Mark Bowen

The board addressed several administrative and operational items. Key discussions included a proclamation recognizing Correctional Officers Week, a presentation from the Indianapolis MPO regarding infrastructure project funding, and various approvals for the highway department, such as service agreements, bridge project supplements, and guardrail repair quotes. Additionally, the Hamilton East Public Library provided an annual report on community programs and demographics. The board also authorized contracts for governance, risk, and compliance testing, as well as electronic monitoring maintenance, strategic planning, and software licensing for community corrections.

The board conducted an election for new officers, appointing a president and a vice president. Discussion focused on the 2025 operational wrap-up for the household hazardous waste center, including a review of statistics and the identification of surplus equipment to potentially transfer to another governmental entity. The board also authorized the schedule for 2026 paper shredding events and approved January and February vendor claims, as well as payroll claims.

The meeting was a public hearing conducted to address the re-certification of net assessed values for the county. This action was necessary to incorporate new requirements mandated by Senate Bill 1 and ensure compliance with state law.

The board received an operational update regarding the Household Hazardous Waste Center, highlighting record-breaking material management projections and recent community educational outreach efforts. Discussions also addressed collaborative safety initiatives with local fire departments concerning electric vehicles. The board formally approved the 2026 budget proposal, processed vendor and payroll claims, and successfully authorized an interlocal agreement with the City of Carmel.

The board discussed several infrastructure and administrative projects, including plan approval for a new fire station, an engineering agreement for a local road structure, and permission to advertise bridge rehabilitation projects. Decisions were made regarding speed limit adjustments on 281st Street and grant applications for road improvements in Jackson Township. The board also handled a zoning request, several liability trust payments, IT service contract modifications, and adopted an updated housekeeping policy. Additionally, officials provided updates on the successful opening of a new mental health and substance abuse facility.