Dr. Jennifer Bales understands that syringe services programs can be a complicated and emotionally charged decision.
During the May 21 workshop with Wayne County Council members and county commissioners, she requested the commissioners extend the county’s syringe program another year. The previous two-year extension expires June 30.
Bales said the state will review syringe programs next year, either eliminating them or allowing them to continue. That’s why she only asked for one year, rather than the standard two commissioners have granted since the program began in August 2016.
The Wayne County Board of Health previously heard Bales’ request and voted 5-1, with Mark Broeker opposing, to recommend commissioners extend the program that’s designed to slow the spread of hepatitis C and HIV.
Bales again highlighted to commissioners and council members that an intravenous drug use problem and a hepatitis C emergency still exist in Wayne County. Providing people who use drugs with access to better treatment and care through the syringe program, helps them, their families and the community.
“Reducing hepatitis C and HIV in our community protects everyone who takes care of other people,” she said.
Bales said she would like to make some changes if the program continues. She would like an on-site peer recovery coach because paperwork given to program participants ends up in the trash. She also would like to have fentanyl test strips available to reduce overdoses, increase the availability of testing and increase the program’s efficiency.
Commissioner Aaron Roberts, who was not a commissioner when a two-year extension passed 2-1 in 2023, said he was concerned about giving out syringes that could be used more than once, rather than syringes that are used once and thrown away. Bales said single-use syringes could be used, but they would cost more.
Reid Health funds the purchase of the program’s syringes, while the health department covers staffing and other materials. Participants are provided a kit with syringes as well as cotton to filter the drugs, a tourniquet, bleach, instructions on cleaning the syringes, a sharps container, wound supplies and condoms.
Commissioners did not act on the extension request.
Bridge shortage
Brandon Sanders, the county engineer, spoke to council about additional funding needed for upcoming bridge projects.
Costs for bridge replacements have risen since development of the upcoming projects began. The Indiana Department of Transportation committed funding at 80% of the original estimates, which are now out of date. INDOT now does not have additional resources to maintain the 80-20 ratio of state to local money.
Sanders said the Bridge Avenue project that will cost about $2.4 million has a $1.2 million shortfall. It’s due for letting in October, so the county needs to identify funding to make up the shortage. Another $2.1 million project for two Richmond Avenue bridges also is due to let in October.
Next year, three projects totaling about $6 million are scheduled to let for bids. Sanders said they have a shortfall of $2.3 million.
Sanders’ discussion brought up the topic of a wheel tax and vehicle excise surtax. The state changed how it will fund roads and bridges. There will be $100 million, which is a decrease, available for Community Crossings projects, making the application process even more competitive.
Another pot of money, however, will be distributed based on lane miles; however, that money will not be available to counties, cities or towns that do not have a wheel tax and vehicle excise surtax. State law requires that both be enacted together.
Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said it’s obvious the state wants counties, cities and towns to utilize existing tools for revenue.
Project planning
Plasterer presented updated information about the countywide planning process occurring in conjunction with the Wayne County Foundation and consultant HWC. A presentation was previously made during February’s workshop when council and commissioner input was sought.
Plasterer said the four areas of concentration developed for county projects are housing, indoor and youth recreation, workforce development and transportation, and roads and infrastructure. The consultants request more specific ideas about projects for those areas.
The planning process involves 11 municipalities in Wayne County, and each will have prioritized projects. The state included Cambridge City, Centerville, Dublin, Fountain City, Greens Fork, Hagerstown, Milton and Mount Auburn in a law that permits them to enact food and beverage taxes. Gov. Mike Braun signed into law the comprehensive bill that included food and beverage tax permissions.
Richmond had requested a law that would enable it to enact a food and beverage tax for parks and activation of the Whitewater Gorge. The other county communities are restricted to spending any food and beverage tax money on specific projects identified during the planning process.
Sheriff’s overtime
Sheriff Randy Retter continues to struggle with overtime among jail officers. Retter says mental health and medical transports strain his resources.
He approached council during the workshop with requests to transfer $93,000 from a variety of open position line items to the overtime line item. Council approved the transfers 7-0.
Retter said, however, he expects to need about another $60,000 in the overtime line item by the end of the year.
A new contract with Quality Correctional Care, the jail’s medical provider, will have QCC billing insurance for those transports; however, Retter said many of the inmates involved do not have insurance. The contract with QCC is still being drawn, but the base cost will be $977,572 for a year, which is an increase from $835,000.
Council also agreed to spend $390,000 from its one-time fund for the purchase of five Chevrolet Tahoes and the equipment necessary for them.
A version of this article appeared in the May 28 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.