The commissioners approved the following meeting minutes: September 15th, September 15th Executive Session, September 17th Executive Session, and September 26th Special Session. They also approved claims and payroll claims.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent, stated that his team continues to perform general maintenance tasks and chip and seal work. Houk noted that Bridge 63 should open within one to two weeks. The 2026-1 grant has been submitted, covering a total of 120.2 miles.
Doug Westerfeld of the Area Plan Commission presented the second reading of the ordinance granting authority to the Decatur County Area Plan Commission for the Decatur County Revitalization initiative, which was approved by the commissioners. He also presented and received approval for five Area Plan Commission petitions.
During the meeting, Commissioner Jeremy Pasel shared that he has received several complaints regarding the property housing Leising Mulch and Leising Sales and Service. The concerns involve potential violations of Decatur County’s Water Drainage Ordinance, specifically related to the addition of concrete pads and gravel, which may be affecting drainage in the area. Pasel requested that Westerfeld investigate the property and the reported drainage issues.
George, a citizen from Clarksburg, came before the commissioners requesting assistance in addressing a nuisance property located at the north end of the park in Clarksburg. He stated that garbage is scattered around the house and alley, that the property has rat issues, and that the occupants have been vandalizing park equipment. The commissioners said that the Decatur County Health Department and the Decatur County Area Plan Office are working together to create and implement a plan to address the concerns.
The grant submitted for the Decatur County Comprehensive Plan Review has been approved for $60,000 from OCRA.
Sean Durbin, Executive Director of the Decatur County Health Department, received approval for the 2026 County Health Plan. The plan identifies four key focus areas: reducing cigarette smoking during pregnancy, lowering infant mortality rates, addressing opioid overdoses, and decreasing adult obesity.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose received approval to purchase a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe to be used by the additional CIT Special Deputy who will begin in early 2026. Sheriff Meyerrose proudly reported that the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) has responded to 277 calls, along with 56 additional requests such as speaking engagements and special community calls.
Mike Snyder, Director of Emergency Management, announced that he has applied for a State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant of approximately $112,000 to fund upgrades to the county’s command bus. He also received approval to submit an application for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $30,000, which will help offset portions of the salaries for both himself and the Deputy Director.
County Attorney Chad Smith addressed the commissioners regarding Centerstone’s outstanding payments for services provided in 2022 and 2023. He explained that Centerstone serves as Decatur County’s designated Community Mental Health Provider and that, since early 2022, the county has been in ongoing communication with the organization to obtain the necessary reporting documentation required for payment.
After multiple discussions and exchanges, Centerstone submitted nearly all required reports, with one final document still missing. A few weeks ago, Smith was contacted by the Indiana FSSA General Counsel, who inquired about the delay in payment. Upon learning of the missing report, the FSSA representative provided the required documentation.
With all reporting requirements now satisfied, Smith recommended that the county release payment to Centerstone for the 2022 amount of $226,755 and the 2023 amount of $237,779.04. The commissioners approved his recommendation.
The commissioners approved an arborist quote of $2,860 to winterize the water lines that serve the Courthouse Tree, reopen them in the spring, and trim the tree.
Commissioner Jeremy Pasel presented updated fairground rental rates as recommended by the Fair Committee at their recent meeting. Pasel provided a brief overview of the rates: rental of the entire fairgrounds will increase to $10,000; Farm & Home Building, $500; Rabbit & Poultry, $800; Horse Arena/Barn/Lighting, $500; camping with electric, $35 per night; chair rental, $1; and table rental, $5. These rates were approved as presented.
The commissioners also agreed that they will no longer rent out equipment such as tractors, water tanks, and graders to private groups. All necessary equipment must be provided by the renter, though exceptions may occur for local groups.
The commissioners discussed and approved a rental fee of $2,500 per event for the first year for the new building under construction. This rate includes tables and chairs for use in the facility.
The commissioners will review discount structures and discuss them at their next meeting.
The commissioners approved the installation of a reverse osmosis system in the IT Department, Emergency Dispatch, and the Health Department. With current spending on bottled water and filtration systems, the upgrade is expected to produce savings in the first year. The equipment for the three departments will cost $779, with an annual filter replacement cost of $506. Following additional discussion, the commissioners asked maintenance to assess Community Corrections, Veterans Affairs, and EMA for possible inclusion in future upgrades.
Parks & Recreation Director Chris Noblitt reported that the Pool Committee recommended partnering with Blue Escapes Pools for the Pool BOT project, a recommendation the commissioners approved.
Additionally, the commissioners approved updates to the Decatur County Fair Emergency Management Handbook, ensuring it reflects current safety and operational standards.
This article is owned by WTRE and written by Chris Ramey
