The meeting began with the approval of the July 7, 2025, meeting minutes, claims, and payroll claims.
A public hearing was held to vacate an alley in Clarksburg. The petitioner came to the podium and stated that they have a barn that is built right next to the roadway and that a survey is being conducted to hopefully condense several parcels into one and she would like to request the county to vacate the alley. Todd Houk, Highway Department stated that he and his department does not want any roads or alleys vacated due to possibly drainage and utilities. There were no public comments. The request to vacate will be on the commissioners next meeting agenda.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent stated that his team continues general maintenance. He stated that Bridge 63 is currently closed as it is being replaced on 120E just south of 300N. He believes that the timeline to get this completed is 10-12 weeks. Todd stated that the chip and seal projects are completed and feels that all 116 miles of road have had a positive outcome. He discussed upcoming 2026 grants and when they are available. During the last commissioners meeting a resident voiced concern that their culvert pipe was not large enough to control their drainage. After reviewing that culvert it was determined that the size 15 pipe is not enough to withstand increased rain. They have installed a size 24 culvert to assist with drainage.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose received approval to renew the contract for Southern Health Partners. The contract includes a 4% increase in cost. Sheriff Meyerrose stated that he has been very happy with the work that is conducted by Southern Health Partners.
Commissioner Nobbe spoke about Tourism’s request for phone stipends. After he met with Tourism and IT, it was discovered that they could change their phone service to go with the county server and offer both staff at Tourism a cell phone reimbursement stipend. This would actually reduce the cost to the county. The commissioners approved.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Director received approval to move forward with a contract with HWC Engineering for the Comprehensive Plan. The cost would be $115,000.
Judge Tim Day came to request a memorandum of understanding for Ascension Recovery Services to provide substance abuse training. Ascension Recovery Services will replace the services provided by Hickory Recovery Services. The funds for this MOU are from the Opiod Settlement.
Wayne DeLong and Donny DeCastro from Geenex Solar attended the meeting to present the Economic Development Agreement for the Cobia Solar project to the commissioners. They emphasized that the project intends to honor its original financial commitment, choosing not to take advantage of the tax reductions permitted under SEA 1. The Cobia Solar project is expected to generate a total economic impact of $75 million, with over $18 million projected to be paid to the county within the first six years.
Following the presentation, the commissioners noted that they are waiting on Baker Tilly’s final analysis and will discuss and make a decision at their August 4, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Jeremy Pasel reminded attendees that any agreements under consideration are contingent upon approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission held a public meeting to inform the public that they are applying for a $60,000 grant to assist the county in developing the Comprehensive Plan for the county. The commissioners signed the resolution approving SIRPC to move forward with the grant.
The commissioners approved a bid in the amount of $30,295.80 to re-surface the soutside parking lot at the courthouse. The funds for this will come out of Cum Cap courthouse funds.
A representative from Baker Tilly gave an in-depth presentation on the draft of the County’s Financial Review, highlighting projected revenue reductions the county will face over the coming years. She explained how SEA 1 will impact the collection of local income and property taxes and outlined potential local tax options that could be implemented to offset the losses. Notably, she stated that beginning in 2026, the county is expected to see a $518,000 reduction in property tax revenue, with that shortfall projected to increase annually through 2031. She also stated that Baker Tilly is working on an analysis that will help better project the changes and they are hoping to have that projection tool ready to use in 2-3 weeks.
Don Schilling, Redevelopment Commission received approval for a resolution to include housing as part of their Economic Development Plan so that they can provide funds for the Economic Development Corporation’s Housing Study that they are having done. Don stated that the next step is that they will have a public hearing at their August 20, 2025, meeting and then they would be able to allocate funding for the study.
Kevin Crites, Fair Committee President received approval to enter into a 3-year agreement with Luehrs Ideal Rides. Luehrs has been coming to Decatur County for 69 years. Kevin stated that Luehrs provides top notch rides and safety.
The commissioners reviewed the county employee salaries and recommended to the council to use what they presented. This is something new that must be done per SBOA.
The commissioners are going to ask the maintenance department to seek out costs for a trailer that could be used to haul a lawn mower and mowing equipment for the county.
The commissioners approved a request for use of facilities for the Tree City Fall Festival 9/18-9/21.
