The meeting began with the approvals of claims, December meeting minutes, and payroll claims.
Todd Houk, Highway Department stated that his team continues to perform maintenance tasks. He stated that they hosted Cheer Fund distribution and that was a great thing to see. Todd stated that they will be receiving approximately $150,000 from FEMA for storm damage that occurred in early 2025. Currently the highway department is stocked with sand and salt. Todd added that Bridge 167 is now open in Westport.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose received approval to move forward with the application process for a Community Action Coalition Grant in the amount of $5,364.52. The grant will help purchase workbooks for those in the detention center that is participating in classes. The grant request also includes $1,500 that will go to help pay for postage for blood kits that get sent to the Indiana State Police.
Sheriff Meyerrose also received the go ahead to get a few more quotes to move a 40×20 building that is located at the old jail site to the current Detention Center property. This building would be an option for additional storage that is currently needed.
Mike Snyder, EMA received approval to enter into an agreement with Carolina for the annual maintenance contract for the sirens.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Director, shared an update on the county’s Comprehensive Plan, outlining a four-phase process now underway.
Phase One has already been completed and included the selection of a steering committee, which has since held its first meeting. Phase Two will focus on public engagement, with community workshops and invitation-only focus groups planned. The first public workshop is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. in the EMA Training Room at the County Annex building.
During Phase Three, the steering committee and the project contractor will gather and analyze data, along with hosting open houses for additional public input. Phase Four will conclude the process with finalizing the contents of the Comprehensive Plan.
The commissioners appointed Clay Hargott to the Area Plan Commission.
The commissioners voted to approve SRI to conduct the tax certificate sale. This was approved with Resolution 2026-1. The minimum bid for the properties will be $100. The representative in attendance at the meeting stated he believes the sale will be in March sometime. He added that they will give plenty of public notice.
The county has signed a $3.9 million BOT contract with Blue Escapes Pools, marking a major step forward in the pool project. A representative from Blue Escapes Pools said the current goal is to have the pool completed by May 2026.
The contract covers renovations and upgrades including fencing, slides, a splash pad, beach-style entry, a pump house, and other improvements needed to make the pool fully functional. The overall project budget is $4.5 million, with the remaining funds beyond the contract amount allocated for furniture and other necessary items.
As part of the project, the pool will also be expanded from its current 8,000 square feet to approximately 9,000 square feet, providing additional space for visitors.
The commissioners purchased a used forklift for $12,500 to be used at the new Community Building.
Brian Wenning was re-appointed to serve on the SIRPC board.
RT Insurance came to the meeting to introduce themselves and state that they would like to provide the commissioners with an insurance policy estimate to be reviewed when the county reviews insurance policies and new providers in May of this year. The commissioners welcomed them to take a look and draft a quote.
Wayne Speer requested that the commissioners vacate an alley in Clarksburg that they have purchased three parcels surrounding. Wayne explained that he doesn’t plan to build on the roadway but that with it vacated it would allow him to avoid variance requests that would be needed if the roadway continued to be open. The commissioners stated that they read a report that showed that 811 stated that the roadway did have a phone line and fiber optic line. The commissioners stated that this was the first reading of the request and that they would vote on its second reading at the February 2, 2026, commissioners meeting.
Two Clarksburg residents came before the commissioners to voice their frustration with the lack of progress being made with the Rat infestation in their community. The commissioners provided an update from information that they received from the local health department. One of the residents stated that they have had four rats in their home including one that accessed the HVAC in their home. So far, the residents stated that they know of 9 rats so far that have been caught. The commissioners reiterated that they are working closely with the Health Department and the Area Plan office to ensure that things continue to move forward.
