The Decatur County Commissioners held their regular meeting, beginning with the approval of minutes from the July 21 regular session and the July 31 executive session.
Highway Superintendent Todd Houk provided an update on the highway department’s current projects. He noted that reimbursement has been submitted to INDOT for the recent SR 3 detour. Houk also shared that the county’s latest bridge inspection report confirmed all Decatur County bridges are in compliance. Work continues on Bridge 68 as scheduled.
Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution allowing Commissioner Jeremy Pasel to act as the authorized signer for any INDOT documents requiring approval between scheduled meetings.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose presented the Commissary Report for January through June 2025. The sheriff’s department also discussed its ongoing vehicle fleet agreement with Enterprise. The financial projections made at the time of signing remain accurate, and five new Dodge Durangos are expected to be delivered in January 2025.
In regard to Cobia Solar LLC, the commissioners stated they are still reviewing the Decommissioning and Road Use Agreements and are not prepared to vote on them at this time. Commissioner Pasel indicated the topic would be revisited at the next meeting.
However, the commissioners did approve the Economic Development Agreement (EDA) with Cobia Solar LLC. They clarified that approval of the EDA does not signal support for the overall project but is a necessary step to secure funding for the county should the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approve the project. Commissioner Pasel emphasized the importance of the agreement, noting that without it, the county could lose out on millions of dollars, especially under the implications of SEA 1.
Representatives from Baker Tilly and Barnes & Thornburg presented financial and legal details of the EDA during the meeting. A significant amount of information was shared regarding the potential impact of the agreement on county finances.
To learn more about what Baker Tilly said about the Economic Development Agreement and what it entails, you can view the meeting at the following link: (13) 08/04/2025 – Commissioners Meeting – YouTube
Commissioners discussed efforts to potentially bring a public pool back to the county. Commissioner Gabe Nobbe shared that a community survey regarding the pool project will be released soon, emphasizing that the goal is to fund the project without implementing any new taxes.
Commissioner Jeremy Pasel added that he doesn’t believe the issue has ever been the idea of a pool itself, but rather the high cost associated with previous proposals.
In other updates, the commissioners confirmed that the HVAC system at the courthouse is now fully operational.
They also approved the OCRA grant closeout form for the YMCA roof replacement project, officially wrapping up the funding process.
Finally, the commissioners reviewed quotes for a new trailer requested by the county’s maintenance team. The quotes were taken under advisement, with further discussion planned for the next commissioners meeting.
During their recent meeting, the Decatur County Commissioners discussed efforts to potentially bring a public pool back to the county. Commissioner Gabe Nobbe shared that a community survey regarding the pool project will be released soon, emphasizing that the goal is to fund the project without implementing any new taxes.
Commissioner Jeremy Pasel added that he doesn’t believe the issue has ever been the idea of a pool itself, but rather the high cost associated with previous proposals.
In other updates, the commissioners confirmed that the HVAC system at the courthouse is now fully operational.
They also approved the OCRA grant closeout form for the YMCA roof replacement project, officially wrapping up the funding process.
Finally, the commissioners reviewed quotes for a new trailer requested by the county’s maintenance team. The quotes were taken under advisement, with further discussion planned for the next commissioners meeting.
