The Blackford County Council convened on September 17, 2025, to address significant issues regarding the proposed formation of the Bauchner County Sewer District and the county's ambulance service. The meeting began with a public comment session, where Dennis Layman, representing concerned property owners, voiced strong opposition to the sewer district. He presented over 850 signed petitions against the initiative, arguing that the public had been misled about the necessity and costs associated with the project.

Layman criticized the claims that the sewer district was state-mandated, asserting that there was no such requirement. He highlighted concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers, stating that the proposed $30 million project would involve costly connections for residents, even if their existing systems were compliant. He urged the council to reconsider the formation of the sewer district, suggesting that alternative solutions could be more cost-effective.

Following Layman's remarks, Thomas Barclay from Commonwealth Engineers addressed the council. He emphasized the importance of clarifying misconceptions about the sewer district and its implications. Barclay noted that while the state encourages the establishment of sewer districts, it does not mandate them. He explained that the state has introduced waivers for residents, allowing them to delay mandatory hookups based on the condition of their septic systems.

Barclay's presentation aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sewer district's potential benefits and operations, encouraging a collaborative discussion among council members and commissioners. He reassured attendees that the initiative was not a forced requirement but rather a response to the state's push for septic system elimination.

The meeting concluded without a formal vote on the sewer district, leaving the council to deliberate further on the public's concerns and the information presented by Commonwealth Engineers. The council's next steps remain to be determined as they continue to weigh the implications of the proposed sewer district against community feedback.