Centerville promotes officer, welcomes another

Centerville council approved police personnel updates and could soon approve new maps for elections reflecting the town’s population changes. And, after a logistics delay, the library can rent the former town hall.

Police

New Police Chief Josh Millsaps announced the promotion of Andrew Jordan to sergeant. Millsaps said Jordan has a wealth of experience in policing, including previous supervisory experience, and he has made a meaningful impact on CPD’s current team. He’ll mark his second anniversary with the department in August.

In addition, council welcomed Dustin Cushing as a new school resource officer. He’s been an officer for five years, including prior jail and law enforcement experience. He’s already graduated Indiana Law Enforcement Academy’s Tier 1 training, saving the town time and money. Cushing is a previous Richmond Community Schools resource officer and was complimented on his connections with students.  

Election maps 

At its June 10 meeting, council introduced an ordinance to reestablish and certify the town’s five council districts, also called wards, to comply with state requirements. Each councilor represents about 550 people. Two wards are much larger geographically, but their population is more spread out.  

The ordinance will be discussed at council’s 7 p.m. June 24 work session in town hall, 220 E. Main St.

The new maps rely on 2020 U.S. Census data. 

Those working on the project include Ed Martin, town attorney; Dan Wandersee, council president; Indiana Election Division; Wayne County’s surveyor’s office; and some election experts from Indiana colleges and universities. 

Library

Council approved Centerville Library’s lone bid to lease the adjacent former town hall for a year ($21,900) while library renovations take place. 

In other business 

• Centerville utility bills were mailed May 29 before the June 15 due date. However, several residents hadn’t received them as of June 9. Some received them June 7. One person said hers was postmarked June 3. Customers are urged to visit or call town hall before the payment deadline to learn their account balance. 
• No one spoke during a public hearing for a $25,500 additional appropriation for new computers for utility workers, police and fire/rescue. Council approved the purchase a few weeks ago. 
• Council approved three ordinances previously discussed. One establishes an annual $5.95 pole attachment rental fee for cable, internet, TV and other providers. The others repeal net energy metering for the town’s electric utility because it wasn’t being used, in favor of customers who produce excess energy and sell it directly to Indiana Municipal Power Agency.
• Fire/Rescue Chief Andy Aughe said the volunteers made 64 runs in May. Forty-five were medical, 15 were fire-related and four were classified “other.” 
• Council approved Aughe pursuing a new command vehicle to replace CF/R’s 2014 Tahoe now that two medical vehicles will be paid off July 1. The Tahoe will be used for out-of-town trainings and as a backup command vehicle. 
• Now that the water main replacement project is done, fire hydrants can be used for calls when needed. Crews are still checking for lead water service lines to homes, but that doesn’t affect fire service.
• IMPA officials did a walk-through with Town Manager Kevin Slick on the upcoming electrical system conversion. It will start on the town’s north side. Phase two will include Plum Street and beyond, and areas around the substation.   
• Town officials investigated 20 code enforcement cases in May, mostly involving tall grass and abandoned vehicles. Code enforcement emphasizes removing abandoned vehicles to reduce blight.