The meeting began with the approval of the June 2, 2025, meeting minutes, claims, and payroll claims.
Todd Houk from the Highway Department reported that the team continues routine maintenance and mowing. He also announced that he has been appointed as the Southeast District Representative by Indiana Association of County Highway (IACH) Board President Brian Dixon. Todd noted that the 2025-1 Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) has been submitted and approved, with funding on the way. He also mentioned ongoing work on State Road 46 near Batesville.
Commissioner Brian Wenning shared that he has received several calls from residents asking why certain roads are being prioritized over others. Todd explained that road projects are determined using PASER ratings, a standardized scoring system that evaluates road conditions. Funding is then pursued based on those ratings.
Additionally, the commissioners certified the Westport Covered Bridge to ensure continued eligibility for state-funded work. The certification simply affirms that the bridge is under county jurisdiction.
Abby Harry, Community Corrections, representing JRAC came to the commissioners with recommendations for Opiod Settlement Funds. She said that JRAC would ask that the funds be frozen for Hickory Recovery Network because they have never provided an MOU. JRAC has been waiting 6 months for this document. JRAC is currently reviewing another provider to fulfill these needs. The second recommendation is for $26,940 out of the un-restricted fund to be given to the Sherriff’s Department for work that is being done for to reduce overdoses and other items.
Eric Blodgett, Sheriff’s Deputy received approval to enter into a contract to begin using an app. This would also be able to use for warrant services, sex offender alerts, weather alerts, amber alerts, and other notifications to the community.
Doug Westerfeld, APC said that letters went out to two properties for clean-up. Doug stated that they are waiting to finish the ordinance before bringing those letters to the commissioners. Doug also presented four rezoning ordinances and received approval for all four. Doug said that Tim is doing great. Doug updated the commissioners on the Adams Township Volunteer Fire Department stating that they have received the plans that match the building and stated that they are continuing to work through smaller details. The septic tank has been approved to move forward as well.
The comprehensive plan scoring committee met are doing interviews with engineers for the plan. The next step will then be moving forward with the public portion of the plan to rewrite the comprehensive plan.
The commissioners approved Ellis Tents to supply tents for the fair in the amount of $6,189. They then approved Clear Sound for audio work in the amount of $2,036.40 which includes connecting everything up and testing all wiring and ensuring the audio is ready for the fair. The commissioners approved the portolets bid for the fair.
The commissioners discussed the HVAC at the courthouse. The commissioners approved the HVAC work to be completed.
The commissioners approved the YMCA Pay App #5.
The commissioners reviewed the proposed new county overtime policy, which would include the Sheriff’s Department, Highway Department, and 911 Dispatch. The policy will be brought back for approval at the next meeting.
As part of the discussion, the commissioners also considered cell phone reimbursements, focusing on employees in emergency services and those who are on call. The proposed reimbursement amount is $40 per month. The commissioners approved this reimbursement policy.
Brian Wenning provided an update on the hiring process for the EMA Director position. A total of 16 applications were received, and the board selected six candidates for interviews, with five ultimately participating. One individual, referred to as applicant #1, was identified as the top choice. The 2025 budgeted salary for the position is $53,650; however, the board would like to offer $55,000. Brian will present a request to the County Council for the additional funding. The commissioners agreed to extend the job offer to applicant #1.
The commissioners also discussed replacing the courthouse water fountains. Brian shared that, based on feedback from various departments, there is a desire for water fountains with refill stations. After researching options, Brian found replacements with chilled and filtered features cost approximately $1,550 each, with the courthouse maintenance staff handling installation. The commissioners approved the purchase and installation of two refill stations.
A citizen addressed the commissioners regarding 645N, west of 700 in Clarksburg, IN, noting that only 200 feet of the roadway is paved, and the remainder is overgrown with grass. He requested that the commissioners reconsider closing the road, citing safety concerns for his family and others who might attempt to use it. He also pointed out that dead-end road signs are already posted. Commissioner President Jeremy Pasel responded that additional review and work are needed before any decision can be made.
