to be addressed. There are several small projects around the county that could use the extra money to finish up projects. I do believe the county should have a Rainy Day fund but there should be a clearly stated financial goal with specific reasons for where the funds would go as needed. If we don’t have a stated goal for excess money after the budget is set, then it should go back to the taxpayers.
Do you feel the continued domination of your political party (Republican) at both the county and state level is the best thing for all local residents? What advantages and disadvantages does one-party domination bring?
Mark Gorbett: A dominant political party is simply the result of the voters’ actions. When voters choose the candidates that they feel are best suited to lead the charge, there will always be a potential to create dominance. To suggest that there are advantages or disadvantages is not for me to discern as it is the voters to which we listen, collaborate, and generate a direction that we feel is best for all county individuals. We will always have pockets that lean into one party over another. It is simply my job to manage to the needs and wants of our community.
Derick Olson: County and state offices are voted in, so at any election the majority party can swing in the other direction. It is up to the individual voters to decide the direction of the county and state. Anyone elected must understand and represent their district in such a way to provide the greatest public service as possible. The only advantage of a majority is to move on issues quicker. Ultimately it is the voters that decide who they want in office and why. Elected officials need to serve the community first over party lines.
