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Resident urges Blackford County to answer grievances and provide public records; council says files are available
Summary
A public commenter told the council it has not replied in affidavit to residents' notices and demanded public records on topics including wind-turbine spending; council members and the county attorney said records are available and advised seeking judicial review if disagreements persist.
A resident raised extended grievances at the Jan. 7 Blackford County Council meeting, urging elected officials to read the Indiana Constitution and to respond in affidavit form to notices and affidavits previously submitted.
The commenter said multiple notices and affidavits had gone unanswered and asked the council to "show us where authority has been granted" for certain actions and spending. The resident specifically requested all public records related to county actions (including wind turbines) and argued that voters could be given a ballot decision if officials were uncertain about authority.
Council members responded that they have acknowledged the notices publicly and that county attorneys have advised the board that actions were in compliance with the law. The county attorney (identified in the meeting as Mr. Henderson) was referenced by the chair as available for legal discussion. Council staff also directed the commenter to the auditors office for record requests and said the county would provide requested affidavits and documents by email where available.
The council advised that, if the resident wishes to pursue a legal determination, the appropriate route is filing for judicial review; the council said it would continue to respond in public and in writing where required. The meeting record shows a continued disagreement but several offers to provide information through public-records channels.
What comes next: The resident said they would email the affidavits; council staff said they would supply records through the auditor's office and that the matter could be litigated if not resolved.
Quote from the meeting: "Have you guys read the Indiana constitution yet?" and "Out of all the notices and affidavits, not 1 response from any elected official in Blackford County."
