The commissioners meeting began with the routine approval of prior meeting minutes, agenda items, claims, and payroll.
Tim Ortman, Highway Department Assistant Superintendent, presented the bid for painting and striping on 200. The commissioners approved the bid as presented. Tim also stated that he is looking into the cost and potential savings of purchasing or leasing the Highway Department’s pickup truck fleet from Enterprise. The commissioners requested that he continue gathering cost information so they can compare it to the cost of purchasing vehicles through the county’s standard bidding process.
Tim also spoke about ongoing discussions regarding work needed on 400 West. At the last commissioners meeting, residents expressed concerns about the project. Tim stated that traffic counts were conducted on both the north and south ends of the road. The north end had an average of 22 vehicles, while the south end averaged 38 vehicles. The road currently has a PASER rating of 3. The commissioners thanked him for his due diligence on the project and approved it to move forward.
Tim received commissioner approval to return to INDOT and request reimbursement for a project in which INDOT missed the deadline for Bridge 131. The missed deadline was not the fault of the county or any of its consultants.
Tim also received permission to approach INDOT again to request an unofficial detour on US 421 due to increased traffic resulting from work being completed on Interstate 74.
Abby Harry from Community Corrections updated the commissioners on three grants for which the department has applied.
The commissioners adopted Resolution 2026-9, the Decatur County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. This was the plan introduced at the previous commissioners meeting by Mike Snyder, EMA Director.
The commissioners heard from representatives of Centerstone, who spoke about the services they provide to the county as a whole, as well as their partnerships throughout the county. It was also noted that there is currently an appointment vacancy on their board.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Commission Director, provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan. The plan continues to progress, with expectations that it will be completed within the originally planned timeframe.
Joe Cain, City of Greensburg Wastewater Plant Superintendent, requested an exemption from the county’s biosolids ordinance adopted last year. The commissioners acknowledged his concerns and the information he provided; however, they decided to avoid granting exemptions, as doing so would make it difficult to establish consistent criteria. All commissioners emphasized that the ordinance was put in place to require PFAS testing before each application.
The commissioners approved the 911 Interlocal Agreement with the City of Greensburg. This agreement outlines the costs each entity is responsible for and specifies board appointments from each body.
The commissioners also approved the costs associated with the courthouse tree.
Commissioner Jeremy Pasel provided an update on the Fairgrounds project. He stated that work is progressing, with completion of the community building, bathroom upgrades, improvements to the track and horse barn, and preparations underway to upgrade the electrical system on the property.
The commissioners have once again opened the opportunity for the public to submit interest in filling a Park Board position, as the individual selected at the last meeting has moved to another county.
