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Home My WebLink About8-18-2026 GC Commissioners Meeting MinutesGibson County Board of Commissioners Regular Session August 18, 2026 at the Southwest Annex Commissioner Montgomery opened the meeting with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present: • Nick Burns, President • Chuck Lewis, Vice -President • Kenneth Montgomery, Commissioner Meeting Minutes - August 4, 2026 Commissioner Montgomery made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0. Approval of Claims Commissioner Montgomery made a motion to approve the claims. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0. Treasurer and Clerk Reports The Treasurer and Clerk reports were acknowledged by the Commissioners. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Health Department - Presented by Director Ellsworth • The July 2026 report was presented to the Commissioners. The Health Department has been awarded the GROW Grant and plans to hire a Community Health Worker through the grant. The position will coordinate with EMS to provide additional community health support. The grant has been awarded for two years and may continue for up to five years, providing all grant objectives are met. IT Report — Presented by Kyle Wallace, Parrish Consulting • Mr. Wallace previously presented server options to the Commissioners. Commissioner Lewis requested an opinion regarding whether the Prosecutor's Office should be placed on a separate server or remain on a shared server with other departments. Mr. Wallace advised that, for long- term objectives, combining the Prosecutor's Office with other departments on a shared server was the preferred option. • Attorney Spindler also asked questions, which Mr. Wallace addressed. EMS (Emergency Medical Services) — Presented by AJ Alldredge • The July Report was presented to the Commissioners. • The new ambulance was delivered, and they hope to put it into service before the week is out. • They are fully staffed. • EMS will hold CPR classes for all Gibson County high school students at a minimal cost of $22 per student. • Their internet is still spotty, but they continue to work on this issue. Gibson County Commissioners August 18, 2026 Animal Services • Animal Services reported 30 dogs and 56 cats in their care, with 42 animals in foster -to -adopt placements and 18 animals in foster care. • Animal Services continues to work through phone and internet issues and hopes the matter is close to resolution. • Ms. Werne advised the public that while the animals remain housed in the old shelter, there have been no issues with heat stress. • Volunteers have assisted seven days per week with care during the heat. • Animal Services has been awarded additional TIF money for the new building. • Ms. Werne reminded Commissioners they are still without a vehicle; they hope this issue will soon be resolved. • Ms. Werne also asked whether there had been progress in removing tree debris from storm damage. The Commissioners indicated that a tree trimming company may be needed to remove the trees. • River Oaks Healthcare will host the animals and honor Dr. Jim Feutz on August 21, 2026. • Upcoming fundraising events include: o August 22, 2026 at Rural King, Princeton o August 22, 2026 in Francisco o September 19, 2026 Golf Fund Raiser at Princeton Country Club o October 17, 2026 at Farm Ten 63 EMA — Presented by Commissioner Burns • All siren heads have been installed and are awaiting connection. Public Comments Gibson County Chamber of Commerce, Patty Vanoven • Ms. Vanoven encouraged the public to follow the Chamber's Facebook page and submit nominations for businesses to be recognized at the annual awards night in September. • The Chamber will attend the Regional Women's Conference on October 9, 2026. • Ms. Vanoven invited participation in the Chamber's current 144 Envelopes fundraising event. Randy Hall • Mr. Hall stated that the solar farms have an abundance of Johnson grass and other grass that is not being controlled. The Commissioners advised Mr. Hall that Attorney Spindler has been, or will be, in contact with the solar farms regarding the matter. Amy Miley • Ms. Miley stated that she lives on County Road 450 South near the railroad bridge. She reported concerns regarding the condition of the crossing and asked whether the bridge could be posted with a weight -limit sign. The Commissioners indicated that Engineer Holden would review the crossing and that the solar farms would be advised that the crossing is not an approved route for deliveries. Larry Michel • Mr. Michel stated that local farmers are attempting to spot spray and help control Johnson grass. He indicated that, if the County and State showed additional effort, more individuals may be willing to participate and assist with spot spraying. Gibson County Commissioners August 18, 2026 2 • Mr. Michel also expressed disappointment regarding the passage of the Redevelopment Resolution. He feels Toyota should maintain its own infrastructure and that county leaders should encourage that approach. OLD BUSINESS Old Jail Demolition Project Update — Owner's Representative George Ballard • Demolition of the old jail is expected to begin on September 8, pending utility shutoffs. • Mr. Ballard advised that one block of Emerson Street near the project site will close on September 8. • The Council approved funding at its meeting the previous Tuesday. The $1.3 million project is a turnkey project that includes a parking lot with lighting, video cameras, and striping. Asphalt work may be delayed until spring, depending on weather and project progression. Change Order #2 on CR 100 E Intersection Upgrades — Presented by Attorney Spindler • The cost of the change order is $29,686. • The change order includes an uninterruptible power supply battery backup and a new traffic signal with turn signals. Commissioner Lewis made a motion to approve Change Order #2 for the CR 100 E Intersection Upgrade, Commissioner Montgomery seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0. 110 N. 8' Street, Princeton — Approval to Purchase • Director Ellsworth presented the completed appraisals and purchase agreement for 110 N. 8t' Street. • Attorney Spindler requested that the Commissioners make a motion to: 1. Appoint and ratify the appraisers, Brian Woods and Brian Shelton, accept both appraisals into the record, and direct the Auditor to deliver copies to the Council. 2. Find that the purchase price of $490,000 does not exceed the average of the two appraisals. 3. Ratification of the purchase agreement signed by Juli Ellsworth on August 13, with Gibson County as the buyer of record. 4. Authorize release of the $1,000 earnest money to F.C. Tucker, due within five days, and authorize the President to execute the closing documents. Commissioner Lewis made the motion, and Commissioner Montgomery seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0. NEW BUSINESS Interlocal Agreement with Dubois County - Presented by Attorney Spindler • The agreement provides for the two highway departments to exchange services, personnel, and equipment. • The new distributor truck broke down, and Dubois County plans to rent its older equipment to Gibson County to complete chip -and -seal work. Commissioner Lewis made a motion to approve the interlocal agreement between Gibson County and Dubois County. Commissioner Montgomery seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0. Advance Network Computer Services — Presented by Mike Duckworth • No one was present for this discussion. Gibson County Commissioners August 18, 2026 3 GROW Grant Announcement — Presented by EMS Directors AJ Alldredge • EMS announced receipt of the GROW Grant, which is expected to remain in effect for five years at no cost to the County. The first set of funds is expected to be released in September. Mr. Alldredge stated that he believes the funds will be received by the County and then used to purchase a vehicle and equipment. Medical Leaves Commissioner Montgomery made a motion to approve three medical leaves. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0. Adjournment Commissioner Montgomery made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0. Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026 212L Nick Burns, President KennetK . � missioner �/Lb) skae, �- ATTEST: Mike Watkins, Auditor Chuck Lewis, Vice President Gibson County Commissioners August 18, 2026 4