The commissioner’s meeting began with the approval of the meeting minutes from the January 5th regular and executive meeting. They moved onto approval of the claims and payroll claims.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent stated that his team continues to perform bridge maintenance and general maintenance. He stated that they are currently working on surveys and design for future projects to include roads- 400W, 20W, and 150N. Todd gave a presentation to INDOT as part of the grant application for the Highway Safety Improvement Grant.
Chris Noblitt, Parks Department Executive Director, updated the commissioners stating that they are performing upgrades at Rebekah Park including an electric panel near the dog park. This will allow for ease of additional security and for events. The cost for this improvement is being shared with Tourism.
The commissioners reviewed and adopted Resolution 2026-3 which is the 2026 ADA transition plan. The commissioners also approved the Title 6 Implementation plan.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Director, took time to announce that after reviewing their ordinance on building permit fees the Area Plan department has been collecting less than what is in the ordinance. An example is within the ordinance a permit fee to build a home is $410 with a $100 deposit that is refundable if the home is built within that year. The office has been collecting $410 and refunding $100 which nets the office with $310. Doug stated that they will be following the fees specified in the ordinance moving forward.
The commissioners agreed that they would seek out a current county employee to take on additional duties as the Fairgrounds Event Coordinator to market the new community building as well as the fairgrounds.
The commissioners approved Ordinance 2026-2 which creates a separate account for the interest earned from the ARPA funding.
Brenda Emsweller, Animal Shelter Interim Director, received approval to move forward with the process to seize 60-65 head of cattle that is not being taken care of and does not have access to feed or hay. The Animal Shelter has been interacting with this case since 2024, with the owner not following guidelines given by the State Board of Health Veterinarian or the past Animal Shelter Executive Director. Since communication and complaints began the herd has increased. Conditions documented is a bull with a horn growing sideways resting against its eye, hip bones, and spines are prominent. The next step is working with the county attorney to request a warrant for the seizure. Then the owner will be given 10 days to post a bond for 30 days of care which is estimated by a quote received to be $3.50/head per day which is $5,500 for the month just for housing and feeding. If the owner doesn’t post the bond, then the animals become property of the county.
The commissioners discussed the employee situation that they met in Executive Session on January 5, 2026, to discuss. The commissioners voted to ask that employee to move to a different department within the county.
