Centerville clerk-treasurer resigns

Centerville is in the process of selecting a new clerk-treasurer. 

Richard Tincher has resigned for health reasons. He became clerk in September 2021 to complete the term of Susan Dillman, who resigned for a job in the private sector. He faced no opposition when filing to run in 2023. 

Council reluctantly approved Tincher’s resignation 4-0 at its May 14 meeting. David Cate was absent.  

Councilor Josh Tudor thanked Tincher “for all he’s done for us.” 

Tincher’s replacement is being determined during a May 21 caucus of Centerville’s Republican precinct committee persons at town hall. Eligible candidates must live within town limits and be a Republican voter because Tincher is a Republican.   

Wayne County Republican Party chair Gary Saunders organizes caucuses to fill GOP vacancies. 

Deputy Clerk Sarah Rice, who was sworn in as interim clerk, told Western Wayne News that she applied to replace Tincher. 

Results were not available as of press time.  

According to Indiana League of Municipal Clerk-Treasurers, the position’s duties include overseeing eight areas — administrative, advertisements, financial, taxes and other revenues, property records, personnel/payroll, technology and grant management. 

Police

Council approved a request from Chief Ed Buchholz to increase salaries for police officers after approving CPD’s third resignation within weeks. Officers are departing for other local departments offering higher pay. CPD’s new hires then need to attend academy training at town expense.

Mason Hale is joining Richmond. Reserve officer Robert Dykes will replace Hale in June.

Buchholz asked to increase pay by June 1 and give new academy graduates $1,500 instead of $50. He said the increase would make CPD’s pay comparable to other towns and help retention.  

“Given the stress these fellows and ladies are going through, there’s nothing worse than retrain, retrain, retrain,” said councilor Gary Holbert.

CPD’s Daniel Husted and Josh Millsaps are going to training to become instructors, which will help the new hires.

In other business

• Gerald Millsaps said all of April’s six code violators complied after being contacted, and so far, the grass ordinance hasn’t had to be used because residents are mowing their lawns. 
• Properties are coming off the unsafe list with rehabilitation at 508 W. Main and removal of 206 N. Spruce. A structural engineer reports that 115 E. Main can be saved after fire damage and offer retail. 
• Council approved a request to sell and install bricks honoring veterans along Maplewood Park’s walking path. Price is being finalized. 
• Council approved a revised Americans with Disabilities Act plan that helps Centerville qualify for grants.
• Centerville’s application for electrical upgrade funding advanced through Indiana’s Office of Energy Development to the second round. More paperwork will be submitted. 
• Council President Dan Wandersee said a cyberattack disrupted an undisclosed Indiana town, and communities are trying to protect their utilities. He urged residents to report any unusual activities at utility buildings to police.
• Painting is nearly finished at Centerville’s new town hall. The carpet purchase and electric/technology work are being finalized. No opening date has been determined.    
• Council’s next public work session is 7 p.m. Monday, May 28, at the longtime town hall, 204 E. Main St.