Controversy continues for Clinton County paving project

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - After an out of town judge decided Clinton County should move forward with a controversial paving project, there may still be another bump in the road before that happens.             

Clinton County Board of Commissioners' attorney Ted Johnson has filed paperwork for the county to be reimbursed a little more than $5,000 to pay for the delay in paving County Road 450 West. The motion asks for Commissioner Skip Evans to pay the $5,032 it cost the county, when Evans filed a lawsuit to stop the paving project. A judge ruled the project should proceed.              

Tuesday, Johnson received notice that Evans plans to ask the special judge in Hamilton County to delay the paving project while he tries to take his case to the Indiana Court of Appeals. Johnson said, however, Evans' appeal may not be worded correctly, failing to mention the lawsuit involves the public.              

Johnson said if the appeal moves forward, Evans could have to post an additional $10,000 to the $25,000 he posted originally to fight the project. That money is being held by the Clerk of Clinton County Circuit Court. Bond is required to file suit against the county.

News 18 previously reported those against the project, including Evans, argued Commissioner Mike Beard wanted the road paved for his own benefit, since his house is nearby. Beard said the road should be paved because the only Department of Natural Resources nature preserve in Clinton County sits off the road.