BY CHERYL PATRICK LEADER STAFF WRITER
KNOX — For some time now, the Starke County Commissioners have realized it would be beneficial for them to have an office, some place they could store documents and meet with members of the public and county workers.

“It does not take very long for a commissioner to accumulate a number of manuals, important documents, and other files. With no defined work space, we were storing those items at home. We felt it would be much more efficient to have a defined place to store important documents and reference materials as well as a place to meet with members of the public and county employees,” Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem said.
While the commissioners realized work space and storage were needful, they had several concerns.
“One concern we had was making sure we operated within the defined boundaries of the “Open Door” law (IODL). As a result, our President, Dan Bridegroom, did request a written opinion from Attorney Martin Lucas,” Norem said.
Lucas informed the commissioners that they could in fact occupy and maintain an office. However, certain limitations as to what types of business can be conducted are applicable.
“The commissioners may properly operate a public office to facilitate the conduct of their duties, but some limitations apply. Under the ‘Administrative Functions Rule’ (Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5-5(f)(2)) a majority of the commissioners may properly meet, without prior notice, to ‘receive information or recommendations in order to carry out administrative functions, or confer with staff members on matters relating to the internal management of the unit,’” Lucas said in a memorandum.
Lucas also said several things do not come under the umbrella of administrative functions.
“Note that ‘administrative functions’ does not include the awarding of contracts, the entering into of contracts, or any other action creating an obligation or otherwise binding upon the county. The Administrative Function rule exempts such a meeting from notice requirements only; all other IODL requirements continue to apply and therefore all meetings under the Administrative Function Rule must be open and public,” Lucas said.
Norem said complying with the Open Door law will not be an issue as they plan to comply with all stipulations required by law.
“If two or more commissioner are in the office at the same time, we will post the notice as suggested. Members of the public are very welcome at any time,” she said.
Once the legal concerns were addressed, the commissioners moved forward in establishing an office.
“The office is basically functional now. Dan (Bridegroom) found some desks and chairs, that were not being used by other office holders, and the telephone has been installed. The number is 574-772-9160.  At this time, the hours are by appointment or chance. The office is located on the first floor of the Courthouse, just in front of the staircase when you enter from the south entrance,” Norem said.