The Decatur County Commissioners Meeting was held on December 16, 2024, at 8 am.
The meeting began with the approval of the December 2nd regular meeting, and December 10th Executive Session meeting minutes. The commissioners approved claims and payroll claims.
Todd Houk, Highway Department provided an update stating that the Highway Department is working on general maintenance, reviewing and updating the sign ordinance, planning for 2025 projects, and pre-treating roads before the two snow events that have occurred.
Tim Kramer, Building Inspector, said that he has completed 22 inspections with 11 of those failing their inspection. Tim emphasized that he has expectations for the work being conducted in Decatur County and that he will not approve anything that goes against the code. Tim said that he was blind sighted recently with a contractor that was tagged for something needing fixed and that contractor not actually fixing it but making it looked fixed. Tim and the commissioners had a good conversation discussing the ability for Tim to issue fines. Tim stated that he is searching for training opportunities that he can take part in. The commissioners told Tim he is doing a great job and that as the county gets used to his expectations things will become easier for him.
Judge Tim Day came to the meeting to discuss JRAC programming. Judge Day provided an overview of the funding available for programming. He said that in January there will be availability to apply online for funding in the county which could be groups and other programming related to substance use. Community Corrections received approval to use $60,000 of the Opioid Funds towards services provided by Hickory Recovery Network. This will allow for two clinicians in the county to provide services. One of those clinicians will be funded by Hickory and the other with this $60,000. The goal is to begin looking at grants available in March 2025 for other ways to fund this.
Rob Dehoff, Parks Department provided an update on the Turf Project and adding the back four diamonds. Rob began with recognizing Teresa Kovacich’s 40 years with the Parks Department. He stated that the Parks Board has chosen Schutte Excavating to perform the work that is to be done in the back four diamonds. The funding for this was awarded by the Redevelopment Commission. The turf is being delivered on 1/6/25 with a goal completion date of 4/1/25.
Chad Smith, County Attorney presented the Biosolids Ordinance for its 2nd reading. Mark Koors opened the meeting to the public and Larry Heger asked who would be policing the ordinance. Commissioners explained that there are fines within the ordinance which is $5,000 per incident. The hope is that IDEM will also move forward with additional requirements. The Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading.
Green Sign Company came to the meeting to discuss the variance request that was submitted for the sign at the Decatur County Annex. It was explained that Decatur County Health Department is funding a new digital sign at the Annex. Green Signs applied for a variance for the sign height, square footage, and zoning being R2. However, after the Commissioners received notice they stated that they have never heard anything about this sign and the plan to apply for a variance. Sean Durbin stated that he came to the commissioners in the beginning of November to discuss this sign. The commissioners responded by stating that they did not know anything about the sign and the variance. They discussed that their concern is that they plan to put in a parking lot and don’t want to put the sign in until the parking lot is drawn and completed. Mark Koors asked Sarah Hamer, City of Greensburg Building Commissioner if R2 is the correct zoning for the Annex. Sarah stated that she did not think so and said that the Commissioners could always petition for a re-zoning. Mark said that the new commissioners may want to look into that. After discussion it was determined that the commissioners would proceed with the sign variance request as it can be located anywhere as long as it follows the required setbacks from the road.
Baker Tilly presented the Decatur County Financial Analysis, which highlighted the county’s strong financial position. The analysis emphasized that Decatur County’s financial stewards have acted responsibly and planned effectively for the future. The financial planner noted that most budgets are balanced, and any shortfalls in the remaining budgets could be addressed using available funding from other sources. Additionally, the county maintains sufficient cash reserves to meet future needs.
It was also noted that it is appropriate for the Parks Department to utilize cash reserves for capital outlays. In reviewing budget expenditures, the county used 78.5% of the County General Budget in 2022 and 90.6% in 2023. Currently, Decatur County has two outstanding debts: the Redevelopment District and the Jail.
The presentation concluded by stating that Decatur County’s tax rate is comparable to other counties of similar population size.
The commissioners approved the following:
- Revised 2025 EDIT Plan
- 2025 Payroll and Claims Schedule
- 2025 Board Appointments
- County Attorney Contract with Chad Smith
- Hiring the Decatur County Area Plan Director. The individual’s name will be announced after Friday, as their supervisor is currently on vacation, and they must provide notice. The new Director is expected to start in mid-January 2025.
- 2025 Commissioner Board President: Jeremy Pasel
- ARPA contracts for completed and ongoing county projects
- Approval of an estimate to install cameras on the north side of the square.
It was discussed that there are several employees with Nepotism/IC documents that have not been completed. Jeremy Pasel asked the Auditor to provide him with a list and he said he would follow up with the department heads to get these completed.
Jeremy Pasel expressed his gratitude to Tony Blodgett and Mark Koors for their dedicated service to Decatur County, highlighting their contributions to the community. As a token of appreciation, he surprised both men with a glass plaque honoring their efforts.
Mark Koors extended his thanks to his wife, family, fellow commissioners, past commissioners, the county council, and everyone who supported him throughout his years as a Commissioner. He also acknowledged the pastors who began each meeting with a prayer, saying that even during occasional disagreements among commissioners, the prayers brought a sense of guidance and unity.
Tony Blodgett thanked the members of the Republican Caucus for giving him the opportunity to serve as a Decatur County Commissioner. He shared that he has always taken pride in serving both his country and his community and intends to find new ways to continue contributing. Reflecting on his time as commissioner, Tony stated that he was honored to play a role in driving positive change and helping move the county forward.
Jeremy Pasel concluded by welcoming Brian Wenning and Gabe Nobbe as incoming County Commissioners, beginning their terms in 2025.
The meeting was adjourned.
