Wayne County Council on Sept. 2, 2026 approved a bond resolution to repay a bank loan taken in the Hagerstown Library’s name, approved several interlocal agreements and technical updates, and received facility and flood-recovery updates. The council voted 4-2-1 on the library bond, moved to correct a statutory citation for mileage reimbursement, and deputized the recording secretary temporarily.
Discussion Points
•All county roads reopened following flood
•Attorney Ron Cross flagged an incorrect statutory citation on the county's 2008 resolution
•Cambridge City requested temporary use of county equipment for debris removal
•County will implement the state rate effective Sept. 1, 2026
•Courthouse elevator repairs weight-certified pending state certification
•Courthouse plaza lighting nearly complete; landscaping materials to be reviewed
•Donation of opioid grant funds to Cambridge City for police equipment replacement after flood damage
•Drafts of interlocal dispatch agreements sent to counsel for review
•Elsrod must sign an oath of office
•Goal to finalize and present for approval at council and commissioners' workshop
•Jail window replacement start date (Sept. 21) and switch gear shipping (Sept. 27)
•Library had a bank loan taken by a former director rather than following bond process
•Library implemented new checks and balances
•Library leadership stated there is no long-term repayment plan if bond is not approved
•OCRA now states Wayne County is eligible to apply for the Stellar Grant; partners wish to proceed with grant writing
•State increased reimbursement rate to $0.64 per mile
•Temporary deputization to enable Elsrod to take minutes for council and commissioners until Jan. 15, 2027
•Westside security entrance construction underway with anticipated late-November completion
Decisions
•Council agreed to proceed with the Stellar Grant application process
•Interlocal agreement approved unanimously
•Joint Resolution 2026-01J approved unanimously
•No formal approval at Sept. 2 meeting
•Resolution 2026-01 approved (4-2-1)
Directions
•Counsel to review draft agreements; finalize for workshop presentation
•County will update policy and correct statutory citation in resolution records
•Proceed with bond issuance as authorized by Resolution 2026-01
•Proceed with grant-writing process; review equipment loan request separately
•Recording Secretary to sign oath of office and serve as deputy auditor during the deputization period
•Staff to obtain state elevator certification; landscaper to bring material samples
Wayne County Council met Aug. 5, 2026, approved routine minutes and several contracts, heard a bond request from Hagerstown Library, discussed a MUST meeting on LIT distribution, approved a 911 interlocal addendum contingent on commissioners, contracted financial advisers, received several project and funding updates, and set public hearing dates.
Discussion Points
•Addendum removes cap on threshold for covering 911 services for Union County and was presented by Barry Ritter.
•Addendum to 911 interlocal agreement to remove cap; contingent on commissioners' approval.
•Appointment of council president as representative to MUST meeting; decision at MUST meeting would be advisory to state and requires unanimity.
•Contract review notes for Coonrod Financial Consultants; counsel requested closure of an open clause.
•Council approval contingent upon commissioners’ subsequent approval.
Wayne County Council met July 1, 2026. The council approved minutes, unanimously approved a FEMA grant application to buy a backup 911 dispatch kit (estimated $18,000, reimbursable), received a report of a $270,000 federal refund that must be appropriated back to the Cardinal Greenway Association, and heard a facilities and capital projects update.
Discussion Points
•Council agreed to authorize submission of the application; no procurement or purchase action was recorded at the meeting.
•Fairgrounds parking performed well during the fair; camping electrical upgrades were successful.
•Jeff Plasterer reported receipt of a $270,000 federal refund tied to a 2007 trail project involving the Cardinal Greenway Association.
•Matthew Cain described the grant as reimbursable with no local match required and estimated the cost at $18,000; EMA can front the cost.
•Plasterer said the county had no invested funds in the original project and must appropriate the refunded federal dollars so they can be returned to the association.
•Specific delivery windows for jail windows and generator switch gear were provided; courthouse entrance work resumed and contracts for security entrance are pending commissioners' review.
Decisions
•Council voted to approve the grant application (motion passed 'with all in favor').
Directions
•County Auditor/commissioners to prepare appropriation and transfer paperwork for a future meeting.
•Staff to obtain an official vendor quote and complete application materials; submit application through state channels.
•Staff to present courthouse security entrance contracts to commissioners for review before returning to council.
•Staff to provide procurement and contract details on sheriff vehicle bids and upcoming equipment deliveries as they become available.
Wayne County Council on June 3, 2026 approved minutes and moved several administrative items, heard updates that probation DOC grants will be discontinued with staffing moved into the general fund for 2027, reviewed fund and commissary balances, approved a copier purchase for Superior Court I, and received county facilities, procurement and contract updates.
Discussion Points
•A DOC-funded probation position has been moved into a general fund line for 2027.
•Ambulance, transfer station and jail medical services contracts expire this year; new contracts are being pursued.
•Change in law capping inmate phone charges has reduced commissary revenue.
•Council agreed to fund up to $5,100 from one-time funds, contingent on commissioners choosing the vendor.
•Courthouse vault redesign arrived; bids for west-side security entrance to open June 10; police cruiser bids to open June 24.
•DOC will shift emphasis to Community Corrections and will stop issuing probation grants.
•Electric service relocated and camping upgrades scheduled before the fair.
•Fairgrounds parking lot gravel to be finished by the fair.
•Four copier quotes were presented; preferred Canon quote was $4,790 with $188/year service.
•Generator switchgear repair parts are 5–7 weeks out.
•IV-D fund balance reported at $7,483 in the black.
•Jail windows delivery scheduled Aug. 21.
•June is insurance renewal month; projected increases are in the draft budget.
•Staff warned that missed payments could return the fund to a deficit.
•Three quotes received for jail water softener; evaluating compatibility.
•Well Care vacated a building on South 2nd Street; plan to relocate Wayne County Health Department there and consider selling the current health department building and 27 acres.
Decisions
•Council authorized funding up to $5,100 contingent on commissioners' vendor selection.
•Position reclassified into general fund line for 2027 (administrative, not an ordinance)
Directions
•Commissioners to form committee to develop EMS contract specifications; Barry Ritter volunteered to serve as council representative.
•County administration to coordinate with commissioners on vendor selection and notify council.
•Procurement to proceed with bid openings and vendor evaluations; staff to report back on outcomes.
•Sheriff's office and finance staff to monitor commissary revenue and report back if balances decline.
•Staff to continue oversight; no additional council funding requested at this meeting.
•Staff to monitor grant notices and report back with implications for 2027 budget.
•Staff to monitor IV-D receipts and advise commissioners if action required.
Wayne County Council on Dec. 3, 2025 approved a $132,075 allocation for the recorder’s perpetuation fund, created a $1,200 budget line for public defender case-management software, approved limited sheriff spending for a community toy giveaway, accepted a $9,239 interlocal opioid-settlement grant for equipment, and received a county facilities project update.
Discussion Points
•Affidavit for recorder’s perpetuation fund and proposed $132,075 allocation (presented by Debbie Tiemann).
•Interlocal agreement to accept $9,239 Opioid Settlement funds for body cameras and handguns with the town of Milton (presented by Steve Higinbotham).
•Project update on fairgrounds parking lot, drainage pond expansion, chamber lighting, speakers and planned courthouse elevator bidding (presented by Steve Higinbotham).
•Public defender contract requiring creation of budget #1200 and line 33200 for ZLS software (presented by Adam McQueen).
•Sheriff’s request to spend donation and commissary funds for a community toy giveaway and staff refreshments (presented by Sheriff Retter).
Decisions
•All motions recorded as 'all in favor' and approved: minutes approval; $132,075 recorder fund allocation; creation of public defender budget line and $1,200 transfer; sheriff spending authorizations; opioid interlocal agreement; adjournment.
Directions
•Accept $9,239 from the Opioid Settlement fund and proceed with equipment purchases as planned.
•Authorize up to $1,500 from donation line 4106.00360.000.0000 and up to $200 from the commissary fund for the toy-giveaway event.
•Create budget #1200 (Supplemental Public Defender Fund) and line 33200 (contractual); move $1,200 into the line for ZLS.
Wayne County Council met Nov. 5, 2025; the council unanimously approved the appointment of Abbie Blaase to the Hagerstown-Jefferson Township Public Library Board and approved four interlocal agreements to support the Emergency Tower radio equipment project. Staff reported on chamber audio upgrades, transformer work that will slow part of the project, and a fleet auction that netted a little over $12,000; a new fairgrounds marketing manager will begin Nov. 17.
Discussion Points
•Barry Ritter presented four interlocal agreements for emergency communications equipment.
•Hagerstown Library requested consideration of Abbie Blaase for the local public library board.
•Installation of new speakers and a processor in chambers; transformer pad installation; electrical vault work on 4th Street causing a temporary slowdown; online auction netting a little over $12,000.
•New fairgrounds marketing manager to start Nov. 17, 2025.
•Notary public in annex chose not to renew; commissioners will consider training another employee.
Decisions
•Agreements approved unanimously.
•Appointment approved by unanimous vote.
•No formal directives or votes recorded on these updates in the minutes.
Wayne County Council held a brief Oct. 6 meeting: members approved the Sept. 3 minutes, opened and closed the 2026 budget public hearing with no public comment, heard facilities and communications updates, and adjourned at 8:10 a.m.
Discussion Points
•2026 budget public hearing opened and closed with no public comment
Wayne County Council met Sept. 3, 2025. Council approved minutes, heard project updates including courthouse exterior and security work, discussed updating an outdated public records fee ordinance, received reports on local infrastructure and grant opportunities, and rescheduled the October meeting and a workshop ahead of the 2026 budget hearing.
Discussion Points
•Approval of two sets of minutes.
•County fee ordinance for public document requests is outdated; staff asked permission to draft update for council review.
•Courthouse west parking-lot lighting and electrical work scheduled to begin; sidewalk poured north of annex; prox-card computer arrived; lock-system installation scheduled.
•Elevator project received no bids due to after-hours requirement; staff to meet with courts to resolve.
•Gateway Industrial Park needs a larger water tower; Cambridge City will seek funding partners.
•MOU with HELP the Animals pending board signature; opioid grant application window open for September.
•Rescheduling of October meeting because of AIC conference attendance.
•Workshop date moved to preserve 10-day gap before budget adoption.
Decisions
•All motions recorded in the transcript passed unanimously.
•Council agreed to entertain an updated fee ordinance draft (no formal vote recorded).
Directions
•Aaron Roberts to meet with the courts to resolve elevator procurement/bidding constraints.
•Clerk to publish new meeting dates and update agendas.
•Staff authorized to draft an updated fee ordinance and return it to council for consideration.
•Staff to transmit signed MOU from HELP the Animals to council when received.
Wayne County Council met Aug. 25, 2025, approved an amended ordinance (Resolution/Ordinance 2025-01B) to impose a local option highway user tax (LOHUT) to maintain eligibility for Community Crossing funds after a 5-2 roll-call vote, and completed detailed line-item changes across multiple funds during a budget session.
Discussion Points
•Attorney Ron Cross said Resolution 2025-01B is an amended ordinance and a majority vote will enact it.
•Council members debated SB1 impacts, fairness and double taxation.
•Council requested additional clerk documentation (service contracts) and scheduled Ms. Pegg to appear at the next budget meeting.
•Multiple funds were reviewed and adjusted line-by-line.
•Public commenters urged different approaches: uniform charge, use of reserves.
Decisions
•Adopt Ordinance/Resolution 2025-01B by a 5-2 roll-call vote (SEG 068).
•Multiple line-item changes adopted as recorded in the minutes across funds 1159, 1161, 1222, 1169, 1176, Bridge Fund 1135 and commissioners’ budgets.
Directions
•Council requested Ms. Pegg attend the next budget meeting to discuss the clerk’s budget (SEG 031).
•Ms. Pegg to attend next budget meeting to discuss clerk’s service contracts (SEG 031).
Wayne County Council on Aug. 6, 2025 held a public hearing on a proposed local wheel tax (LOHUT); presenters outlined multi‑million-dollar shortfalls for roads and bridges, public commenters expressed opposition, and the council voted 0–7 against approving the ordinance as written. Council later declined to make binding levy recommendations for other units and received a courthouse project update.
Discussion Points
•Council decided not to take binding positions and to let the state agency (DLGF) handle levies.
•Council discussed flat fee versus percentage excise tax structures and potential per‑vehicle cost ranges.
•Council reviewed obligation to examine levies and budgets of other county entities.
•Multiple public commenters expressed opposition or urged delay pending SB1 changes.
•Staff presented HB 1461 impacts and funding charts showing multi‑million shortfalls for roads and bridges.
Decisions
•Council voted unanimously to make no binding recommendations (motion passed).
•Motion to approve the ordinance as written failed (0–7).
Directions
•Council will take no further action on the LOHUT at this meeting (discussion ended).
•DLGF will handle levy determinations for other county units.
•Revised percentage ordinance advertised for public hearing scheduled Aug. 20.
Wayne County Finance Committee held a budget hearing on July 16, 2025, reviewing department budget requests including courts, health, IT, and public safety; the committee approved appropriating the full $19,500 balance of the unsafe building fund for 2025.
Discussion Points
•Courts requested moving most staff to a 40-hour workweek and cutting pauper attorney and other lines to address deficits.
•Health department reported a large drop in state funding for Fund #1161 and requested increased contractual funding for a nurse; suggested using Fund #9181 as rainy-day funds.
Decisions
•Appropriation of full $19,500 Unsafe Building Fund #1207 into the 2025 budget (approved unanimously).
Directions
•Council requested a list of service contracts and amounts from the clerk; IT to obtain exact pricing for a government Microsoft account and meet with commissioners; Treasurer to obtain additional quotes for money counter purchase.
Wayne County Council met July 2, 2025, approved routine business including minutes and a tax-abatement compliance report, authorized a grant application contingent on health-board approval, approved the sheriff’s commissary report, and reviewed several county capital and policy items including a proposed live-streaming MOU that will require additional council funding.
Discussion Points
•Commissary fund balance and transactions
•Commissioners approved equipment purchase and policy adoptions
•Current line item $12,500 leaves $17,500 gap for remainder of year
•Elevator contract scope change added $22,000 to project costs
•Grant application would fund one full-time and one part-time employee and is contingent on health-board approval
•Legal review requested from Ron Cross
•List of abatement recipients and statement that most are in compliance
•Plans to replace and widen courthouse entry used by sheriff’s office; convert to circular drive and screen archway
•Proposed MOU with WCTV for $5,000/month starting July 1
Decisions
•Addendum approved by commissioners; equipment purchase approved; INDOT approval recorded; Fleet and Prox Card policies adopted
•Approval of commissary report
•Approval of June 4 minutes
•Approval of tax-abatement committee compliance report
•Authorization for Dan Burk to apply for the FIMR Safety Pin grant subject to health-board approval
•Concept approval contingent on legal review
•Concept approval for WCTV MOU contingent on legal review
Directions
•Commissioners to explore funding options for elevator addendum using general fund and Cum Cap
•Commissioners to identify funding from general fund and Cum Cap
•Complete procurement and contract updates
•Legal review of MOU by Ron Cross
•Legal review of WCTV MOU by Ron Cross
•Staff to identify funding source for $17,500 shortfall
Wayne County Council meeting on June 4, 2025 included a $25.94 million presentation on Morrison Reeves Library renovations and a set of routine county project updates; the council appointed two members to the redevelopment commission and recommended capturing 100% of available TIFF funds. Several departmental and vendor funding items were noted for future action.
Discussion Points
•HELP the Animals requested funding to renovate outdoor kennel runs
•Need to appoint two redevelopment commission members by June 15
•Plan to return in August to request permission to issue a bond
•Preliminary funding capacity review by Baker Tilly
•Presentation of the renovation scope and structural assessment
•Recommendation to capture 100% of available TIFF funds
•WCTV proposed increase in videography compensation
Decisions
•Appointments to redevelopment commission approved; recommendation to capture 100% TIFF funds approved
Directions
•County staff/commissioners to consider HELP the Animals funding request and WCTV proposal at future meeting(s)
•Library to prepare formal bond request and supporting exhibits for August meeting
Wayne County Council met May 7, 2025. Members received staff updates on several capital projects (annex generator, courthouse work, prox-card system), heard a financial update on an emergency communications tower, approved a small rise in the county's employee health-plan administration fee, directed IV-D courts to prepare a spending plan, and heard a report on a successful recycling event.
Discussion Points
•Annex generator installed and operating; punch list underway
•Courthouse exterior demolition nearly complete; elevator flue debris removal in progress
•Dunn & Associates admin fee schedule presented; council supported signature of new schedule raising fee to $50.00 per employee
•Emergency communications tower pillars to be poured in May; tower builds to begin in June; equipment staged at vendors
•Jeff Cappa requested an IV-D strategic plan from Lonnie McClintock and Austin Shadle by July meeting
•Motion to approve April 2 minutes passed unanimously
•Prox-card access installation and policy distribution to elected officials and department heads
•Recycling event at Seton High School reported as successful despite rain
Decisions
•Minutes from April 2 approved
•Support for commissioners to sign Dunn & Associates admin fee schedule (approved)
Directions
•IV-D Courts to prepare strategic plan for IV-D fund use by July meeting
Wayne County Council met April 2, 2025. Members approved the March 5 minutes and voted to use ARPA one-time funds to cover three county projects (total fund $2,050,000) contingent on commissioner approval; staff reported on courthouse and annex projects and a 90/10 agreement with Union County on WUR assets was noted.
Discussion Points
•Annex generator awaiting replacement part.
•Commissioners plan to transfer a part-time recycling position to the commissioners’ budget; transfer to Richmond Sanitary District remains a future decision.
•Courthouse plaza construction fence installed; work to begin next week.
•Elevator shaft waste removal handled as hazardous-waste disposal.
•Joint session agreed to a 90/10 split of WUR assets (90% Wayne County, 10% Union County).
•Prox-card access upgrade in three buildings, expected completion in May.
•Some 2024 coroner invoices must be submitted for payment from 2025 one-time budget; unpaid 2024 autopsies to be charged to 2025 autopsy line if necessary.
•Specific expenditures proposed: $250,000 for commissioners’ office restructuring; $11,038.50 plaza change order; $6,657.60 for elevator shaft cleaning.
•The ARPA one-time fund beginning balance reported as $2,050,000.
•Two WUR employees are Wayne County employees paid via Soil and Water.
Decisions
•Motion to allocate funds approved unanimously by council members present.
Directions
•Council approved charging the three listed expenditures to the one-time fund contingent on commissioners' approval.
Wayne County Council met March 5, 2025. Council approved February minutes and a request for the sheriff to use commissary funds for travel, heard a county staff update that up to $2.7 million more may be needed to complete federal bridge projects, and received multiple facilities and policy updates from county staff.
Discussion Points
•Brandon Sanders reported 8 federal bridge projects, 2 local bridges repaired since 2023, and 5 more needing work in 3–4 years.
•Jeff Plasterer reported the $5,000 contract litigation line item was exhausted and contingency will temporarily cover costs.
•Sanders cited a possible $2.7 million funding shortfall over five years if INDOT provides no additional funds.
•Sheriff Retter requested commissary funds for a Washington D.C. trip and SBOA approval was cited.
Decisions
•Minutes approved; commissary fund usage for sheriff travel approved.
Directions
•Commissioners will address the litigation budget in next year’s budget process.
•Staff to refine cost estimates and return with funding options during budget discussions.
Wayne County Council convened Jan. 2, 2025. Members elected Max Smith as council president and Barry Ritter as vice president, approved several routine items including a unit contribution agreement with Cambridge City, heard project updates and ARPA status, and noted a council vacancy with a caucus scheduled Jan. 14.
Discussion Points
•Agreement for Consolidated EDIT fund signature authorized.
•Caucus scheduled for Jan. 14 to elect replacement.
•Coordinate annex generator outage with 911.
•Courthouse elevator bid rejected; will be revisited.
•Kulman ceiling and lighting nearing completion in ~10 days.
•Nominations were opened and closed without further candidates.
•President to appoint EIRPC representative after consultation.
•Tony Gillam resigned effective Dec. 27.
•X-ray screening machine delivery must be coordinated with courthouse plaza project.
Decisions
•Authorization to sign agreement approved.
•Caucus set to proceed on Jan. 14, 2025.
•Max Smith elected president; Barry Ritter elected vice-president.
•No funding decision made during meeting.
Directions
•Commissioners to readdress elevator procurement in coming weeks.
•Max Smith to discuss EIRPC vacancy with council members and appoint a representative.
