The council approved the meeting minutes from September 8 and the September 16 special meeting.
Sarah Hamer, Building Commissioner, presented Ordinance 2026-06 for its second reading. Additional wording was added to clarify that snow removal requirements apply to businesses, not residential properties, as requested by the council at last month’s meeting. The council unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading.
Amy Borns, Clerk-Treasurer, presented the following ordinances:
Ordinance 2026-07 – City of Greensburg Budget for 2027
Jaime Cain stated that he would like to eliminate a position at the Police Department while it is vacant rather than wait until the 2028 budget season, when making the decision could be more difficult if someone were occupying the position. Several council members expressed similar concerns. Cain proposed eliminating the position and not increasing tipping fees, which would otherwise increase by $2 per month.
Several council members agreed, with one stating that the Fire Department had been reduced but the Police Department had not, and that this could appear unfair to the public regarding public safety.
Mayor Josh Marsh stated that the position was already funded in the 2027 budget and that residents would pay an additional $24 per year in sanitation fees to have another police officer in the community. He added that, statistically, the position would likely remain vacant when it was time to consider the 2028 budget.
Police Chief Mike McNealy stated that the city’s population continues to grow and that FBI data show cities with similar populations have one more police officer than Greensburg currently employs. He added that, since 2014, the department had been fully staffed for only 2.5 months, indicating that the position would likely remain vacant during the next budget season.
Jaime Cain made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-07 with an amendment to eliminate one police officer position and not increase tipping fees. Kevin Fleetwood seconded the motion.
The votes were as follows: Jaime Cain—yes; Kevin Fleetwood—yes; Dr. King—no; Mark Carman—no; Vietta McKenzie—no; Daryl Tressler—yes; and Darrell Poling—no. The motion failed, with three votes in favor and four opposed.
Cain then made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-07 as written. The motion passed 6-1, with Kevin Fleetwood voting no.
Ordinance 2026-08 – Greensburg Community Schools Budget for 2027: Approved 7-0.
Ordinance 2026-09 – 2027 City Salary Ordinance: Approved 6-1, with Kevin Fleetwood voting no.
Ordinance 2026-10 – 2027 Elected Official Salary Ordinance: Approved 5-2, with Kevin Fleetwood and Mark Carman voting no.
Ordinance 2026-11 – 2027 Utilities Salary Ordinance: Approved 6-1, with Kevin Fleetwood voting no.
Cynthia Woolbright, representing the Small Business Administration, attended the meeting and explained that, because Decatur County was designated a primary county following the flooding and storms that began August 11, disaster loans are available to assist with cleanup and rebuilding. She stated that the loans offer low interest rates, with no payments or interest due during the first 12 months.
Applications for structural damage must be submitted by October 25, while applications for economic injury affecting businesses and organizations are due May 25, 2027.
Maximum loan amounts are $500,000 for homeowners, $100,000 for renters, and $2 million for businesses and organizations. Applications are available at sba.gov/disaster, or residents can call 800-659-2955 for more information.
Sarah Hamer, Building Commissioner, presented Resolution 2026-13, amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The resolution received approval on its first reading. Hamer explained that the state passed House Bill 1001, which asked municipalities to review their UDOs. Since Greensburg’s UDO was recently created, Hamer and a committee reviewed it and made several minor revisions.
Amy Borns, Clerk-Treasurer, presented Resolution 2026-16, the Remediation Plan for Tax Abatement. The resolution concerned an extension granted to Pizza Craft, requiring the restaurant to be operational by May 1, 2027. The council approved the resolution.
Mayor Joshua Marsh presented the following items:
Ordinance 2026-14 – Establishing Municipal Riverfront Development
This designation allows municipalities to encourage economic growth, support hospitality projects, and qualify for specialized local alcoholic beverage permits outside normal quota limits. Gas Creek would serve as the designated body of water.
Marsh explained that the designation would simplify the process for new restaurants within the designated area, which includes part of the downtown square, to obtain a one-, two-, or three-way liquor license. However, if a business moved outside the designated area, it could not take the license with it.
Marsh stated that the designation could help attract more businesses to Greensburg. If approved, the city would establish boundaries and a process for applications. Interested businesses would submit requests to the city for review before applications proceeded to the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for final approval or denial. The council approved the ordinance on its first reading.
Resolution 2026-19 – Purchase of 720 S. Broadway
Marsh asked the council to approve a resolution authorizing him to make an offer on the property located at 720 S. Broadway. He explained that the potential purchase resulted from strategic discussions with the Wastewater Department, as the wastewater treatment plant is located behind the property and several of the city’s utilities are situated in the area.
The purchase would be funded through the Wastewater Department. Based on two appraisals, Marsh requested authorization to offer up to $260,000. The council approved the resolution.
Resolution 2026-20 – Amending the Economic Development Plan
The council approved the resolution, which included changes to the boundaries of the designated economic development area.
