Hancock County Council: 9/9/26

Hancock Co. Council 

09/09/26

Terry Bynum

There were public hearings scheduled for 3 different topics, first on the entire county budget–no comments, then on the solid waste district budget–no comments, and then on the library budget-no comments. These budgets will be voted on the the council at the October meeting

After 2 more public hearings, the council agreed to appropriate $150K to Food and beverage, and 6400 to Foster Care. 

The council then hear a presentation from Fortville Area Rescue Mission(FARM).  They have begun a capital campaign to build a facility in Fortville, and are asking the council for $250,000 toward that fund.  They are at 400K now, with a goal of 2.5 Million and construction to start in 2027.

The board took the request under advisement, and made several suggestions as to other areas the group could look for money.

John Jokontas from the 911 Center asked for and received approval to advertise for appropriation of additional funds for 2026.

Brian Brees, an insurance broker from Walker/Hughes in Greenfield came back to the council with a request to purchase an environment/pollution insurance policy for about 86K over 3 years.  After much discussion the board asked him to return with some other options–larger deductible, smaller ceiling. 

Gary Poole from the Hiway department asked for and received

permission to advertise for an additional appropriation of $371K for road materials.  This is to replace money lost from the gas tax holiday. 

The council then examined for informational purposes a draft resolution removing a tax abatement.  It will be reworked by the county attorney, and presented next meeting for action. There are two abatements that the council has voted to terminate.  There is a lot of statutory paperwork and notifications that has to be done. 

The council then opened a public hearing on two Walmart tax abatement requests.  Paul Overhouser, a local attorney, made several points, maintaining that the abatements would violate the state statute.  Former County Commissioner Bolander spoke in support of the abatements. And Aleah Letterman also spoke

Both abatement proposals passed–the one for Indy 3 Five to 1, with Woolridge voting against, the one for Indy 6 6 to 0. There will be a Public Hearing on both of the abatements on Oct. 14 at 9AM. 

There will be a public hearing on the Local Income Tax ordinance on Sept. 29–a joint meeting with the commissioners (in the evening). There will also be a public hearing that evening on additional appropriations of 100K to cover invoices for the county farm.