[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6190911,"mediaKeyId","5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb","parentId",5038322,"title","Owen County approves $337,000 lease for oil-distributor truck; commissioners allow shared use and uptime subscription","audioSeconds",1157,"startMs",1673000,"endMs",2830000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb&start=1673&end=2830","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb/thumbnail_1673000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6190911/Owen-County/Indiana/Owen-County-approves-337000-lease-for-oil-distributor-truck-commissioners-allow-shared-use-and-uptime-subscription","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190911-f959ff5e4d884a4b4a24f4c4981a3026/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148176&Signature=dxESBQNssulKM9QvFT7sKRTGNY7Nq2JjkfhTQ1CWeUr61o00XD32AkTHe9TcYXuuXs9mDSBfVvsdMgXCLrh63BscgU6~pqgUKXU0B09~RUSonqOQjobBv~p5dfn3Z9y~UJR65NEJCj9Sw6yhs3gwe~9HydXizhFk4I9Vq7KJhQrbeVwUobWzhgg6aVy7wOj67yKl2W6n1ZqpYGGK-7HVejT6M-KQbf3d7RgsZtYiYCycLT5hZ29EubHsmTt3ujzVV~gSN-2W7xOynAT6vK4JcqMZ1hZTcSUteRvZV5N0qBqL3pUqw7ehTwyXxwhUsou843Q3QViwBs-SLICn0lNVsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Owen County IN","date","2025-06-20T00:12:40Z","article","Owen County commissioners on an emergency agenda item approved a five-year lease agreement for a new oil-distributor truck with total cost listed at about $337,131.67 and annual payments of $81,074.38 beginning June 2026.

The purchase drew extended discussion about finances, use, and resale or sharing options. Commissioners and vendors discussed training, warranty coverage and an initial two-year free “uptime” subscription service that routes fault alerts to a local service center. County officials said warranty coverage extends seven years for the engine and treatment system. County staff said the subscription could be continued afterward at a published cost (discussed in the meeting as a $24-per-month equivalent or about $1,852 annually). Vendor representatives said sharing or loaning the truck to other counties would not void the warranty.

Commission discussion focused on whether the county should keep the truck, attempt to sell it, or share use with neighboring counties to offset cost. A vendor representative said the county could recoup value by renting or trading the truck with other counties; county staff said they were exploring intergovernmental use agreements that could generate offsetting revenue. Commissioners also discussed a roughly $9,730 interest carrying cost that had accrued while financing and delivery details such as warranty start when the county takes delivery and scheduling of operator training.

The board voted to sign the financing and leasing documents with the vendor/lessor and move forward with delivery and training. Commissioners asked staff to finalize documents, confirm the subscription terms that are free for two years, and identify a county point of contact for uptime alerts. County staff said they will bring the final paperwork back if any additional subscription or sale paperwork changes are required.

Why this matters: The truck is a large capital commitment in a period the county described as having tight cash flow; commissioners emphasized they will try to maximize use (including sharing with other counties) rather than leave the truck idle.

What’s next: County staff will finalize the financing documents, schedule operator training, and follow up with an implementation plan for shared use or rental arrangements to offset costs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Owen County Com missioner June 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Owen County commissioners on an emergency agenda item approved a five‑year lease for an oil‑distributor truck priced at about $337,131.67, with annual payments of about $81,074.38 starting June 2026.","taxTitle","Owen County, Indiana","taxId",53880,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6190902,"9‑1‑1 board seeks repeal of 2024 amendment, requests broader authority; commissioners name interim point of contact",1403,4961000,6364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb&start=4961&end=6364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb/thumbnail_4961000.jpg","/articles/6190902/Owen-County/Indiana/911-board-seeks-repeal-of-2024-amendment-requests-broader-authority-commissioners-name-interim-point-of-contact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190902-e2fe4d6c4d631cc57a100bd2709bfc7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148176&Signature=BH-M58tFd0S1hiyGc7KzG2sdmtOFNP6kPU3gDTD4vxib8fih7Ja9cZqVD5pZGSM6TDoCJuAmEwvE9u-p14--gZY9Id~tY9qiTt41E6x4NuAAnQvl0tMArUeTBaR8m~~bORvDrOtVqptfUq8xld2hbkr1niGXhXH2jucGb9EEIOlKrp5pNOctYcqxNRmCvNnHwfV0ht2JWIV28CmRO6uLGZ2uAywbYtDnimBwa1xdmRrPqWuX-4ewpbJ3GFqgPsMUx7-j2MEIPj1fU55-IcBVr1uvmQQ79LVtJQDyHGP3tplfzVEif~7UHR8w9-PrT7lrjSqzBn2ATZOAx-g1~otwhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Owen County 9‑1‑1 advisory board told commissioners they want the 2024 ordinance amendment that narrowed board duties repealed and for the board to return to the prior 2019 ordinance with clarifications. The board said the 2024 amendment restricted its ability to advise on dispatch operations and subcommittee composition and created confusion about personnel standards and the board’s role in disciplinary escalation.

Specific requests from the advisory board included: repeal of the 2024 amendment; clarification of “personnel standards” so that routine personnel matters (uniforms, minor administrative matters) remain with a director rather than the board; removal of language that required both the sheriff and police chief to be mandatory members of any subcommittee; and an explicit process for the board to escalate unresolved personnel matters to the commissioners if a director does not adequately address them.

Because the dispatch center currently lacks a director, commissioners discussed a short‑term operational fix. The board and commissioners agreed to designate Chief Deputy Matt Miller (title used in the meeting as chief deputy/Matt Miller) to serve as the county’s interim contact and to assume director responsibilities for day‑to‑day administrative issues until the board returns with a revised ordinance and a new permanent director is hired. Commissioners emphasized that the appointment is temporary and that they would expect commissioners to be notified of significant disciplinary matters; the board said formal ordinance language will be drafted and returned to the commissioners for review.

Why this matters: The 9‑1‑1 center handles emergency calls and dispatch; clarity about governance and chain of command matters for operations and personnel oversight, especially while the center is without a permanent director.

What’s next: The 9‑1‑1 advisory board will provide markups and a draft ordinance clarifying subcommittee membership, the scope of personnel standards, and escalation paths; the county attorney will review revisions and commissioners will consider formal repeal of the 2024 amendment and adoption of a revised ordinance.","The Owen County 9‑1‑1 advisory board asked commissioners to repeal a 2024 ordinance amendment that narrowed the board’s role and requested a return to the 2019 ordinance with clarifying edits; commissioners named a county official to serve as an interim contact with director responsibilities while a permanent director is recruited.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6190907,"After storm, commissioners prioritize ditching, tree cutting and culvert work before paving; 13 roads remain closed",4124,2902000,7026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb&start=2902&end=7026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb/thumbnail_2902000.jpg","/articles/6190907/Owen-County/Indiana/After-storm-commissioners-prioritize-ditching-tree-cutting-and-culvert-work-before-paving-13-roads-remain-closed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190907-71e2d2a8b83f0529c4128079c646e5c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148176&Signature=m2B8zs76RIWoM6eBNMoCn72MbKeIagyMMDfD2FBlaSThYSJPFXKFQqeALk7S3Adc0abQJfv5uOIlJKFftYZEvTbGaVFXFivSQaaKgDemZrAJFnezyotO2r~wzzi-gdUBR-pKQaHq1G9nzvOxJsbVJlpaeTeq87356zG5rK5gxup3RJLzvA3iUvVzHyulTwQZCep7Jj2fDZAcpTt2ds4qIagYMBj7TkV0kkimbYhH5bBJNDlgLyugkj1wBDzFpJuk1GS2~Gb1Gto-GkImDawHw60JwjNn5FWn2YbxEBXZ3h87tvEnGjNM8G9YetuzDYRClA8Zc2cS2LhLQd8VtV5r-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County highway and emergency staff reported storm damage that left about 13 roads closed because of downed power lines and trees, with scattered debris and damaged utility poles. County staff said Duke Energy had staged crews in the area and that utility removal of live lines was a prerequisite to reopening several roads.

Highway staff described the worst locations, including a severely affected Clark Road and other sections such as Slick Road, Texas Pike, Rocky Hill Road, sections near the old dump, Country Club Road blocks and Short Line Road. Commissioners emphasized safety and said crews must avoid taking unnecessary risks while clearing lines and trees.

Commissioners discussed repair strategy and finances and agreed to prioritize ditching, tree removal and culvert replacement before resurfacing or widening roads. One commissioner said the county will not proceed with paving until drainage and right-of-way work is complete, noting that stone and paving applied before ditches and culverts are fixed would wash off and be wasteful. Highway staff said crews were working and six crews were deployed; county staff will provide updates and a plan for contracted tree work if needed.

Why this matters: The decision shifts limited highway funds toward pre‑paving drainage and tree work to preserve long‑term road quality and avoid repeated expense after storms.

What’s next: County highway staff to continue clearing debris, coordinate with Duke Energy on power removals, and return to the board with estimates and a plan for ditching, culvert replacement and any required contracted tree work on July 17.","Following a storm that downed trees and power lines, Owen County officials reported 13 roads closed and multiple outages. Commissioners directed that road surface work (paving) be deferred until ditches are cleared, trees removed and culverts replaced to prevent premature stone loss and wasted spending.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6190909,"Resident urges action on persistent blight and sewage concerns in Halton/Alcon Heights; county outlines avenues for enforcement",498,822000,1320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb&start=822&end=1320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb/thumbnail_822000.jpg","/articles/6190909/Owen-County/Indiana/Resident-urges-action-on-persistent-blight-and-sewage-concerns-in-HaltonAlcon-Heights-county-outlines-avenues-for-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190909-13a5501c1f055c52bfab0138780b7c3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148176&Signature=gGXIVhJKyzm~b7yURYPCzArXtl~yidd3IrLi6tRiLIGX6-qPP2UpolI-I76mMxfXmOcipcg5WQ8eUAR9SzZHRU-S2IYc6VhPASn-I6IluThJ6pVJxV~Scj75w07aBMuHo~E~XGTit8OIhkat50if0fBsw8VU3-Gkx7~W~Jx-boUvrc6g6-xQ04xBb9ZUhiIKwf-LaKYUX5tL7JEC-SiG5jwkKImuDCWGXqKTYvrauqCTVFzHu1zzbr--RhwlJ49z2pbS9uoX9olZXav9QTdu-D2v3zMz~z5bAK7vrUIbKy7q8AJQWzgCRtiOABSC~RWmAlgwIl5dFyzqMzbQLc60bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resident of Alcon (Halton) Heights told the Owen County commissioners about months‑long problems at a neighboring property he said include piled trash, an RV blocking sight lines, burning of trash, a lack of running water and intermittent sewage or human‑waste odors. The resident said he had spoken with neighbors and the county but that the situation continued, and he noted that the recorded owner of the parcel died in February 2016 and the current occupants do not own the property.

County officials responded that addressing sanitation and trash complaints starts with the county health department and the building inspector; they said enforcement typically targets the owner of record. Commissioners and staff described the legal and financial limits of enforcement: pursuing cleanup can require legal action, notice and, if fines are unpaid, assessing cleanup costs against property taxes. County staff cautioned that comprehensive remediation for polluted or chemically contaminated lots can be very expensive — contractors cited examples where cleanup estimates exceeded property values and required significant upfront payments.

Commissioners said they would coordinate a site visit with health, building, and county staff to scope enforcement options and estimate costs. A resident in the meeting offered to help with cleanup if the county pursued it.

Why this matters: The complaint highlights enforcement limits when occupants are not owners and when property contamination or debris requires costly remediation. County officials said they would focus enforcement on owners of record and explore legal remedies and tax assessments to recover costs.

What’s next: County staff to arrange a site visit with health and building officials and to consult the county attorney to scope legal costs and possible assessment against the property’s taxes. The resident provided contact information for follow up.","A Halton Heights resident described long-running trash, an RV obstructing sight lines, suspected sewage and a trailer on a property with a deceased owner. County officials said the health department, building inspector and legal process will be used to pursue owners, fines and potential tax assessments; cleanup costs could be substantial.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6190910,"Commissioners approve surveying for jail property swap; landfill parcel excluded",245,528000,773000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb&start=528&end=773","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038322-3c5ce221fae852c249fbfb06e20f83eb/thumbnail_528000.jpg","/articles/6190910/Owen-County/Indiana/Commissioners-approve-surveying-for-jail-property-swap-landfill-parcel-excluded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190910-688492d4bc2b922609e16ec461e20899/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148176&Signature=caSWsMmMXZP3E39EQxQsLznzNUA1qFRcEC2M-iJ0rdUu0nITHD7DUmqZdFOcWtAukYpXmoWKPB4wrYAPH3tdpu5jEFlesXD7ANI6rDS-ax-fhWNGLMWKseGhNxWgPnrWc40ugwZul4qS9jCazhIe0njjjKvGo8hDLIJtDGxF66XFZyEMj0dxc7rWAAV-0hddq84EX41Ox6BBAuGiy14O7mJci33wnVgWdBDnPKkrUdZwanXsx4Knq198MmV-yNQllF-026diNI-UxlBazz~BI~QkNxckoYOVJ5sRsyNpUMqh9nY87W7JkOqid680x1lDQZSw3Pq6WgQk57nFkaupHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Owen County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize surveying related to a proposed property swap tied to a jail project. The board approved hiring Tri County Survey to survey approximately 96 acres and asked David Meyer to pin and stake about 9.5 acres of an adjacent quarry parcel.

County staff and commissioners said a small portion of the 96‑acre parcel includes a landfill of roughly 6.7 acres; quarry owners Michael O'Neil and Brett Franklin told the board they do not want to accept the landfill parcel as part of any swap. Commissioners said the final resolution would reflect an acreage adjustment (reducing the traded acreage to approximately 89 acres once the landfill and buffer were excluded) and noted a planned 50‑foot buffer around the landfill to allow safe access by county staff and surveyors.

The board also instructed the county attorney to draft a resolution formalizing the swap language and the adjusted acreage to be exchanged. Commissioners discussed the long history of the jail project and said survey work and formal resolution are steps needed to move the project forward.

Why this matters: The surveying and resolution are steps toward completing a multi‑year jail site project and involve private landowners and an environmentally sensitive landfill parcel. Excluding the landfill from the swap reduces owner objections but also changes the acreage available for the swap.

What’s next: County attorney to prepare a resolution reflecting the surveyed acreage and landfill exclusion; survey work to proceed under the Tri County Survey quote of about $3,500 for the 96‑acre survey.","The Owen County commissioners authorized Tri County Survey to survey roughly 96 acres proposed in a property swap related to a jail project and directed staking of a 9.5‑acre portion of a quarry property. Owners of the quarry told the board they do not want the landfill parcel included in the swap.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Owen County approves $337,000 lease for oil-distributor truck; commissioners allow shared use and uptime subscription

9‑1‑1 board seeks repeal of 2024 amendment, requests broader authority; commissioners name interim point of contact

After storm, commissioners prioritize ditching, tree cutting and culvert work before paving; 13 roads remain closed

Resident urges action on persistent blight and sewage concerns in Halton/Alcon Heights; county outlines avenues for enforcement

Commissioners approve surveying for jail property swap; landfill parcel excluded