Community Corrections received approval to move forward with submitting for two grants.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose presented the Commissary Report for July, August, and September. Meyerrose stated that he has been approved to hire a new deputy in 2026. He requested that he be allowed to offer that deputy the 2026 base salary rate instead of the 2025. Council requested that this decision wait until after their salary discussion later in the meeting.
Erika Gunn, Executive Director of Tourism requested that they be approved to provide a $7,000 stipend to the Parks & Recreation Sports Coordinator to incentivize them to fill hotel rooms and bring additional economic impact to the county while the sports diamonds are being used. The council requested that she gather additional data and return to their January meeting.
Chris Noblitt, Executive Director of Parks & Recreation, requested that his department create a new position- Food & Beverage Coordinator to help with the complex and other opportunities that his department is getting into. The funding for this position would be funded by the earnings that the complex sees. Noblitt added that they have had a $112,000 net profit from the 2025 season. Council voted to wait to make a decision until they could have the salary discussion later in the meeting.
Mike Snyder, EMA Director, received approval and financial support to renew the contract for the digital signs that are owned by the EMA office, however they are utilized by several entities throughout the county. The council approved to cover half of the cost utilizing interest that has been received from the ARPA funds.
Commissioner Nobbe presented a request for up to $2 million in funding to be used for construction of the new pool, the Allen Memorial Aquatic Center. The proposed project includes a splash pad, four water slides, zero-entry access, a new pump house, new fencing, and additional features that community members have expressed interest in for a modern community pool.
Commissioner Nobbe stated that the Decatur County Community Foundation has committed $1 million toward the project. He also indicated there may soon be an opportunity to secure a $300,000 matching grant and noted that an additional $40,000 in donations has recently been received. The total projected cost of constructing the pool is approximately $4 million.
To fund the project, the following plan was outlined: $1.5 million from donations and fundraising efforts, exploration of an additional $1 million funding opportunity, and $2 million in county support. This would result in a total of $4.5 million, allowing for unforeseen expenses or cost increases during construction.
Council member Danny Peters stated that he would like to consult with Reuben, the council’s financial advisor, to determine the best way to address the funding request. He referenced upcoming tax changes in 2027 and expressed a preference to explore the request further after receiving additional financial guidance. The council agreed with Mr. Peters and asked Commissioner Nobbe to return to the January Council meeting for a decision.
The council approved the Salary Ordinance, adding that any employees hired in 2026 will be compensated utilizing the 2025 base salary rate.
The council approved all transfers, additionals, 2026 board appointment, and voted for Danny Peters to remain the Council President in 2026.
The council voted to approve all new positions, transitions from part time to full time, new hire, or salary changes will go before the Salary Committee to review. Those requests need to give the committee a minimum of a one month notice. Once the committee has time to review those requests they will bring those to the full council with a recommendation to approve or deny the request.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Director discussed the efforts being done to conduct the review for the Comprehensive Plan and stated that he sees that moving quickly once 2026 begins.
