[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6317008,"mediaKeyId","2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c","parentId",2375108,"title","Votes at a glance: Owen County commissioners approve payroll and claims, accept contracts and adjust policies","audioSeconds",4037,"startMs",327000,"endMs",4364000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c&start=327&end=4364","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c/thumbnail_327000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6317008/Owen-County/Indiana/Votes-at-a-glance-Owen-County-commissioners-approve-payroll-and-claims-accept-contracts-and-adjust-policies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317008-1823968a806f3c0ff991b56a0b72fd5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448074&Signature=IVekwqrzalgaguzlZDPSfQol~AhE4coZlB6c0sZmWN-dIwkzYDpMlENwYlQzclcm-jjSMCgBptqnCzd4btWlXshydmXeqlBvjPDn1tbj0EMwX7hALsiPY5aOuPjrPvBhzkCaMIEyfRZ3pco0uM22SrgEOwfH5CI0vzczUNZ2Z4vEFLUO97sYQJpwZMvQ1huvDiYOp9iaJGB426TB-3K-BaFu2P79tHw6tiIroV0mS2RSNCv2ecE1rz0zoNdtPdFSKP3y3LUN5Z7dOMA50ACZ5oxVcFhEpoAlIaazmsKs8zr5ukiMLN2d6~dzY7sa2vUm7xu0-UY6poWt~-do~uowZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Owen County IN","date","2025-02-22T12:15:14.14Z","article","Here are the formal actions taken during the Owen County Board of Commissioners meeting (items presented and voted as described in the meeting transcript):

- Approval of minutes: Commissioners approved the meeting minutes. Vote recorded as 2 yes, 1 abstention (member said “I abstain for I was not here”).

- Payroll and claims: The board approved payment of payroll and claims for the period presented. Figures in the transcript: payroll $319,714.09; regular claims $268,592.02; out‑of‑cycle claims $9,730.66; total $598,033.77. Motion to pay claims carried by voice vote; all present voted yes.

- 9‑1‑1 system contract and upgrades: The commissioners approved a five‑year technical services agreement and hardware/software upgrade for the county’s 9‑1‑1 console system, to be funded from the 9‑1‑1 budget. County staff described a prepaid technical services fee ($31,050) and upgrades (about $58,978); the motion passed unanimously.

- 9‑1‑1 director appointment: The board accepted the advisory board’s recommendation to appoint Ashley Johnson as 9‑1‑1 director. Vote: two in favor, one abstention (one commissioner said they had received candidate materials only that evening and therefore abstained).

- Ordinance 2025‑003 (rezoning): The board adopted Ordinance 2025‑003 to rezone 4538 Country Club Road from commercial to residential single‑family. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

- Acceptance of insurance settlements and equipment decisions: The board accepted the insurance company’s valuation for a totaled vehicle/ambulance and authorized acceptance of the settlement amount presented at the meeting (transcript reports $105,685 for an ambulance settlement). The board also authorized keeping a totaled truck and accepting the related check amount (figure discussed in the record was approximately $15,586.95 if the county keeps the truck); commissioners approved keeping the vehicle and deposit of proceeds to highway fund per auditor instruction.

- Purchasing threshold and drug‑testing policy: The commissioners amended purchasing authority to raise the single‑purchase approval threshold to $10,000 (from $5,000), and they approved using IU Occupational Health for county drug testing; the county attorney will update the written drug‑testing policy accordingly.

- Little Flock Road detour/repaving contract sample: Commissioners authorized signature on a sample detour/reimbursement contract with the state (INDOT) for Little Flock Road paving and instructed staff to prepare the public works bid process when contract funding is confirmed.

- Addressing West Phillips Road: The board approved changing the addresses of three residences on West Phillips Road to Gants Road so emergency services and mail delivery align; staff will assign new addresses and update maps.

- Assessment mailer contract: The commissioners approved a contract for assessment mailers and related services in the assessor’s office (cost reported in the record $9,670.04); motion passed unanimously.

- Meeting schedule: Commissioners adopted an amended meeting schedule resolution (2024‑018) setting first‑Thursday meetings at 9 a.m. and third‑Thursday meetings at 6 p.m. for the next period; motion passed unanimously.

Ending: Staff were directed to complete paperwork and adjustments for the items above, update maps and records where indicated, and return with contract paperwork, legal wording for policy changes, or project estimates at follow‑up meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Council Commissioners 02/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Commissioners approved payroll and claims, accepted several contracts and policy changes, and adopted a revised meeting schedule. Key votes include payment of $598,033.77 in payroll and claims, approval of the 9‑1‑1 vendor contract, adoption of a rezoning ordinance, and several administrative items.","taxTitle","Owen County, Indiana","taxId",53880,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6317013,"Owen County commissioners move to hire a human-resources administrator, schedule administrative meeting to finalize plan",383,372000,755000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c&start=372&end=755","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c/thumbnail_372000.jpg","/articles/6317013/Owen-County/Indiana/Owen-County-commissioners-move-to-hire-a-human-resources-administrator-schedule-administrative-meeting-to-finalize-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317013-7c569dc62ede95d2e6d67547579510cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448074&Signature=KuNWrBwHnCOW0z12hf0ADvlt-BhT4tJQFa~WKRdOOXEIwDlvcQTe5TsZDqZUX3mvRBceJuw2AAVuxe3Uz31Y7PRRLShAEuwKV9Nce90BNlfLETphh-yOh~uSnSac-YhQj4El9VhtJH6Wgio8-ehhlab1mOUCGqrySbdXi7kDvoqwn136eRAPFFrep3x5CfXp3ZlDGHg0QeE~Sy3zWiLS7kx3fXBZjqZH-8KL56nciYQws7SYsmJEF-lbsviZ5nKzrFvcrvP0~SnhTK7r3CR-DQRxuH6TAPk9nJrqHjChvWEbaiqj0ZmU0-83VbeBweSiKtQPJnNRhKXzux7-JKv6iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Owen County Board of Commissioners told department heads and council members they plan to hire a human‑resources administrator and aim to have the position in place by the end of March.

Commissioners said they have received applications and that county leaders, elected officials and department heads will participate in the selection and interview process. The board discussed whether to hire a full‑time county employee, a part‑time staffer or retain an outside firm to provide HR services. Several commissioners said they favor a full‑time, on‑site presence to relieve the auditor’s office of HR duties including benefits administration, hiring, exit interviews and insurance claims processing.

The commissioners asked staff to coordinate a follow‑up administrative meeting with the county council, department heads and interested stakeholders to finalize the job description and funding. They suggested a meeting in mid‑March; later in the session the board set a tentative administrative meeting for Friday the 14th at 11 a.m. to continue planning.

Ending: County staff will gather job descriptions and funding options, and the commission will return to the matter at the scheduled administrative meeting to finalize the recruitment plan and funding request for the council.","Commissioners said they intend to hire a human-resources administrator by the end of March and scheduled an administrative meeting to decide whether the position will be full‑time, part‑time, or a contracted firm.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6317018,"Commissioners adopt rezoning ordinance for Country Club Road parcel",214,4150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c&start=4150&end=4364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c/thumbnail_4150000.jpg","/articles/6317018/Owen-County/Indiana/Commissioners-adopt-rezoning-ordinance-for-Country-Club-Road-parcel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317018-bfd2cba9caf52bb053348fd19ee562ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448074&Signature=mxdxRCIPXvEijsMO6vA0-0xjDxmkek7wil~Vh2I6oJhGexeR8N-U0vTyBv-r9dxbzNBue8hW5MkJ5gG8NNOFNqjTvFhLrf308V5MOVlKJrhjkM64K5N4bhJGDeDqfczn9-jYF2PJQOtEVgQr5GkzFoxcvlDjTRPZnCxgjPjJWu5k8GNVJyOc9bqcnfxQR3yLQ2cI8qitW9OY5KoJRXVVdVcTTzHM9Zxi4yCgIZdCxMaIVWKWH2jISFiMifIXtDnebG0PTF3brSKTc4Xb68ZNEMyeAb7wmNUrMCeiYTikPXTO2hJFUX0559h5tsUMouCbEwFzA3A6QXtCANKt~BNjGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Owen County Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025‑003 to rezone a parcel at 4538 Country Club Road in Montgomery Township from commercial to residential single‑family.

The unanimous motion to adopt the ordinance followed a favorable finding from the county planning commission and a presentation by applicant Kevin Cooper. Commissioners said the reclassification supports an improved use of the site and noted the planning commission had voted in favor.

President Hobbs read the ordinance on the record, which identified the parcel by address and parcel number (60‑07‑27‑400‑360‑024) and directed the zoning map be amended accordingly. The board’s motion to adopt was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Ending: County staff will update zoning maps and records to reflect the rezoning change; the ordinance takes effect following adoption.","The Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-003 to rezone property at 4538 Country Club Road from commercial to residential single-family, adopting the planning commission’s favorable recommendation.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6317022,"Advisory board picks Ashley Johnson as 9-1-1 director; commissioners approve software and hardware contract for dispatch center",1785,4418000,6203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c&start=4418&end=6203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c/thumbnail_4418000.jpg","/articles/6317022/Owen-County/Indiana/Advisory-board-picks-Ashley-Johnson-as-9-1-1-director-commissioners-approve-software-and-hardware-contract-for-dispatch-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317022-cfe4049b82dfc63ecab8119643e5b916/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448074&Signature=mpKfI6BGb1EKl6pCBzrsuC~43vJ7bM9UsKY5dZvJRKavR8bRTcQ32bdtXCVnFMMMEUFb6klPLdfPdUeyojsYe-CsbysPINJJomaJqh6r-ikgA9Z9LYMbf6qjYdgs4O752VGYQ3UipIGxKxRwJ6Q8h9P6CokPJIJFr9-8-xVZdPC7mPgkq-rVmP2lWmOMfOZUiOyAy0JigDE0kvWYUUFEA9qjusNclKsO6axJzmvEEYNzDh-3tXTkXcaYBiQn1BmQgwolvb4RfKUNTF9wREmud10IppE4o2s5rRAkxCrKXgPAvs6LlDvKiq9vrZXa5xyLC26tAden9a2GX3yM5v8gRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Owen County 9-1-1 advisory board recommended Ashley Johnson for the county’s 9-1-1 director position, and the Board of Commissioners voted to accept the recommendation after hearing advisory-board testimony and comments from dispatch staff.

Melissa Eaglin, a senior dispatcher, told the commissioners the center needs stable leadership and urged them to consider someone with experience on the console who knows the county. Eaglin described the director’s duties as extending beyond administrative tasks to include 24/7 operational leadership in major incidents, staffing shortages and severe weather.

Commissioners said the advisory board — made up of first‑responder representatives — conducted the interviews and recommended Johnson. One commissioner abstained from the final vote, citing late notice of the candidate packet; the other two voted to appoint Johnson. The commission placed the hire on probation and asked the advisory board and dispatch staff to provide feedback in coming months.

Separately, the commission approved a multi‑year technical-services agreement and an equipment/software upgrade from the county’s existing vendor to replace end‑of‑life components in the dispatch console and to secure a multi‑year support contract. The board approved payment from the 9‑1‑1 fund; the approved package included a prepaid technical‑services agreement and software/hardware upgrades. Staff said the long‑term deal reduced the county’s cost compared with a year‑by‑year approach and that the funding was already included in the dispatch budget.

President Hobbs said the advisory board had the expertise to vet candidates and that commissioners should accept the board’s recommendation. Commissioner Paul (last name not provided) said he supported the advisory board’s recommendation but abstained from the vote because he received the candidate materials late.

Ending: The county will begin formal paperwork to hire Johnson and implement the agreed technical upgrades; commissioners asked the advisory board and dispatch staff to monitor the director’s transition and report any operational issues back to the commission.

","The 9-1-1 advisory board recommended Ashley Johnson for the director role, and the Owen County commissioners accepted the recommendation. The board also approved a five‑year technical services and upgrade contract for the county’s dispatch system and authorized using 9-1-1 budget funds to pay for it.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6317027,"Owen County commissioners postpone shooting-range ordinance after hours of testimony from gun clubs and neighbors",1724,1987000,3711000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c&start=1987&end=3711","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375108-52bcf34f0099b41bb11abefce3131f3c/thumbnail_1987000.jpg","/articles/6317027/Owen-County/Indiana/Owen-County-commissioners-postpone-shooting-range-ordinance-after-hours-of-testimony-from-gun-clubs-and-neighbors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317027-5b41fc16f4fd3c3e1e9c6496f9f95d59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448074&Signature=S8SyVUjosnOLIPJPg3ReT3NzZzQiFWjlsb2XHEQjbhW-bsJCHNhFGBeqVnNpTKsSEqlF~c-BW87K1MzlDeB8LXvw-ZxkAl2TGtzyiGujYIVtpkJmlEGmu77ruaowZE3RhhgHc3tOvkTEZVsNQY5ve2GoATbr8Kwu1UmLInumq35OqtnWJJFsiYQIyERnB~YeYk-SnRnD9gNyccYwNpKXE-PXqNZgdvYH-Nk0KPD9gcuCTmWQH5cwnVJOgnwnXOWF8NoYtnT-eKQQkkWWsk9quO9GZIGCRO5YpiXVG9pYsD3gSZI39BNh9hm~A0aOmS9RCHfEDY5lRFhG3iaZQ8u0jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Owen County Board of Commissioners on Thursday set aside consideration of a proposed ordinance that would regulate shooting facilities in the county after extended public testimony from range operators, nearby landowners and public-safety officials.

County officials said they will not vote on the ordinance for now and instead will arrange site visits and a community meeting to gather more information. The commissioners said they want to avoid a rushed decision and resolve safety and jurisdiction questions first.

The issue drew several speakers, including Jim Schreid, president of the Sycamore Valley Gun Club, who urged the county to reject the measure as “a solution in search of a problem.” Schreid said his club follows established safety practices and warned the ordinance could be “weaponized against lawful citizens, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses.” He also told the commission the measure could conflict with state law and prompt costly litigation, citing Indiana Code IC 35-47-11.1 and the federal court case Ezell v. City of Chicago as legal concerns.

Local resident Will (last name not provided in transcript) told the commission he has repeatedly received arrows and other projectiles from a nearby archery range and described multiple incidents he said have affected his campground and property. Will said he had sought help from the sheriff’s office and the DNR without success and asked the county to take action to stop projectiles from crossing property lines. Commissioners responded by arranging a group site visit that would include the range operator, nearby neighbors, sheriff’s representatives and other stakeholders.

County deputies and other public-safety officials said safety was the top concern. Commissioners emphasized they are reluctant to adopt a broad ordinance that could expose the county to legal risk or unduly restrict constitutionally protected firearms activities, and they asked staff to analyze the legal framework before bringing any ordinance back for a vote.

President Hobbs said the ordinance would be left “for further notice” while the county coordinates the proposed site visits and a public meeting so neighbors and range operators can explore practical fixes such as changes to range construction or operational practices.

The commissioners also discussed alternatives to a county ordinance, including county nuisance actions and civil remedies available to landowners. Several speakers urged the commission to consider targeted remedies for specific problems — for example, addressing an archery range that has allegedly sent arrows onto adjacent property — rather than adopting an ordinance that would regulate multiple types of shooting activities.

For now, the proposed ordinance is postponed and the county will pursue a fact-finding approach that includes on-site inspections and follow-up discussion with stakeholders.

Ending: The commissioners asked county staff to coordinate the site visit and a public meeting and to return with a report and legal analysis before any ordinance is resubmitted for formal action.","After more than an hour of public testimony from area gun-club leaders and neighbors, the Owen County Board of Commissioners took the proposed shooting-range ordinance under further notice and scheduled on-site visits and follow-up meetings to address safety concerns and jurisdictional questions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Owen County commissioners approve payroll and claims, accept contracts and adjust policies

Owen County commissioners move to hire a human-resources administrator, schedule administrative meeting to finalize plan

Commissioners adopt rezoning ordinance for Country Club Road parcel

Advisory board picks Ashley Johnson as 9-1-1 director; commissioners approve software and hardware contract for dispatch center

Owen County commissioners postpone shooting-range ordinance after hours of testimony from gun clubs and neighbors