Marshall County trustees affirm Thomas McFadden appointment, reject commissioner vacancy declaration

The Marshall County Board of Trustees voted to approve Resolution 2025-6-1 on a voice vote, affirming Trustee Thomas McFadden’s appointment for the duration of the statutory term and rejecting a declaration of vacancy issued by the Marshall County commissioners.

The resolution matters because it resolves a dispute over whether county commissioners may remove an individual trustee without cause for the county’s sewer district board, a question board members said could affect the district’s independence and future decisions about sewer service and costs to residents.

During discussion before the vote, one trustee (name not specified in the transcript) said the board must remain independent once the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) determines a sewer district is necessary. “Once a determination is made by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management that a district is necessary ... they have the ability to act and serve the public independent of political pressures,” the trustee said. The trustee added the board did not believe county commissioners had authority to remove a board member “without cause.”

That trustee also acknowledged residents’ cost concerns if the sewer project proceeds, saying board members had heard public input and that trustees would “do everything possible ... to keep those costs ... at a minimum.” The trustee described the board’s role as listening to affected residents and noted the board’s obligation to the public.

Board members referenced the history of the district: Marshall County commissioners asked IDEM for a sewer district in 2022, the trustee said, and IDEM and an administrative judge reviewed and approved the district formation. The trustee argued that formation documents and IDEM’s order establish the board’s independence from “political whims” that could arise from elected officials.

A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; trustees voted individually by voice. Trustee Christopher Spear said “Aye.” Trustee Dean Coleman said he approved the resolution. Trustee Brenda Myers, Trustee Diane Parsons, one speaker transcribed as “Chase Dental,” and Trustee John Ecker also voiced approval. The transcript indicates one board member abstained but does not specify which member.

Following the vote, the board confirmed the resolution had passed and a copy was circulated for signatures. Board members and staff reminded attendees that a project information meeting is scheduled for July 12, 2025, at Plymouth Wesleyan Church in Plymouth; the trustee noted the meeting information will be posted on the county website.

The vote resolves the board’s immediate dispute over the vacancy declaration and affirms the current trustees’ view of the board’s statutory independence. No additional formal directions to staff or legal referrals were recorded in the transcript for this agenda item.