LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Vote centers planned
Jay County Election Board shared details Monday at a public hearing about its plan to begin using vote centers in 2026.
Heated again
Council members, the clerk-treasurer and the mayor were at odds again Monday night, with the 2026 budget as the first subject of contention. The second was another new tort claim, this one filed by Portland Police Chief Dustin Mock and investigator Jeff Hopkins against six defendants.
Enrollment is up
Superintendent Jeremy Gulley reported to Jay School Board on Monday that enrollment in Jay School Corporation has increased for the 2025-26 school year.
Motion to dismiss filed in suit
Attorney Katlyn M. Christman filed a motion Friday to dismiss Portland clerk-treasurer Lori Phillips’ lawsuit against the police department, Portland Police Chief Dustin Mock and investigator Jeff Hopkins, arguing that they cannot be sued.
Hearing on vote centers set for Monday
The majority of Indiana counties either already have vote centers or are in the process of implementing them. Local officials hope to join that list soon, allowing registered voters in Jay County to cast ballots at any county designated location starting in 2026.
Cuts made to ’26 budget proposal
Jay County Council agreed Wednesday to advertise a $26.1 million budget for 2026, a decrease of about $902,000 from the budget reviewed Sept. 2. It now sits at an increase of $2 million (roughly 8%) from the current year.
Radio lease approved
Jay County Council agreed Wednesday to a $4.64 million lease agreement with Motorola for new radio equipment for emergency responders and other agencies across the county.
Budget reviewed
Portland Park Board discussed the proposed 2026 budget for the parks, including possible increases in various areas, during its meeting Tuesday.
County to seek grants $ for roads, bridges
Jay County Commissioners OK’d a $295,505 commitment Monday for a Community Crossings grant application for paving approximately 3 miles of county road 400 South. They also approved an agreement with Indianapolis engineering firm SJCA to apply for federal funding to repair a county road 400 North bridge.
Seeking support
DUNKIRK — The city hopes to receive grant funding to demolish a downtown building. It needs community support to help secure those dollars. Dunkirk City Council heard an update on plans for the former Green Building at 303 S. Main St. during its meeting Monday. Ceann Bales, executive director of …
County agrees to proceed on radio upgrades
Jay County Commissioners agreed to sign a notice to proceed Monday with Motorola for purchasing new radios and shifting to the statewide public safety system, a nearly $7 million project.
No to moratorium
Portland Plan Commission recommended not to put a moratorium in place on carbon sequestration projects during its meeting Thursday.
Equipment purchase approved
Portland Board of Works approved the purchase of a new E55 Bobcat Compact Excavator for the street department during its meeting Thursday.
City faces four claims
Four tort claims name the City of Portland or its police department, with some also naming Mayor Jeff Westlake, Police Chief Dustin Mock, assistant police chief Donnie Miller or investigator Jeff Hopkins. Others named in at least one claim include Jay County Probation Office and probation office employee Ashley Reynolds.
Jay County Council spends three hours on 2026 proposal
Jay County Council took a closer look at its proposed budget for 2026 during a more than three-hour meeting Tuesday. No formal decisions were made at the meeting, which serves as a precursor to council’s public hearing and first reading of the budget slated for 6 p.m. Sept. 24.
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