The commissioners meeting began with the approval of claims, payroll claims, and prior meeting minute approvals.
Doug Westerfeld, APC presented a Reimbursement Agreement AYPA and Service. This will allow for expenses that will take place for the plan review, inspections, and attorney fees for the battery storage facility. This agreement also specifies a specific amount of money that the battery storage facility will submit to the county so that they have all expenses paid out of that.
Doug also received approval to enter into an agreement with Commonwealth Engineering, which is the company that will be completing the plan review and inspections.
Doug provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan stating that they are currently taking data that was received from the public and are analyzing it and documenting it. The next step will be
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose Merit Deputy Chris Hellmich will be retiring and will be retiring after 20 years. The Sheriff received approval from the commissioners to present Chris with his duty weapon as a token of their appreciation for the service he has provided the community.
Sierra, Greensburg Decatur County Animal Control presented to the commissioners a breakdown of the expenses from the large animal seizure that occurred earlier this year. One of the cattle seized was in very rough shape and had to be euthanized. A Necropsy is being conducted at Purdue on that animal. The commissioners approved the cattle receiving worming. The state of Indiana Board of Animal Health visited the animals, and they stated that the animals have gotten healthier of at least 1 body score since they were seized. The commissioners stated that according to the figures presented the total cost of the care for these animals have been $8,001.25.
John, Lake Santee representative stated that they are asking for support from the Decatur County Commissioners so that Lake Santee can get funding to help with sediment. They are exploring federal government funding to treat the deepest part where the most sediment is. This would be for a pass-through grant opportunity.
Commissioner Pasel stated that he met with an unnamed individual that would like to donate $75,000 donation. In return they would like their name on the grain bin on the outside of the building for 10 years. The commissioners will discuss this further and enter into a signed agreement in the future.
The commissioners discussed their property and liability insurance opportunities. This company would like to provide a quote to the county, but first they would have to be the insurance of record. Commissioner Wenning stated that during this discussion concerns arose about their current insurance provider. It was commented that the rates will probably be similar to what they have now but there are a few things that could lower their insurance expenses. Workman’s Compensation is something that is driving up the costs and this new insurance company has a lot of experience with workman’s compensation. It was also mentioned that they feel that this other insurance company could provide a more customer service focused opportunity. The commissioners voted to move to McGowan insurance as their insurance of record.
Commissioner Wenning stated that he had a meeting with a construction company that is working on the interstate. This will be a 10-mile stretch including the interstate right outside of Greensburg that will be rebuilt and redone over three years. The county owns 2 four-acre properties that they are interested in leasing or purchasing these properties. The construction company is requesting an answer within 4-6 weeks to make a decision to enter into an agreement to lease this property. This is for storage of the concrete and millings from the project. The commissioners all state that they would rather lease the property instead of selling it.
Emily Verseman received approval to reinvent a picture. The original picture was the dedication of the Decatur County Honor Roll in 1918. This would occur on July 4th. Emily also requested 4th of July decor be added to the courthouse to help with pictures.
The commissioners stated that they are welcoming bids to mow the lawn and maintain the bushes and flower beds at the courthouse by 4pm on March 13, 2026. This will be awarded on March 16, 2026.
