1 SEPT 2026 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
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Present: Duane Bischoff, acting chairman, and Kevin Turner
ABSENT: Jim Thatcher
Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator.
Jeff Cotton, Commissioner Candidate, was also present.
TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.
OLD BUSINESS
Applications for EMT Sponsorships, Jason Sullivan, EMA/EMS Director -Jason Sullivan- There were changes in the draft made by Baudendistel. Turner said he had read it and was I favor. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on Board Appointment Process- Jim tasked him last year per Bischoff and he put in a rough idea of the application and Turner had recommended a background check by local sheriff’s office be added. Baudendistel said they might want to reference this in the code of ordinances as we are formalizing the process of using applications for boards. They would also send this on to other boards. If there is a FOIA use here- so they will eliminate home addresses on applications if those records are requested. Decided to Table this for further review and get the changes put in.
Sue Hayden said the application applies to member positions that are at the end of their term. Baudendistel said there is a new IN Code that went in saying that if a member is appointed by a board , they can only be removed by that same board. He clarified that does not apply to those members that have completed their term. This applies to mid term replacements only. Only a few members are up for reappointment now. TABLED
Discussion on Public Notices Posted on Website- Bischoff- starting on January 1, 2027- they can be posted on the website instead of the local paper. Turner thinks they should do both. He said to remember not everyone has access to the internet. We still have the newspaper because the printed word is good. He asked the opinion of the auditor. She said the reasoning was to save money. No offense to Marc (Emral- from the paper). Will learn more at conference when they go there. Sue Hayden- We still have to put the annual meetings notice at the beginning of the year. Bischoff- wants it to be as many places as we can to get that notice out. Baudendistel referenced- House Act 1210 and IC 5-3-1- 1.5 takes effect July 1, 2027. Publish n any one of the following: newspaper, locality newspaper and the county website. Something to keep an eye on for future. TABLED for further discussion- and also for Jim Thatcher to be present.
Lawrenceburg Library Appointment for Susan Ketcham- Sue Hayden presented. She replaced Gary Gellert. Term begins again in January. Approved to reappoint her.
ADMINISTRATOR- Sue Hayden- nothing more
AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold -Claims/Payroll and August 18th Minutes- APPROVED
ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel-nothing
PUBLIC COMMENT: Brandon Lang- resident Lake Tambo Rd and paid Consultant working with Linnea Energy to secure the rights of landowners to develop their land for solar. Read County website Commissioners page- First item is that they are to promote the growth and development of a strong and vibrant economy.
Comprehensive plan is to influence policy decisions on development on housing, transportation, utility infrastructure, recreation, and land use. And it’s concepts should be continuously evaluated as needs arise, adjustments should be made. Guiding principles include designation of appropriate locations for potential uses of land and coordinating them with existing and future placement of utilities. [NOTE: the utilities mentioned here are for the use of the residents of the county.]
The infrastructure for the future Sunman Solar is already in place and has been there for nearly 100 years in my field.
It also states you are to strengthen the economic base of the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county thru well planned industrial, commercial, and residential development. We have a disproportional high residential tax burden and solar brings with it tax base without tax burden. There is no traffic, no kids in schools, no increased water demands, no people in hospital beds. Solar tax revenue goes straight to offsetting residential tax burden.
I sent you- Economic impact study. In summary:
121new local jobs during construction for county and 327 for the state. $37.4 million in total local taxes for all taxing districts for the life of the project. Includes $23million for schools, $8.8 million for the county and $2 million township, and $2,8 million for library.
Reminded them Focus area # 1 is economic development.
Lang went on to note that Solar is not asking for tax abatements. But he brought up as comparisons new Redevelopment project for Givaudan Flavors which did get a tax abatement from County Council. He said he has gone in there competitors for 15 years. These packages are shipped as hazardous, flammable, and corrosive. There are smells. You don’t get any of this with solar panels.
Spot zoning industrial facility was granted at PC and is not even a mile from where the solar facility is - for a pole barn manufacturing facility. Permanent pole barns. And could cover every inch of farmland with permanent pole barns. Solar panels are temporary.
So I ask you which of these preserves farmland? Just want people to think with an open mind.
Your original Article 19 invited these solar people here. And they came- they are here and they have invested heavily. They are showing you how they can benefit the ENTIRE county. It’s a huge opportunity for all of us. I hope you consider that.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Guilford Bridge should be open soon per Todd Listerman, County Engineer.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Bischoff- Citizens Advisory meeting tomorrow night and every Wednesday until done EXCEPT Sept 9 as PC meeting Wednesday Sept 9 in special meeting. Goal is to be done before it comes to Commissioners.
ADJOURN- 8:55 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
