Hancock County, IN - 10/20/2026 Commissioners Meeting

At the October 20, 2026 Hancock County Commissioners meeting, commissioners approved a $105,690 right-of-way services contract for the Pensi Trail project from 300 West to 150 West; the transcript names Kimley-Horn, while the motion refers to LPA. They also approved a Clark Dietz supplemental agreement not to exceed $7,800 for inflation-related costs after a project extension. Staff reported plans to submit four transportation projects for INDOT grants in November, including a bridge replacement, two road segments, and a roundabout; construction was estimated around 2031, and no grant awards were reported. Commissioners approved an $11,479 Windstorm blower for trail and facility maintenance (the transcript references Superior Mowers and Mowers and More) and authorized up to $5,000 for appraisals and related purchase documentation for two adjacent properties, subject to fair-market-value appraisals and attorney review. They also approved a $33,600, 12-month professional services agreement with Ledgestone Group Public Affairs, with out-of-pocket expenses capped at $3,000, and approved a $562,358.53 Garmong BOT Development II LLC invoice for the Sheriff Support Services Building, payable from the jail LIT fund. The building’s original contract value was reported as $5,754,527; the project team also reported using $31,000 of construction contingency for fire-protection upgrades.

Other actions included approving Drug Free Community Fund grant allocations and establishing the Indiana Trails Program Grant Fund. Parks staff received approval to investigate holiday lighting for the Shirley Heritage Trail extension and possible impact-fee funding, with permanent infrastructure funding to return for consideration later. Facility staff said they would likely put pest-control services out to bid. Commissioners also approved a Lincoln Financial Group insurance agreement and policy changes, but no contract value was stated. Public comment raised concerns about a proposed data center and possible tax abatements; no county procurement decision on that proposal was made.