Wayne County will pay 7% more in casualty and liability insurance premiums after commissioners voted June 17 to renew the county’s policy with Travelers.
The overall quote is $941,477 for the July 1 renewal. The county paid about $879,000 in premiums for the current policy year.
Commissioners chose to raise the liability deductible to $25,000 from $10,000 for incidents outside wind and hail. That premium quote was $43,000 cheaper than continuing with the $10,000 deductible.
Charlie Vaught of Gregory & Appel in Indianapolis recommended the deductible increase. He said it represents a stair step toward more risk management and the deductible could again increase next year to $50,000.
“I think this is a good step for the county,” Vaught said. “I think accepting more risk over the long run is to your advantage.”
Commissioners decided to increase cyber liability coverage from $1 million to $2 million with a $50,000 deductible, which added $11,558 to the premium quote.
Commissioner Brad Dwenger said the increase enables the county to “cover our bases.”
READ: Commissioners stick with current health insurance provider
Business development
Judy Porter, regional director for the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, requested the county continue its annual $15,000 contribution during 2027.
The center provides free business consulting, workshops and training to support entrepreneurs within its 11-county region. Porter said the group assisted with five businesses starting in Wayne County during 2025 and served 49 Wayne County clients. A staff member works Tuesdays and Wednesdays from an office at Indiana University East.
“We’re trying to do what we can to help the community,” Porter said.
Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said that commissioners included the $15,000 contribution in their 2027 budget request that Wayne County Council will consider.
Road revenue loss
Mike Sharp, the county’s highway supervisor, estimated the county will lose $500,000 in gas tax revenue because Gov. Mike Braun has suspended the tax.
According to Indiana Public Radio, the suspension of the 62.5 cents per gallon of taxes that would otherwise be collected has contributed to Indiana having the nation’s lowest statewide average pump prices.
To compensate, Sharp cut planned road patch paving to save money. Should Braun come through on his promise to provide additional funding, patch paving mileage could be increased. Fixing potholes remains a highway department priority.
“I want to try and keep all the roads in the county in good shape,” Sharp said.
With the county’s implementation of local option highway user taxes this year, Sharp anticipates receiving about $744,000 for road and bridge projects. He plans to budget 2026 collections for 2027 expenditure.
A version of this article will appear in the June 24 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
