Martin County Commissioners Address Veterans Services, Infrastructure, and Library Renovation

The Martin County Board of Commissioners addressed a range of administrative and operational matters at its most recent meeting.

The meeting opened with an update on compliance within the Veterans Service Office. Officials reported that the current County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) is largely compliant with state requirements, though physical limitations of the office space present some challenges. Discussions are ongoing about relocating the office to a more suitable location. The newly appointed CVSO has completed all required online training and successfully passed accreditation examinations through the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA).

Several road and highway projects were also discussed. Commissioners approved a notice to proceed for Calcar, with a tentative start date of February 10 for the Community Crossings Matching Grant project. The county will hold an online auction through Purple Wave to sell surplus highway equipment. Additionally, repairs are underway in Evansville on a piece of equipment experiencing electrical issues, and a dump truck remains out of service.

The board approved the contract for the 2027–2030 reassessment and annual adjustments. The state-prescribed agreement totals $299,600 and will be paid in installments. Commissioners also approved the submission of an $80,353.50 claim related to the Martin County Shoals Public Library grant, along with authorization to issue payment once funds are received.

Employee benefits were reviewed, with officials noting progress in establishing Health Savings Account (HSA) accounts. Clarification was provided on the compensatory program policy, confirming that employees become eligible 60 days after hire and that benefits continue through the end of the month in which employment ends. A motion was approved to formally amend the employee handbook to reflect this policy.

The county has been contacted regarding the need to repaint its 100-foot water tower near Rutherford. Officials are seeking qualified contractors to complete the work during spring weather conditions. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Auditor’s Office.

Security concerns were also addressed following a request from the Prosecutor’s Office to remove large shrubs and a tree near the building’s back entrance. The Commissioners approved the request, along with the removal of a prosecutor sign at the former building. The board emphasized the importance of monitoring security cameras at county facilities and encouraged employees to report malfunctioning cameras or suspicious activity.

An update on the library renovation indicated steady progress. Windows are expected to arrive soon, the elevator installation is nearly complete, and substantial completion or inspection is anticipated in late February. Parking lot plans have been modified due to budget constraints, with final landscaping to follow once the building is operational.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd, at 5:30 PM.

For more information on these and other updates, visit the Martin County Indiana Courthouse Facebook page.

- Drew Hasselbring