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Residents ask Hendricks County to change background-check vendor, beef up EOC staff and clear roadside debris
Summary
Public commenters raised emergency-preparedness and operational concerns: a resident asked that MRC background checks be handled by the Sheriff’s Department rather than a third-party vendor, another asked for a larger EOC and more EMA staff, and property owners asked the Highway Department to prioritize cleanup of debris on a newly purchased right-of-way parcel.
During the public-comment portion of the Hendricks County commissioners’ meeting on Feb. 24, several residents raised concerns about emergency preparedness, vendor background checks and roadside debris.
Jay Thompson of Pittsboro asked the Health Department to allow his Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) background check to be completed by the Sheriff’s Department instead of a third-party vendor, citing identity-theft concerns. Thompson also urged the county to consider a larger Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and additional EMA staff to improve readiness for a major natural disaster. He asked how long the 911 center’s internet feeds for fire radio traffic would remain down; Commissioner Dennis W. Dawes said, "I did not know how long it would be down." The minutes record Thompson's identity-theft concern and his requests for enhanced EOC capacity.
Carl and Michelle Denny asked the Highway Department to reconsider the priority assigned to cleaning up a half-acre of debris on a right-of-way parcel the county purchased for a bridge project at County Road 200 N. and County Road 1050 E., saying removal would enhance county beautification. John Ayers told the commissioners the department lacks manpower and considers trash pickup low priority; the commissioners said they would look into the matter.
No formal actions were taken during public comment; commissioners acknowledged the concerns and directed staff to follow up where appropriate.
