Sheriff plans to lease 35 in-car computers

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office hopes that leasing instead of owning its in-car computers will save taxpayer dollars in the long run.

During their Dec. 10 meeting, the county commissioners approved leasing 35 Panasonic laptops at an annual cost of about $36,000. Another $10,000 will be needed to adjust vehicle mounts to the new units.

“I feel very confident with Panasonic,” said Major Alan Moore, the chief deputy. “They’ve done well for us in the past.”

Leasing the units means replacements are available in two to three days as part of the lease. The laptops are specially designed to withstand law enforcement uses.

Craig Eason, the county’s IT director, told commissioners equipment leasing is the future, especially with law enforcement’s rugged needs.

“I think it’s a smart move to do the lease,” Eason said.

The sheriff’s department also received commissioner approval to purchase 10 rifle-rated protective shields for $30,000. Moore said that each squad and the detectives would have two shields available.

Two Dodge Durango sheriff’s vehicles have been taken out of service. Commissioners approved permitting the donation of one Durango to the Milton Police Department. The other would be sold during an online auction.

District office

Commissioners did not meet Dec. 3 because of the Indiana County Commissioners annual conference.

During that event, Commissioner Jeff Plasterer was elected vice president of the ICC’s East Central District. He will serve on the ICC’s board of directors that determines policies and legislative goals for the ICC.

“Jeff will be a great spokesperson for his county and his district, and he is dedicated to building stronger Indiana counties,” said ICC Executive Director Tyler Warman in a news release.

Mark Heirbrandt, a Hamilton County commissioner, was elected the district president. The East Central District includes Wayne, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Tipton and Union counties.

Dwenger to run again

Commissioner Brad Dwenger told WWN after the meeting that he plans to seek a second term as the District 1 commissioner during the 2026 election cycle.

Dwenger said he has more to accomplish with the commissioners. He won election during 2022, defeating longtime commissioner Ken Paust in the Republican primary and running unopposed in the general election.

District 1 represents the eastern part of the county.

Bridge projects

Bids for the Gravel Pit Road bridge project will be due at 10 a.m. Jan. 14.

Commissioners granted Brandon Sanders, the county engineer, permission to advertise for bids after the county received $663,869.25 from the state’s Community Crossings matching grant program. The state awarded $100 million statewide.

Commissioners also approved a new title sheet with updated specifications for the Gravel Pit project and a $15,025 expense for additional right of way title work for the Fountain City Pike bridge project.

The South G Street bridge safety fencing has been installed, and commissioners unanimously voted to accept the completed project.

Zoning updates

Commissioners will conduct a public hearing at 9:40 a.m. Jan. 14 about amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance.

The county plan commission recommended commissioners approve the changes. Copies of the amendments are available through the planning and zoning office in the Wayne County Administration Building, 401 E. Main St., Richmond.

Other actions

• Commissioners approved the public defenders office to implement a new case-management system costing $12,852 annually.
• An interlocal agreement for a Wayne County Soil & Water educator was approved. The agreement calls for Richmond Sanitary District to pay 50% of the cost, Union County Soil & Water to pay 10%, Wayne County Soil & Water to pay $10,000 and Wayne County government to pay 40% minus the $10,000 from soil and water.
• Commissioners decided to implement a certificate sale rather than a deed sale for tax-delinquent properties that do not sell at a tax sale. Selling certificates keeps commissioners from accepting deeds and becoming responsible for the properties.
• Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Whitewater Community Television for WCTV to continue livestreaming, recording and maintaining county meetings online. The cost will be $60,000 for 2026.