Public Meetings - Washington, Indiana

The Washington Redevelopment Commission met on November 12, 2026, to approve minutes, claims, and the TIF spending plan for 2027, and to receive updates on the US 50 construction project and future highway work. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 17, 2026 meeting (Dr. Dahl abstained as he was not present). - Approved claims totaling $104,994.20 to Bank of New York for an SRF loan payment, and $17,885 to Baker Tilly for TIF estimates, a TIF report, bond balance review, attending an RDC meeting, assisting the auditor’s office with base mutualization worksheets, and budget review (the latter split among TIF districts). Discussion Items - TIF Spending Plan for 2027: Beth presented a spending plan prepared by Jason Semmler, required by the DLGF (due November 15, 2026). The plan outlines projected expenditures by category across all TIF areas; if actual spending exceeds the plan, a new plan must be submitted. Members asked about the capital expenditures category, which could fund projects like a building for the ROW. The plan was approved without opposition. - US 50 Project Update: Staff reported that the project is at the punch list stage. Work scheduled for November 18–20 (three days) and two additional days the following week on corners at 6th Street, 7th Street, and Hillside Drive. EMB will grind and repave areas on December 3–4. Completion expected by December 15, 2026. Stop signs on the multi‑use trail will remain until project closeout, after which the city can remove them. A member noted that a pedestrian crossing on US 50 near ODNF lacked a flashing beacon, but the city cannot change signage during the project. - US 57 Project Delay: Staff confirmed that US 57 (from the intersection near Evansville Church) is not scheduled until at least 2029, as funding for 2028 was rejected by the city to avoid overloading streets. - Other Business: Signed bonds were distributed; one member needed to sign later. No further business. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of September 17, 2026 (motion by Pearson, second by Ash; all aye except Dr. Dahl abstaining). - Approved the claims as presented (motion by Pearson, second by Ash; all aye). - Approved the TIF spending plan for 2027 (motion by Pearson, second by Ash; all aye). - Meeting adjourned (motion by Pearson, second by Ash; all aye).

Meeting held on November 9, 2026 at 11:45 AM. The Board approved minutes, claims, a resolution on electronic purchasing, and a notice of award for a stormwater sewer project. Members present: Councilwoman Ash, Councilman Dahl, Councilman Don (or Donald). Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Motion by Councilwoman Ash, second by Councilman Dahl. Approved unanimously by voice vote (Ayes, none opposed). - Claims Payment: Motion by Councilman Dahl, second by Councilwoman Ash. Approved unanimously. Board of Public Works and Safety Resolution 1-2026 - Resolution Title: A resolution adopting a written purchasing policy concerning the use of electronic means (email, etc.) for inviting and receiving offers. - Discussion: The City of Washington designated the Board of Public Works and Safety as its purchasing agency via Ordinance 20-98 (October 12, 1998). Existing purchasing policy was established under Ordinance 21-98 and amended by Ordinance 8-2008. IC Code 5-22-3-4 permits the Board to adopt written policies for electronic inviting of quotes. The resolution allows electronic means (including email) as long as they are at least as effective and secure as mail and consistent with IC 5-22-3. - Motion: Councilman Don made a motion to read the resolution; second by Councilwoman Ash. Approved by voice vote (Ayes). - Approval: Councilman Donald made a motion to adopt the resolution; second by Councilwoman Ash. Approved unanimously. Notice of Award: Morningside Drive Stormwater Sewer Project - Background: Bids were accepted in February 2026. Don Gress Construction had the lowest bid. The project was initially placed on hold until spring, but due to good weather and contractor availability, work began abruptly in late October/early November. The Board member (identified as "I") acknowledged the error of not bringing the award and notice to proceed to the Board before work started, apologizing for the oversight. He stated he had documentation that he signed before the contractor started, but admitted the matter should have come to the Board of Works prior to this meeting. - Bid Details: - Original approved bid amount (February 2026): $141,981. - Change order added, final amount: $156,763. - Don Gress Construction was the lowest of eight bids. - Timeline: Notice of award was signed at the end of October 2026. Notice to proceed was also issued. The completion date set on the notice is May 10, 2027, but the Board member estimated actual completion in about 30 days (weather permitting). The contractor is currently on site. - Board Action: Councilman Dahl moved to accept the notice to proceed and notice of award, second by Councilwoman Ash. Approved unanimously by voice vote (Ayes). - Status: Work is actively underway. Public Comments - No members of the public addressed the Board. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned after no further business or public comments.

The City of Washington Common Council convened on November 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Common Council Chambers, following a public hearing on Ordinance No. 22-2026. The public hearing opened at 6:30 PM and closed at 6:32 PM with no public testimony. The regular council meeting immediately followed, including a moment of silence for veterans in advance of Veterans Day. All seven council members were present. The city attorney was absent due to illness. The council approved routine items and unanimously adopted the ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes of the October 26, 2026, Common Council meeting (including the public hearing) was moved by Councilman Selby, seconded by Councilman Dahl, and unanimously approved. - Written presentation of claims: A motion to approve and submit the claims to the Board of Public Works and Safety was made by Councilman Schuler, seconded by Councilman Emmons, and approved with one opposition from Councilman Lunsford (though roll call not recorded). Public Comments & Testimony - During the public hearing for Ordinance No. 22-2026, no members of the audience or council offered comments or questions. The hearing was closed after two minutes. - During the regular meeting, no public comments were made. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 22-2026 (Final Reading): The ordinance authorizes additional appropriations from Equitable Sharing/Drug Enforcement and Forfeiture and Seized Assets funds. Councilman Campton moved to read the ordinance by title only, seconded by Councilman Schuler, and approved. Councilman Campton then moved to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Schuler. A roll call vote was taken: Councilmen Lunsford, Brown, Selby, Campton, Emmons, Dahl, and Schuler all voted "Aye." The ordinance passed unanimously and is now in full force. - Mayor's Remarks: Mayor Rhoads announced receipt of a CMG grant of $344,000 for the coming year (one of two submitted). Bids will be advertised and opened, with completion by January 28, 2026 (likely 2027). He also reminded the council that comprehensive plan interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to review two firms. - Street Project (SR 50): Councilman Dahl noted that work on SR 50 is scheduled to start the following Wednesday (November 12) and is anticipated to be completed by mid-December. A question was raised about the inclusion of Cherry Tree Close/Drive, which was not on the schedule; the mayor indicated the design was not built to specifications and a timeline would be provided. The council noted the need to communicate traffic impacts via media. - Mr. Bateman's Letter: Councilman Emmons reported that Mr. Bateman provided a letter to each council member regarding an unspecified matter. The council directed that the letter be noted in the minutes and referred to the city attorney for a response. Councilman Lunsford asked about a project on his property, and the mayor responded that work is ongoing and will be discussed at the next Board of Works meeting. Key Outcomes - Ordinance No. 22-2026 (additional appropriations) adopted unanimously by roll call vote (7-0). - Minutes of October 26, 2026, approved. - Claims approved and forwarded to the Board of Public Works and Safety. - Mayor to provide information on Cherry Tree Close/Drive timeline to Councilman Dahl. - Letter from Mr. Bateman to be handled by the city attorney. - Comp plan interviews scheduled for November 17, 2026. - CMG grant awarded; bidding process to be initiated.

The Board of Public Works & Safety met on October 26, 2026, immediately following the Common Council meeting in the Council Chambers. The board unanimously approved routine items, three salary/position changes, and a street closure request for the Veterans Day parade. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 13, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Councilwoman Anita Ash, seconded by Councilman David Dahl). - Approval of Claims: The claims submitted for the meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Councilman Dahl, seconded by Councilwoman Ash). Discussion Items - Salary/Position Changes in Water and G&T Departments: Three personnel changes were presented by Jeff (department representative): - Charles Willis: from Distribution Maintenance (salary $25.86/hr) to First Shift Operator (salary $25.11/hr), effective November 7, 2026. Jeff noted this is a newly created position at the same pay rate as other first shift operators. - Colin Allen: from G&T Labor ($24.77/hr) to G&T AT Operator ($25.72/hr), effective November 7, 2026. - Nathan Strange: from G&T H D O P R C O M P D R ($25.72/hr) to Water Distribution Maintenance ($26.70/hr), effective November 7, 2026. Jeff explained that the moves are to fill open positions and allow future hiring. The changes were approved unanimously (motion by Councilman Dahl, second by Councilwoman Ash). - Street Closure Request for Veterans Day Parade: Linda Cornelius requested closure of Main Street at the library going east, crossing Highway 57 to 7th Street, then north to Washington High School (WHS) on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM for the annual Veterans Day parade. Linda noted the parade's educational value and mentioned other groups participating. The board discussed the event's positive impact on veterans. The closure was approved unanimously (motion by Councilman Dahl, second by Councilwoman Ash). Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of all agenda items: minutes, claims, three salary/position changes, and the street closure for the Veterans Day parade. - No additional public comments or business were brought forward. - The meeting was adjourned.

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).

The Washington Park Board met on October 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a rental request for a market event, the proposed Memorandum of Agreement with Discover Downtown Washington (DDW), approval of a five-year master plan, a Lilly Grant opportunity, and routine business. The DDW agreement was tabled for further review, and the five-year master plan was approved. Consent Calendar - Minutes of Previous Meeting: Approved with a motion and second. - Financial Reports: Motion to approve as presented and forward to the City Council and Board of Public Works carried. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Wilson (Chandelier Barn Market Event): Requested a reduced rental rate for the Community Building to host her Christmas on Main event on three Saturdays in December (5th, 12th, and 19th). The board approved the request and instructed her to coordinate logistics with Kip. - Discover Downtown Washington (DDW) Representative: Attended to discuss the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The representative requested time for the DDW board to review the document. The park board agreed to table the item until the November meeting. Discussion Items - DDW Memorandum of Agreement: The board reviewed the MOA, which was modeled after Huntingburg's agreement. While board members found no issues, they decided to table it so the DDW board could formally approve it. The park board will sign in November and the agreement will take effect in January 2027. Discussion included concerns about event fees and park budget constraints (annual Commons costs of approximately $130,000 for bands, insurance, etc., and higher electricity bills). The board noted that nonprofit groups like Bethany Church and RTC pay $1,500 per rental. - Five-Year Master Plan: Superintendent presented an updated plan, primarily to support a Lilly Grant application. The plan includes a splash pad at South Park or Longfellow, tennis court/pickleball renovations, a walking trail connecting Longfellow to the Sports Complex, and a rebuilt basketball court at Eastside Park. Priorities are year-specific. Board member Pam Bartlett advocated for a small play area downtown, suggesting DDW could pursue a grant. The plan listed tennis courts in both 2027 and 2029; the superintendent clarified it was a duplication and the 2029 line could be removed. Motion to approve was made by Steve Weis, seconded, and carried. - Lilly Grant: The superintendent reported that Washington was selected to apply for a competitive Lilly Grant of up to $2.7 million. HWC Engineering (Indianapolis) is writing the initial $100,000 non-competitive phase at no charge, with a 10% fee on any awarded grant funds. The application is due by October 30. The grant could cover the projects in the five-year plan. Superintendent's Report - Grub, Grooves and Brews: Last event was well attended but smaller due to cold weather. - Christmas Lights: Hanging completed; figurines will be placed after Thanksgiving to avoid vandalism. - SAFESTOP: Scheduled for October 31, 5:00–7:30 PM at Eastside Park, with 25 vendors and expected attendance of 2,000–2,500 children. Board members were invited to participate by setting up tables with candy. - Christmas in the Park: Dates set for December 2 (Wednesday) and December 17 (Thursday). An idea to hold the board meeting during the event was discussed but not pursued due to logistical concerns. Key Outcomes - Approved: Rental request for Chandelier Barn Market (Christmas on Main Saturdays) with reduced rate. - Tabled: DDW Memorandum of Agreement to November meeting for board review. - Approved: Five-year master plan (motion carried, all board members to sign). - Directive: Superintendent to continue with Lilly Grant application with HWC Engineering. - Finance: Financial reports forwarded to council and board of works. - Next Meeting: November meeting will address DDW agreement and any updates.

Washington Common Council Special Meeting on Local Income Tax Changes: October 19, 2026\n\nThe Washington Common Council held a special meeting on October 19, 2026, with Clint Lamb from Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (AIM) to discuss upcoming changes to the local income tax (LIT). Councilmembers Brown, Selby, Dahl, and Showalter were present; Lunsford, Campton, and Emmons were absent. The discussion focused on the MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Task Force) process, the new LIT structure under House Enrolled Act 1210, and the city's strategy.\n\n Public Comments & Testimony\n- No formal public comment period was held. Township trustees and county officials were present and contributed to the general discussion.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Legislative Background: Clint Lamb explained that Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2025) aimed to provide property tax relief, prompting AIM to seek a role for municipalities. House Enrolled Act 1210 (2026) delayed the LIT restructuring from 2028 to 2029 and allowed for more local input.\n- MUST Process: Lamb noted that the MUST task force was designed for county-level dialogue, with findings due to the DLGF by November 2, 2026. Daviess County did not establish a formal MUST task force, though an informal discussion was held.\n- New LIT Structure: The new structure includes four potential buckets: 1.2% for County Services, 0.4% for Fire/EMS, 0.2% for Non-Municipal Units (townships, libraries), and 1.2% for Municipal Services (total cap of 2.9%). Distribution will shift from a levy-based to a population-based model.\n- City of Washington’s Position: Councilmember Selby reported that specific revenue projections from the Department of Revenue are not yet available. Councilmember Brown noted that a prior informal discussion with the county did not result in a formal MUST task force. The council expressed that preliminary AIM data shows a 1.2% municipal-only rate would not be sufficient to cover losses, and the city currently favors opting into the countywide municipal rate.\n- Uncertainties: Lamb stated that final AGI figures from the Department of Revenue are still pending. He also noted that schools are excluded from the new structure and the business personal property tax is phasing out, creating additional revenue gaps.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- No Formal Action: The council took no votes or binding decisions during this informational session.\n- Recommended Next Steps: Lamb urged the city to send a narrative report to the DLGF and to begin formal discussions with the Daviess County Council immediately, despite the absence of a formal MUST meeting.\n- AIM Support: AIM will provide the city with a detailed spreadsheet to model various tax rate scenarios and their impacts.\n- Future Collaboration: The council expressed a willingness to continue working with the county on a unified municipal rate strategy, warning against delaying substantive negotiations.

The Board of Works met on October 13, 2026, to approve routine items, a street closure request for a community festival, a contract for economic development services, and a purchasing program agreement. All motions passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the September 28, 2026 regular meeting were approved. Motion by Councilman Dahl, second by Councilman Ash. Unanimous. - Approval of Claims: Claims as submitted were approved. Motion by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Dall. Unanimous. Discussion Items - Street Closure for Front Porch Festival: Steve Belcher requested closure of Northeast 7th Street from Maine to Bantery Street and from Ban Trees to Walnut Street on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM for the Front Porch Festival. Discussion included concerns about driveways, safety, and ensuring east-west traffic on Ban Trees and Walnut remained open. Belcher agreed to notify affected residents. The board approved the request. Motion by Councilman (name not specified), second by Councilman (name not specified). Unanimous. - Economic Development Corporation Contract: A one-year contract for 2027 with the Davis County Economic Development Corporation was discussed. The board approved the contract with the expectation of securing an additional seat on the board. Motion by Councilman (name not specified), second by Councilman (name not specified). Unanimous. - Source Well Purchasing Program Agreement: The agreement, already signed by David and Beth, was presented for board approval. The board approved the participation agreement. Motion by Councilman Dall, second by Councilman Ash. Unanimous. Key Outcomes - All four agenda items were approved unanimously without dissent. - Steve Belcher will sign a required form before leaving. - The meeting adjourned after no further business.