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Legal review urges overhaul of Solid Waste Management District governance; director reports successful tire event
Summary
County legal counsel told the Solid Waste Management District board it should update its district plan, interlocal agreements and membership to align with Indiana statute; the director reported a recent tire event that collected 931 tires and 83 participants. The board directed next steps with its advisory committee and attorneys.
Legal counsel for the Hancock County Solid Waste Management District told the board Aug. 4 that the district’s governance documents and operational structure require substantial review and likely revision to align with Indiana Code 13-21-3 and current practice.
Attorney Michael Frishkorn summarized the review: "solid waste management districts, their authority is under the Indiana code title, 13 21 3," and told the board the district’s plan and interlocal agreements (notably a 2008 agreement with county government) had been amended over time in ways that blurred the line between county departments and the district. Counsel recommended revamping the district plan, clarifying whether the director and program coordinator are district employees or county employees, confirming the statutory composition and appointment processes for the advisory committee, and instituting clear accounting and internal controls so grant and event funds are handled consistently.
District director Didi gave the board a program update and financial summary for recent events, and described a successful tire collection: "we collected 931 tires, and we had 83 participants." Counsel and board members discussed the Purdue MOU (now expired), IT and email access tied to Purdue, and options for making the director an employee of the solid waste district rather than a county-contracted position. The board directed staff to brief the advisory committee, to gather municipal input about service needs, and to return with updated documents and budget recommendations in time for 2028 budget planning.
The board also adopted an electronic-participation policy for the Solid Waste Management District (resolution 8-4-2026-SW) and authorized the director to apply for an IDEM material-management planning grant (maximum $20,000). Counsel indicated the board should meet statutory advisory-committee requirements and suggested a fresh district plan would best support operations going forward.
