Mila M. Shaffer

The board approved claims for the current period and discussed several operational updates. Key topics included the I-70/SR 39 exit project, with authorization granted to draft a letter to the Town of Monrovia regarding district intentions. The Aqua Indiana report covered customer service actions and a proposal to send letters of interest to the Towns of Clayton and Lizton for potential resource merging. Additionally, the board reviewed the American Structurepoint report regarding development plans, discussed financial reporting, and received updates on economic development challenges at Exit 59. Discussion also took place regarding compensation for administrative staff, and the board received a status update on a potential legal matter involving a rejected bid vendor.

The board addressed several financial and project-related items. Key actions included the approval of $10,600 in review fees and the acceptance of contractor quotes for the Thomas Feeney Drainage Project phases, the Pine Creek Drainage Project, and the Rudgate Drainage Project. The board reviewed but deferred action on quotes for the Barnett Drain project. Additionally, members discussed the responsibility and costs associated with the Danville Conservation Club Incident & Emergency Action Plan, received a positive update regarding a culvert replacement project, reviewed plans for roundabouts at State Road 39 & I-70, and addressed construction concerns regarding the Kate Lee Regulated Drain.

The Board discussed and approved Resolution No. 2026-09 regarding the Consolidated Liberty Economic Development Area and received an update on the 2026 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Commissioners approved engineering agreements and parking lot marking proposals for the Government Center. An ALS Awareness Month Proclamation was issued, and an Interlocal Agreement with the Regional Sewer District was approved. Additionally, the Board addressed citizen inquiries regarding easement issues, development concerns, and the status of a historic bridge, as well as discussed potential TIF revisions for economic development projects.

The committee focused on navigating the complexities of the new Local Income Tax system mandated by state legislation. Discussions centered on establishing fair and equitable tax distribution models, the potential impacts of rate-based versus levy-based systems, and the specific needs for fire and EMS funding. Participants reviewed financial models to address equity across different towns and townships in the county, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions to ensure stability for future growth.

The board discussed several updates regarding the shelter, including progress on the facility remodel such as lighting upgrades, freezer relocation, and the addition of dog runs and laundry equipment. New protocols for vaccines, cleaning, animal temperament testing, and euthanasia were implemented, alongside a policy to stop using expired food and medications. The board reviewed updated medical protocols for shelter animals and discussed improvements to animal control intake processes, including the use of a sally port. Progress on drafting a new shelter ordinance was reported, and shelter performance statistics were presented, noting positive trends in adoption and manageable shelter population levels.