Centerville’s leaders were pleasantly surprised that Indiana’s treasurer Daniel Elliott wanted to stop by and chat.
Council president Dan Wandersee, town manager Kevin Slick and clerk-treasurer Sarah Rice met with Elliott on Tuesday, May 26. Wandersee updated fellow councilors that evening about the meeting.
Wandersee said it was the first time in his 31 years on council that a state official had requested to meet with town leaders without ribbon-cuttings or related events.
Elliott, who grew up in rural Jennings County, told them he wanted to know about the town’s challenges and successes and what needs he could take back to state legislators.
He also described some state resources that might be helpful for small communities.
Wandersee said the town could put some savings in the state’s local government pool that maximize returns and offers instant access if needed, compared to bank certificates of deposit that penalize early access. The treasurer also oversees Indiana Bond Bank, which offers low-cost financing for public work.
Republicans plan to nominate Elliott for a second term at the party’s June 20 convention, according to Indiana Capital Chronicle. He is expected to face public health executive Coumba Kebe, a Democrat, in November’s election.
New officer
Police Chief Josh Millsaps introduced new officer Matthew “Matt” Bedel, who started his career in public safety as a Randolph County dispatcher.
After working as an emergency medical technician for Red Line EMS, he transitioned to law enforcement, first at Reid Health Police Department and then Milton Police Department. Millsaps noted the advantage of hiring an academy-certified officer.
Bedel’s father, Phil, is battalion chief for Centerville Fire/Rescue.
In other business
- Council approved hiring Indianapolis-based municipal adviser Baker Tilly to work on internal controls plans for the town, which haven’t been updated since 2016. Wandersee said that work is needed soon because of upcoming audits. Baker Tilly will charge its hourly rate.
- Centerville is saving $245,060.45 on the second phase of its water project. Fewer lead lines were found on the town’s southwest side than expected. Council then approved spending $90,818.50 to demolish and replace two well houses. Slick said during its last inspection, a critical violation was noted for the wellhouses’ age and condition.
- Stormwater board chair Gary Killen recommended that a portion of stormwater revenue is deposited into a special account to clean Crown Creek for flood prevention. Council is considering that while preparing the 2027 budget.
- Council tabled a resident’s reimbursement request after high winds apparently caused a town-owned tree to damage their electrical meter and riser. Members want to review the matter to avoid setting a precedent for what appears to be an act of nature. Slick said a dead limb had been cut out of the tree about nine months earlier.
Upcoming events
- Council’s next meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9. Centerville’s planning board will conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. June 16 on the comprehensive plan draft. Council will conduct its own hearing during its 7 p.m. June 30 workshop. The public is invited to all those meetings in town hall, 220 E. Main St.
- Centerville Farmers Market opens for the season from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Maplewood Park, 106 Water St.
- Centerville Youth League’s parade and fireworks take place June 20.
A version of this article appeared in the June 3 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.