Brett W. Todd

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (February 4, 2026) – The Clinton County Board of Commissioners moved forward with historical designation efforts and tightened financial oversight during their meeting on February 3, while receiving a glowing year-end report from the local Humane Society.

Humane Society Reports Record Success
The meeting was highlighted by a comprehensive 2025 year-end report from the Clinton County Humane Society, which reported a live release rate of 95%. Executive Director Cheyenne Taylor noted that for the first time in the shelter’s history, dog adoptions (342) outpaced cat adoptions (317). The shelter also successfully reduced the average length of stay for dogs to just 43 days, down from an earlier goal of 60.

The organization highlighted significant building improvements funded by grants, including an $80,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Clinton County to replace dog kennels. Additionally, the shelter participated in a high-profile rescue involving 47 dogs removed from a dog-fighting operation in South Carolina through the Humane World for Animals program. The shelter received some of the dogs from this rescue.

Historical Designation for Fairgrounds
The commissioners granted permission to Skip Davis of the Clinton County Fairgrounds history project to proceed with an application for national historic designation. Davis detailed the site’s rich history, noting that a 1872 court fight involving the grounds eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which set a national precedent allowing counties to own land for the purpose of holding fairs.

The project focuses on the 1909 administration building, constructed with the same bricks used to pave the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that same year. Davis noted that the designation could increase tourism for the county.

Financial Oversight and Insurance Hikes
In a move to improve auditing transparency, the board passed Resolution 2026-1, establishing new procedures for online credit purchases. The auditor’s office will now require detailed identifiers, such as photos or specific item descriptions, for purchases made on platforms like Amazon to ensure they are legitimate county expenses.

The board also approved an insurance renewal that saw a 14.8% increase in premiums year-over-year. Commissioners noted that the market for municipal insurance is shrinking, with several companies declining to bid due to the county’s loss history, the presence of a county home, and ongoing litigation involving the sheriff and jail matron. Excess liability coverage surged by 82%, rising from approximately $50,000 to over $92,000.

Commissioners also noted an additional cost for insurance for the newly opened, $17 million County Annex.

Contested Claims and Department Updates
The commissioners took the rare step of denying two specific financial claims from the Sheriff’s Office. One claim for camera repair at the jail was rejected because the commissioners still lack access to the camera system following a password change last summer. A second claim for “dress boots” for the sheriff was denied after being deemed “excessive” and inappropriate for a standard uniform item.

Other key moments from the meeting included:
Highway Department: Superintendent Rick Campbell reported on recent snow removal efforts, noting that while some mailboxes were damaged by heavy snow, the priority remained keeping roads open for emergency services and schools.

Health Department: Officials announced upcoming lung cancer screenings on Feb. 11 and emphasized measles preparedness as infection rates rise in other states.

Purdue Extension: A contractual service agreement was postponed to the next meeting to ensure specific Clinton County amendments from the previous year were included.

The next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for February 17.

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (October 7, 2025) – County commissioners convened Monday, confirming that a highly controversial vote regarding a proposed data center development will be postponed until mid-November, despite significant public presence at the meeting. Commissioners stated they need additional time to complete individual research and fact-finding regarding the proposal as well as not all commissioners were present.

Public comment was dominated by residents expressing strong opposition and frustration over the lack of a decision and the absence of a third commissioner, commissioners president Jordan Brewer.

Katelyn Greeno delivered 53 signed affidavits, claiming the signees attest to the claims under penalty of perjury. The resident emphasized the concept of “public good,” arguing that the government cannot approve a project that goes against the community’s well-being or customs.

Another resident, Nathaniel Webb, warned that the data center would result in “more harm than good” economically, creating an eyesore, increasing litter and traffic, and ultimately scaring away high-means residents who might otherwise invest in the county. He suggested that the proposal is based purely on hype and lacks tangible value.

MaryLynn Peter, another outspoken resident, questioned why the developer has not disclosed the identity of the project’s end-user, noting that an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is associated with the project. She suggested the end-user could be entities such as Google, Amazon, or even China, and urged commissioners to research the developer, Mr. (Doug) Swain, alleging he is providing “spin stories”.

Commissioner Bert Weaver responded to criticism by stating that he is committed to studying both sides of the issue and represents 35,000 people, not just those present to voice opposition. The commissioners reiterated that they will take their 90 days to conduct due diligence and will post the item on the official agenda when it is ready for discussion and a vote. Residents were advised to check the county’s official websites (clintonco.com or clintoncountyin.gov) for official meeting agendas, rather than relying on social media groups like Facebook.

Emergency Actions Taken
In immediate action, the commissioners approved an executive order issuing a county-wide burn ban. Renee Crick, the Director of EMA and Central Dispatch, reported dry conditions persist, with limited forecast relief. Since October 1st, the county has recorded 17 fires, including six grass fires and nine illegal burns. The burn ban was approved by a 2-0 vote as Executive Order Number 2025-01, effective until rescinded by the commission.

In other EMA-related business, the commissioners approved a motion for $2,000 to complete concrete work at the county’s training center, a facility recently used for grain engulfment and propane training. They also approved the donation of a 2005 Chevy Malibu with flat tires to the firefighter training class for extrication practice.

Annex Move-in Scheduled
The county is preparing to move staff into the new annex building. The anticipated target date for moving office staff is October 20th, with moving activities scheduled through October 31st.

Stephen Deckard, director of EMS, announced that Active Shooter training will be conducted for staff members on October 17th-19th, with a repeat session scheduled for October 31st-November 2nd, involving the Sheriff’s Office, Frankfort Police, and Fire Departments. Frankfort Police will host the October 17th classroom session while Rossville Schools will host the October 18th and October 19th. Deckard is working with the Community School of Frankfort to secure a location for the November 1st and 2nd dates.

The next scheduled regular meeting for the commissioners is October 21st.