During the commissioners meeting several topics were discussed:
Todd Houk, Highway Superintendent stated that the Highway Department hosted two JAG field trips last week, the department received 200 tons of salt, and Todd participated in the quarterly Bridge meeting with the state and Decatur County continues to be in compliance. Todd stated that he followed up on the CCMG grant that he submitted and in total throughout the state grant requests equaled $258 million with the state only planning to approve $100 million.
Dennis Dickman, local resident voiced concerns about work that he paid to have completed in 2013 on 200S. He stated that he paid approximately $20,600 to have the road black topped, and recently the county came through and removed a layer of blacktop and have left it without repair. Houk stated that he would have his team take a look and work on the road. Mr. Dickman asked who is responsible for the upkeep of the road and the commissioners unanimously stated that it is the counties responsibility.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Commission, stated that a kickoff meeting was held with SIRPC and HWC last week to begin the work on the Comprehensive Plan update. This week he is focused on creating a steering committee for the process. The team has a goal to complete the review and updates prior to November 2026.
Brian Robbins, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation, presented the housing study conducted by the EDC with financial support from both the county and the City of Greensburg. He highlighted several key findings, noting that while Decatur County experienced growth from 2000 to 2020, population levels have plateaued since 2020. The primary age group showing growth is residents aged 55 and older. The county also has a significant number of commuters, most of whom travel from Marion County, Indiana.
Robbins reported that 83% of the county’s housing stock consists of single-family homes. To better retain and attract recent graduates, the community will need to increase the availability of rental units priced below $1,000 per month. He also emphasized the importance of expanding community amenities.
Brian and the commissioners discussed how the study can guide the upcoming update to the Comprehensive Plan and help inform decisions about community resources and amenities moving forward. The following images are from the presentation that Brian presented at the meeting.
When asked how the housing study will support the Economic Development Commission in attracting new industries and businesses to Decatur County, Brian Robbins explained:
“I think it shows that our community is taking an active and comprehensive approach to our future. A major part of that involves addressing the needs of our current workforce while also attracting the housing developments necessary for the next generations. Essentially, we’re preparing for the growth that our potential can bring.”
Leigh Ann Dashiell, 911, received approval to enter into contract with INdigital Vesta 911 equipment in the amount of $223,167.23, and a $23,084.31 maintenance contract.
Don Schilling, President of the Decatur County Redevelopment Commission, presented the Redevelopment Commission’s 2026 Annual Spending Plan. He reported that the plan projects $5.7 million in available funds, with $4 million currently in the commission’s accounts and $1.7 million in excess revenues. Schilling noted that $600,000 has already been committed to projects including the EMA building, the Parks & Recreation Department, and the Fairgrounds building.
He also explained that the County has a cost‐sharing agreement with the City of Greensburg’s Redevelopment Committee, through which the city will receive $1.5 million in funding from the County RDC. Additionally, the Commission has a 2006 debt service bond payment of $2.1 million due in 2026. The commissioners unanimously approved the RDC’s Annual Spending Plan for 2026.
Schilling concluded by stating, “It is great to see how the community continues to grow and that the RDC can be part of it.”
The commissioners opened bids for the 2030 General Real Property Reassessment. Three bids were received- Vision Government Solutions $509,540, Ad Valorem $486,720, and Tyler Technologies $476,100. Dorene Greiwe, Assessor stated that her office currently works with Ad Valorem and they are happy with their work. The commissioners stated that they would take these bids under advisement and would make a decision at the next commissioners meeting due to the amount of information submitted with each bid.
Commissioner Gabe Nobbe stated that they are moving forward with having blueprints and plans created for the county pool. He said that as things progress, he will update the community.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose took a moment to inform the commissioners that he will be utilizing approximately $40,300 from commissary funds to purchase Patrol Rifles for each patrol vehicle in his department. The fund currently has approximately $112,000.
The commissioners approved Tammy Williams and Malcolm Myers to continue to serve on the Decatur County Memorial Hospital Board. They also approved Andrew Stewart to serve on the Decatur County Memorial Hospital Board.
The commissioners approved Commercial Vehicle Excise Tax (CVET) funds to go into the general fund.
The commissioners discussed purchasing a forklift to help with lifting tables and chairs into the second level of the new Fairgrounds Building. They want to purchase a used forklift and ensure it has tires that will not damage the floor at in the new building.
Chris Ramey – WTRE News
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