Batesville leaders have three irons in the fire – three studies in the works for months that could shape the city’s future.

Mayor Rick Fledderman received a draft of a comprehensive land use plan costing $20,000 April 3 from consultants Bingham McHale, Indianapolis, after citizens completed surveys outlining what they wanted by Nov. 2.

Officials are close to receiving the other two reports, the mayor said.

Jeff Lilly II of Consulting Dynamics, Indianapolis, was hired by the Batesville Board of Works June 11, 2007, to look at Batesville’s current business inventory and decide what else is needed.

The retail analysis will help city leaders grow all economic bases – industrial, commercial and residential – “to create a more diverse tax base from a sales tax perspective.” The $10,000 cost was split between the city and Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Batesville Board of Works and Batesville City Council charged Development Concepts, Inc., Indianapolis, Aug. 13, 2007, with coming up with a strategic plan for the heart of the city costing $72,827.

Not just leaders believed this study is needed. Leaders at four businesses (Hill-Rom Co., Batesville Casket Co., Enhanced Telecommunications Corp. and Miller Valentine Group, Dayton, Ohio) stepped forward to donate about $50,000 at that point with several others considering funding.

Consultant Mike Higbee told the members, “In my mind, Batesville is a community that works, but it is going through ... transition. How you plan for the future is what this plan is all about.”

So in a year over $100,000 and much time has been spent to make our city a better place.

The findings will be presented at public hearings and when they are, citizens need to be there to listen and react.

It is also the responsibiltiy of the officials to use the expertise. There’s nothing worse than having a plan and not acting on it.