Todd Hauck, Decatur County highway superintendent, told commissioners Dec. 1 that crews have been mowing, grading, doing bridge and culvert repairs, and that winter pretreatment is underway ahead of expected snow.

Hauck said he signed and submitted final FEMA documents for debris removal after recent flooding and described a likely 75/25 federal/local split; he estimated "approximately about $31,000" would come back to the county but said final FEMA award amounts are subject to FEMA review. He also said he turned railroad‑damage documentation to county staff for review.

On state funding, Hauck reported the county submitted two applications and received one award for $491,348.23, which he described as a significant result given the large statewide demand for the CCMG 2026 program.

Hauck described a new online ‘‘report a road issue’’ form on the Decatur County website that routes reports to the highway department and the three commissioners for follow‑up. He said many incoming reports were for state roads and that he referred callers to the INDOT help desk for state‑owned routes.

Discussing a Highway Safety Improvement Program application due Dec. 5, Hauck said the proposal includes LiDAR mapping to assess road widths, drop‑offs, obstructions and other hazards; staff provided a preliminary LiDAR cost estimate of about $300,000, and Hauck said if the grant funds 90/10 the county's share would be roughly $30,000 but final funding terms were not yet determined.

Hauck presented a proposed CDL training reimbursement program that would pay training costs up front but require graduated repayment if an employee leaves early: full reimbursement if leaving under one year; 75% repayment if leaving between years 1 and 2; 50% between years 2 and 3; 25% between years 3 and 4; and no repayment after year 4.

After discussion, the commission moved and voted to approve the CDL reimbursement contract.

Hauck said he would continue preparing the Highway Safety Improvement Program application for submission by Dec. 5 and will follow up on FEMA award information as it becomes available.