Washington Common Council Meeting & Public Hearing – October 26, 2026

A public hearing and regular Common Council meeting were held on October 26, 2026, in the Common Council Chambers, 200 Harned Avenue, Washington, Indiana. The council addressed several ordinances, a resolution, a TIF spending plan, and a plat approval, along with a public comment from a local health coalition. The public hearing on Ordinance No. 23-2026 was opened and closed with no questions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes of the October 13, 2026 regular meeting and October 19, 2026 special meeting were approved as written. Councilman Campton and Councilman Lunsford abstained from the October 19th minutes; Councilman Selby and Councilman Emmons abstained from the October 13th minutes. Motion by Councilman Dahl, second by Councilman Showalter; all in favor with noted abstentions.
• Claims: The written presentation of claims was approved and sent to the Board of Public Works and Safety for final approval. Motion by Councilman Emmons, second by Councilman Selby; all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Olivia Finley, representing the Davis County Got Health Free Coalition, spoke about the coalition's work to protect residents from secondhand smoke and commercial tobacco harms. She noted nearly 100 supporters for a tobacco-free air initiative in Washington and partnerships with Washington Community Schools and local businesses, including helping the BFW post in Odon and Boyd Grain locations go smoke-free. The mayor acknowledged the coalition's past efforts and the progress made.

Discussion Items

• Resolution No. 13-2026 – Police Fund Transfer: A transfer of $28,000 within the Police Department from Machinery and Equipment (account 2640.000) to another category to cover remaining costs for police cars. Motion to read and approve by Councilman Campton, second by Councilman Selby; all in favor. The resolution was passed.
• Ordinance No. 21-2026 – Purchasing Policy Amendment (Final Reading): An ordinance amending the purchasing policy in the City of Washington Code of Ordinances to align with state standards. Discussion included a noted need for a written policy on electronic means (email/fax) for invitations, which the administration is preparing for the next meeting. Motion to approve by Councilman Campton, second by Councilman Brown; roll call vote: all ayes (7-0).
• Ordinance No. 23-2026 – Amendment to Ordinance 5-2026 and Chapter 50 (Final Reading): This ordinance removed the Municipal Water Service (MWS) from the schedule of rates and charges for electric service, as amended April 27, 2026. The public hearing earlier in the evening had no questions. Motion to approve by Councilman Campton, second by Councilman Emmons; roll call vote: all ayes (7-0).
• Ordinance No. 22-2026 – Additional Appropriation (Introduction): An ordinance for additional appropriation of $6,400 from seized assets (account 248A) for capital outlays/equipment, related to unexpected costs for two radar units. A public hearing was noted for November 9, 2026. The ordinance will be up for adoption at the next meeting. No vote taken; introduction only.
• TIF Annual Spending Plan for 2027: Presentation of the Tax Increment Finance spending plan for 2027, totaling approximately $2,048,790 (likely combining all three TIF areas). The plan is required annually by the state and has no specific spending commitments at this time. Motion to approve by Councilman Dahl, second by Councilman Campton; all in favor.
• Plat Approval – Lot No. 1, Gateway Crossing: Approval of a replat for the HUPS gas station expansion. The original rezone was approved months ago. The expansion adds about 50 feet to the kitchen and relocates diesel pumps; it had already cleared the Planning Commission. Council voted to approve the plat, with Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer to sign; also signed by the Planning Commission president. Motion by Councilman Campton, second by Councilman Showalter; all in favor.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 21-2026 (Purchasing Policy) adopted on final reading with a 7-0 roll call vote.
• Ordinance 23-2026 (MWS rate removal) adopted on final reading with a 7-0 roll call vote.
• Resolution 13-2026 (Police fund transfer) approved.
• TIF Spending Plan for 2027 approved.
• Plat for Gateway Crossing Lot 1 approved; signatures authorized.
• Ordinance 22-2026 introduced; will be considered for adoption at the next regular meeting.
• Announcements: Veterans Day parade scheduled for Sunday, November 8 (or November 9), treat-or-treat event at the park Saturday from 5-7:30 PM, and a road drainage issue with Ms. Donald discussed (deferred to early spring for work overseen by Mr. Roach).