County boosts HELP payments

An organization that shelters dogs waiting to find their forever homes is expected to get more financial support from county government. 

Wayne County’s commissioners have agreed to increase payments for unaltered dogs the county shelters with HELP the Animals. Commissioners Aaron Roberts and Brad Dwenger approved the 2026 contract during their Feb. 25 meeting. Commissioner Jeff Plasterer was absent.

The contract, which must return to HELP’s board, requires that the county pay $450 for dogs that need spaying or neutering and $200 for previously altered dogs. The county also agreed to pay $450 for each puppy born after a pregnant dog is sheltered and $50 per cat.

Last year, the county paid $200 per dog it sheltered, then added an additional $100 for dogs the shelter spayed or neutered. HELP representatives indicated during a Jan. 21 workshop with commissioners and Wayne County Council members that the shelter could not continue without additional funding.

The county sheltered 183 dogs with HELP during 2025, and one dog had seven puppies. The county paid $47,450. Dwenger said the county would have paid $75,000 under the new payment structure.

“They’ve been very good to work with,” said Dwenger, who noted that the need for sheltering animals is unfortunate.

Richmond is paying the Henry County Humane Society $41,200 to shelter up to 400 animals this year.

Fleet change?

Steve Higinbotham, the county administrator, presented commissioners with information about an Enterprise Fleet Management presentation to the county’s fleet committee.

Higinbotham said other government entities, including Hamilton County, use the vendor for vehicle acquisition and vehicle sales that could provide Wayne County with savings. Roberts said his “ears perked up” when he heard the presentation and thought the process was worth exploring.

Commissioners approved permitting Higinbotham to further explore Enterprise and to receive an estimate.

Vote center shift

Clerk Tara Pegg informed commissioners about a change in Centerville’s voting location for the 2026 primary and general elections.

Centerville Church of the Nazarene at 7181 U.S. 40 will host voting on the two election days. Pegg said the location is easier for voters than Centerville Christian Church, which has hosted voting in downtown Centerville.

47 years of service

Becky Fanning retired Feb. 27 after 47 years serving the county.

Commissioners approved a letter of commendation for the Superior Court 3 reporter to be presented during a retirement reception.

Other actions

• Commissioners granted permission for community corrections and probation to apply for Indiana Department of Correction grants. Community corrections is requesting $411,593 and probation $88,500 in the annual grants.
• Boston Bever Forrest Cross & Sickmann will be paid $90,000 for legal services this year, the same price as last year. Commissioners approved the contract that has Ron Cross serving as county attorney. Work outside the contract’s scope will be billed at $250 an hour.
• The county will solicit bids for work on the courthouse’s west side. Commissioners approved moving forward with the project that will improve the driveway and will fence the opening near the building’s chiller.
• The county will change vendors for inspection and replacement of county fire extinguishers. Commissioners approved a service agreement with Cen-Sor Security Systems of Cambridge City at a savings to the county. Cen-Sor will charge $6.50 per extinguisher per year for inspections and will replace 10-pound extinguishers for $64 and 5-pound extinguishers for $54.
• L&D Mail Masters will keep the county’s service agreement for tax bill printing and mailing. Commissioners approved the agreement with an $18,257 estimate. Treasurer Beth Fields said the recorder’s office would pay an additional $1,200 to put information about a property record watch program on the back of the slip included in the tax mailings.