Tim Ortman, Highway Department Superintendent, spoke with the commissioners about conducting a traffic study on US 421. He stated that the study was being considered due to increased traffic in the area. The study would examine the types, number, and weights of vehicles traveling on the road, as well as the speed limits along that stretch. The commissioners agreed and directed Tim to move forward with finding a vendor who could conduct the study and bring the information back for further discussion. Tim said he believes the study could be completed for under $10,000.
Ortman also stated that he is working with INDOT to obtain reimbursement for repairs to the official detour county roads used when INDOT closed US 421 South for construction.
Later this week, Tim plans to submit his application for the HIP Safety Grant.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Executive Director, presented the rezone requests that had been reviewed and forwarded to the commissioners with favorable recommendations. The commissioners unanimously approved all requests.
The commissioners then held a public hearing on the county’s proposed Comprehensive Plan. Representatives from HWC, including Hailey Roark, reviewed the year-long planning process, which began in November 2025. The process included 22 steering committee members, seven meetings, input from more than 20 organizations and businesses, stakeholder focus groups, public meetings, and hundreds of online survey responses. The proposed plan consists of 17 chapters and 277 pages and covers Decatur County, excluding the cities of Greensburg and St. Paul.
Since the Area Plan Commission meeting, HWC removed the phrase “but permitted for good cause” from the language addressing alternative energy and data centers. The commissioners then voted unanimously to approve the Comprehensive Plan.
The commissioners approved the county’s holiday schedule and meeting schedule for 2027.
The commissioners discussed a proposed change to voluntary insurance offerings. The Insurance Committee would like to consolidate the five current voluntary insurance providers and work exclusively with American Fidelity. The commissioners requested clarification on whether this change would negatively affect employees who wish to continue coverage through their current providers. The commissioners did approve a change allowing only American Fidelity to be offered to new employees. The matter will be brought back before the commissioners at their next meeting for further discussion and a final decision once additional information is available.
The commissioners also discussed snow removal at the Annex. They decided that the Highway Department would be responsible for clearing the roads and parking areas, while the maintenance employee would handle sidewalks and areas the Highway Department cannot access.
The 2027 board appointments were postponed until the next meeting.
Brian Wenning provided an update on the Long Range Planning Committee’s efforts to obtain proposals for the upcoming renovation project. He stated that the committee had issued a Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFPQ) and advertised it twice. Six or seven companies expressed interest in the project; however, only one submitted a response by the deadline. SD Barnes Construction was the sole respondent.
The proposed renovation cost is $1,396,617. Additional options were also presented, including $331,628 to replace ceiling tiles and the supporting grid system and $81,000 to renovate the EMA Training Room.
Brian stated that he plans to present the proposal to the County Council for review and final approval. He also mentioned that he had spoken with Baker Tilly about potential financing options. Those options include bonds, loans, and using available cash reserves.
The commissioners also discussed a request Brian had received regarding allowing public input during meetings. The commissioners stated that they strive to maintain a relaxed atmosphere and regularly invite public comments on matters brought before them. They also explained that there is an established process for citizens who wish to be added to the meeting agenda to speak.
