Washington Common Council Regular Meeting - October 13, 2026

The Washington Common Council held its regular meeting on October 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 200 Arnold Avenue. Councilmembers Lunsford, Brown, Campton, Dahl, and Showalter were present; Selby and Hemons were absent. Mayor David Rhodes and City Attorney Beth attended. The meeting included approval of prior minutes and claims, adoption of a resolution, first readings of two ordinances, and a conditional use variance for livestock.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of September 28, 2026, Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes: Moved by Councilman Dahl, seconded by Councilman Showalter, unanimously approved.
• Approval of Claims: Moved by Councilman Campton, seconded by Councilman Brown, unanimously approved to send to the Board of Public Works and Safety for final approval.

Resolutions

• Resolution 12-2026 – Participation in Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement: The council authorized the city to participate in the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program. Discussion noted that the city had already used the agreement informally and that it provides options for specialty equipment (e.g., dump trucks, police cars, fire trucks) while encouraging local purchasing when possible. The State Board of Accounts had recommended formalizing participation through an ordinance. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Ordinances (First Readings)

• Ordinance 21-2026 – Amendment to Purchasing Policy: This ordinance updates the city’s purchasing policy to align with state law, raising competitive bidding thresholds: purchases under $50,000 no longer require quotes; purchases between $50,000 and $150,000 require mailed invitations for quotes at least seven days in advance; purchases over $150,000 require competitive bidding. Council discussed terminology (“agency” vs. “agent”) and confirmed it matches existing definitions. The ordinance passed its first reading and will be up for final adoption at the next meeting.
• Ordinance 23-2026 – Amendment to Electric Rate Schedule (Repeal Municipal Water Rate Discount): This ordinance removes the separate, lower electric rate previously granted to the municipal water utility (estimated at 2% discount, approximately $30,000–$35,000 annually). The water utility is now financially stable and should pay the same municipal electric rate as other departments. The ordinance passed its first reading and will be up for final adoption at the next meeting. (The ordinance recites a public hearing conducted on October 26, 2026, as per the text, though the meeting date is October 13, 2026.)

Other Business

• Conditional Use Variance for Livestock – Debbie Goodwin, 304 East Side Park Road: The council considered the Board of Zoning Appeals’ recommendation to allow two livestock animals on the approximately 7.5‑acre property for educational and hands‑on purposes. The facility will operate by appointment only, with minimal traffic, and includes a staging building. The variance is conditional and does not transfer with property sale. Councilman Brown moved to accept the BZA recommendation, Councilman Dahl seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
• Request for Second City Representative on Executive Board: Councilman Brown expressed interest in having a second city representative on an executive board (likely related to a joint entity with the county) because the city is a major stockholder. He noted that sometimes he cannot attend meetings and a second representative would ensure city representation. The matter will be discussed further, and a bylaw change may be needed.
• Sugarland Road Issue: Councilman Brown reported that he had contacted the roads department about an issue on Sugarland Road but the contact was on vacation; a follow‑up is planned.
• Local Income Tax Discussion (House Bill 1210): Councilman announced that Clint Lamb from the Association of Indiana Municipalities (AIM) will meet with the council on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the council chambers to discuss options for local income tax distribution under HB 1210. The city and county are working together, but no specific numbers are yet available from the state.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 12-2026 adopted unanimously.
• Ordinances 21-2026 and 23-2026 introduced for first reading; final adoption scheduled for the next council meeting.
• Conditional use variance for livestock approved as per BZA recommendation.
• Follow-up on Sugarland Road and second city board representative will continue.
• Special meeting on local income tax set for October 19, 2026.