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Jay County commissioners approve routine claims, amend Sun Chief solar agreement and OK radio interlocal
Summary
At a June 8 meeting, the Jay County Commissioners unanimously approved routine minutes and claims, approved an amendment clarifying when Sun Chief Solar's project is considered 'construction complete,' and approved an interlocal radio-agreement that assigns warranty costs to Redkey Volunteer Fire Department.
The Jay County Commissioners met June 8 in the courthouse auditorium and handled a series of routine approvals, including claims, departmental reports and two intergovernmental agreements.
Duane Monroe, president, called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and the board unanimously approved the May 26, 2026 minutes after a motion by Commissioner Chad Aker and a second by Commissioner Doug Horn.
Kevin DeCamp, project manager, presented a first-quarter Lifestream claim to the Indiana Department of Transportation for $194,000; commissioners approved the claim on a unanimous vote (motion by Aker, second by Horn). Emergency Management Director Samantha Rhodehamel gave a quarterly operations update, reporting three grants in progress (Multi Hazard Mitigation, the SEED Grant and an EMPG FY25 salary reimbursement grant that the county has received and is closing out), regional trainings and work to reprogram police radios and update MOUs with the Red Cross.
Highway Superintendent Bob Howell reported the county delayed chip-and-seal work because of weather but expects to start a 71-mile program next week. Howell presented a right-of-way claim of $2,600 related to Bridge No. 159; the claim was approved unanimously on a motion by Doug Horn and a second by Chad Aker. Howell also described a proposed private grinding facility to be located on 500 S between 400 and 475 E and raised concerns about whether the stone road could sustain an estimated 15 truck trips per day. County attorney Wes Schemenaur said staff could mark a Pioneer Truck route to guide traffic without amending the ordinance immediately.
The board approved an amended economic development agreement for Sun Chief Solar (also referenced as Scout Energy) that narrows the definition of "construction completion." The amendment specifies construction completion when the project is installed and able to generate electricity. The company is targeting October 2027, with a contractual deadline of Dec. 31, 2027; the amendment still requires approval by the county council and the plan commission before becoming effective. Commissioners approved the amendment unanimously (motion by Doug Horn, second by Chad Aker).
The board also approved an interlocal agreement with the Redkey Volunteer Fire Department to participate in the county's new radio system. The agreement assigns Redkey responsibility for equipment warranty costs over five years ($4,410.80) and for costs tied to SMART features; the commissioners approved the agreement unanimously (motion by Chad Aker, second by Doug Horn).
In routine business, commissioners approved the payroll docket, the April treasurer's report and the May clerk's monthly report, and they approved claims related to the June 2026 property tax settlement. The public session adjourned at 9:45 a.m.; the board then met in executive session from 9:45 a.m. to 11:02 a.m. to discuss security-system implementation and contract negotiations under Indiana Code authorities cited by counsel.
Votes at a glance - Approval of May 26, 2026 minutes: passed unanimously (motion: Chad Aker; second: Doug Horn). - Lifestream first-quarter claim to INDOT ($194,000): passed unanimously (motion: Chad Aker; second: Doug Horn). - ROW claim for Bridge #159 ($2,600): passed unanimously (motion: Doug Horn; second: Chad Aker). - Sun Chief Solar amended economic development agreement (defines construction completion; target Oct. 2027, contract deadline Dec. 31, 2027): passed unanimously (motion: Doug Horn; second: Chad Aker); requires county council and plan commission approval. - Radio interlocal agreement with Redkey VFD (warranty costs $4,410.80 over five years; SMART features costs assigned to Redkey): passed unanimously (motion: Chad Aker; second: Doug Horn). - Payroll docket, treasurer's report (April), clerk's monthly report (May), and claims related to the June 2026 property tax settlement: passed unanimously (motions as noted in minutes).
The board directed staff to circulate the proposed right-of-way ordinance update for review; no formal vote on the ordinance took place. The meeting concluded and the board entered executive session under the cited Indiana Code provisions.
