Commissioners accept highway project bids for review, Washington County to receive no Community Crossings grants

Although Commissioner Todd Ewen was not in attendance, the December 2 Commissioners Meeting was mostly business as usual aside from a slew of highway project bids that were opened, read, and then accepted for review by the commissioners. The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then it moved to the approval of the agenda, meeting minutes from the November 18 meeting, and claims and payroll.

Commissioner Phillip Marshall

The commissioners then opened highway project bids that included many different companies presenting their pricings for many different resources, which took up the majority of the meeting. A full list of said companies and resources can be found and reviewed publicly in the auditor’s office at the Salem Courthouse. Details regarding exactly what highway project(s) these bids are for will be provided in an update once available, as it was not discussed in the meeting.

Paul Eckart then approached the commissioners to provide an update regarding the highway garage project. He stated that the electrical work is approximately 95% finished, and that the plumbing fixtures have been installed. Cabinets are currently being installed, and next up are the gas lines on the property. Eckart hopes to have the highway garage completed by the end of the year.

In other news, after a brief update from Rick Voyles regarding the preparation and snow cleanup performed by the highway department, Voyles stated that he received an email from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) that said Washington County would not be receiving any Community Crossings grants for 2026.

Following an update from Zack Richards regarding county insurance, the commissioners made the motion to adjourn the meeting.

Commissioner Tony Cardwell

Paul Eckart

Rick Voyles