Hancock Co. Commissioners/Drain Brd/Solid Waste dist
Terry Bynum
11/2/26
4 hours of mind numbing discussion on topics that no one will care about in two weeks.
Drain Board–several variances requested and granted.
Interesting information about a new planned development of about 26 lots near Cranberry subdivision–North of Cranberry, and I think, on both sides of Hiway 9.
One of the Drain board members had to recuse himself, since he's related to the owners of the property, and the drain board atty also talked about potential recusal, since he represents some of the land owners.
Commission
Hiway report–received the bridge inventory report from the company that's been contracted to inspect all county bridges. There are 159 bridges in Hancock county. 23 of them are over 50 years old. The average age is 35 years. Average lifespan of a county bridge is about 50 years. 12 bridges have been recommended for rehab/repair/replacement–8 of those are already in the design phase. Hancock county apparently has higher average traffic on its roads and bridges than most other counties in Indiana.
Gary Pool did a hiway safety study in Hancock County. Examining accidents, injuries and fatalities. He claims Hancock will exceed $100k average household income by 2030–well before the county hits the 100,000 population level.
The commissioners approved a contract to repair some of the clay tiles on the courthouse roof that are broken and leaking. $66,700.
John Jakontas requested an increase in the salary range for the 911 Call center director, to be able to attract and hire highly qualified applicants.
Also asked for an expansion of the salary line for the Deputy 911 director to $99/100K
Dick Simon, County weights and measures director is retiring.
The commission approved a non-budget ordinance for Parks department donations.
They heard a presentation from a local businessman who wants to open a Cigar Bar in McCordsville. He's asking for an amendment to the no smoking ordinance.
The commission agreed to allow the purchase of software to more easily make all county public meeting documents ADA accessible.
They agreed to support adjustments to the Sheriff's department pension structure–as has been discussed with the Council for the last several weeks.
Solid Waste Mgmt District
Spent about an hour discussing normal business.
Major new–local recycling events have been so well attended that the events in 2027 will be split up and held more often on separate days.
One public comment at end of meeting–concerning Data Center ordinance. Person requesting that ordinance be changed to require a 2 mile buffer from residential areas, rather than a 1 mile buffer–because the noise is never ending!
