Warrick County commissioners approve zoning changes, contracts, grants, plats and purchasing actions in broad votes

The Warrick County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 8 approved a series of ordinances, development items, contracts and budget actions in a meeting that recorded multiple unanimous votes.

Zoning ordinances: The board approved several amendments to the comprehensive zoning ordinance that affect the R-2 multiple-family district. The measures, which the Area Plan Commission had recommended, include: replacing Article 10 (R-2 multiple-family) with a grandfather clause (ordinance 2025-12), removing the term "dwelling two-family" and retaining "duplex" in definitions (ordinance 2025-13), replacing the phrase "two-family dwellings" with "duplex" for consistency (ordinance 2025-14), and striking R-2 setback rows from the principal structure setback table because the R-2 district is being removed (ordinance 2025-15). Each ordinance passed by a recorded voice vote of 3-0.

Developer sureties and plats: The board approved a one-year extension for a surety related to Commercial Drive (escrow amount $14,201, case C2005611200) and approved a six-month extension for Willow Estates (Thompson Homes Inc.), which holds $52,008.15 in escrow for street, drainage and sidewalk construction; county staff noted Willow Estates is fully built out and therefore ineligible for a longer extension. The commissioners also approved primary plats PP2508 (Epworth Gateway, petitioner Deaconess Hospital, ~16.4 acres on Epworth Road), PP2509 (Grasslands at Turpin Hill, American Land Holdings of Indiana LLC, ~103.52 acres) and PP2512 (Epworth Point No. 2, petitioner Jordan Eichner on behalf of Epworth Development LLC, ~36.26 acres). Two agenda items were skipped because no action was needed.

Contracts and procurements: The board approved several purchase and supply agreements connected to the Warwick County Security Center and highway equipment. Commissioners approved a $49,528.27 purchase agreement for a custom console desk for the security center control room (vendor Winstead; Sourcewell dealer status did not apply), and ratified two highway equipment purchase agreements: a hurricane ditcher for $115,932.54 (Hurricane Ditcher Company) and a 2023 FT5-516 G3 diesel tractor with 70-inch forced brush cutter for $237,141.36 (Ag Revolution LLC). The board also approved transfer of a 2020 Dodge Durango from the sheriff's department to the parks department.

Financing and budget actions: Commissioners approved payroll voucher No. 18 for $679,697.08 and an accounts payable voucher for the period ending Sept. 8 in the amount of $2,437,450.23. The county treasurer's report for July 2025 was accepted. The board approved Claim No. 23 for the Warwick County Security Center totaling $1,414,105.41. For vehicle financing related to three new Mack trucks scheduled for delivery May 30, 2026, the county selected a Peoples Trust and Savings loan option (5 years, 6 annual payments) and took steps to complete required signatures.

Grants and interlocal agreements: The board approved opioid-contract awards (previously approved applications) to multiple local entities: Chandler Volunteer Fire Department ($27,400), Newberg Volunteer Fire Department ($27,400), Pigeon Township Volunteer Fire Department ($27,400), Skelton Owen Fire Territory ($27,400), Newburgh Girls Softball ($25,000) and Cancer Pathways Midwest ($25,000). Commissioners also approved two interlocal agreements with Vanderburgh County — each not to exceed $20,000 — to support pre-K (PRE to 3) and STD infection testing and treatment programs administered through the health department; staff said the health department holds an active CLIA certificate and is working toward private bathroom accommodations to facilitate testing.

Other actions: The commissioners appointed Dave Rector and Amanda Moiseman to the PTA VOA board. A previously tabled road-use agreement with Peabody's was returned to the table because required right-of-way documents and a check had not been submitted. Several agenda items related to the Area Plan Commission and subdivision reviews were moved and approved by unanimous votes and recorded as motions with first/second and 3-0 carries in the meeting transcript.