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Votes at a glance: commissioners approve rezoning, e-recording contract and routine business
Summary
At the April 6 meeting, Whitley County commissioners approved Ordinance 2026-04 to rezone land for potential MicroPulse expansion, a two-year e-recording partnership with Simplifile, travel authorization for an EMA deputy to sit for an FCC license, the 2027 holiday schedule, website hosting services and routine payroll and minutes approvals.
Whitley County commissioners approved multiple ordinances, contracts and routine administrative items during their April 6 meeting.
Rezoning — Ordinance 2026-04: The board approved a rezoning request from Brian and Sonya Emrick to change acreage on State Route 14 from AG (agricultural) to IPM (industrial park/manufacturing) to allow potential expansion by MicroPulse or affiliated uses. Planning Director Nathan Bilger said the planning commission recommended approval and Mrs. Emrick was present. A commissioner moved to accept the rezone certification and ordinance; another commissioner seconded and the motion carried.
E-recording partnership — Simplifile contract: Recorder Rosemary Brown presented a proposed two-year contract to participate in a Simplifile e-recording program. Brown said Simplifile charges a $390 annual fee plus $5 per document for routing recorded deeds and loan documents (fees that are separate from county recording fees). She also described a Simplifile vetting option that could allow out-of-state attorneys and title companies to submit records for a $25-per-document processing fee that does not go to the county. The contract includes an automatic renewal clause but can be terminated by the county with 30 days' notice; the board approved the contract.
Travel authorization: The board approved a travel authorization for Deputy EMA Director Brandon Rittenhouse to take a one-day exam to obtain an FCC license; the travel will reduce lodging costs because Mr. Rittenhouse would stay with family if approved.
Other routine approvals: Commissioners approved the 2027 holiday schedule drafted by HR director Jennifer Shannaberry; approved a contract with revised web services to replace the county’s former website host; approved payroll and accounts payable; and approved the minutes of the March 16, 2026 meeting. The board also approved the Ertle Subdivision plat on Bear Road, which combines two previously platted lots and vacates a platted easement, following a favorable recommendation from the planning commission.
Votes were recorded by voice; the chair announced each motion carried and no formal roll-call tallies were given in the transcript.
