Henry County amends ordinance linked to Senate Bill 3 and approves Davis Township motor grader purchase

The Henry County Commission on March 17 approved an amendment to an ordinance tied to Senate Bill 3 that shifts the applicable tax year from 2026 to 2027 and signed a property purchase agreement with Davis Township to buy a motor grader.

The board’s motion to amend the Jan. 27, 2026 ordinance regarding Senate Bill 3 (cited in the meeting as RSM 137105) was made by Commissioner J. Bradley and seconded by Commissioner Mark Larson; the motion carried on a roll-call vote with commissioners recorded as voting yes. Commissioners said the amendment was necessary because of timing constraints related to implementing tax credits should voters approve changes referenced in the state bill.

In the same meeting, Commissioner Bradley moved and Commissioner Larson seconded to sign the purchase agreement with Davis Township for a motor grader; that motion also passed on roll-call. Commissioners instructed township coordinator Dennis Bowers to prepare a price sheet itemizing charges townships can expect for services such as ditching, mowing and bridge-related work.

Clerk Merritt confirmed that all documentation for the bids and the Davis Township contract would be circulated and asked staff to ensure future bid packets include cover emails and attachments to avoid procurement confusion. The agenda listed the truck vendor’s quoted price as $65,872 and estimated current production in May; officials noted production dates and prices could change depending on order timing.

With the motions carried, commissioners also noted they will not hold a meeting on March 19 and moved on to routine business.