DECATUR, Ind. — Adams County commissioners on Monday ( 4/21/26) received updates on road work, public transit growth and ongoing courthouse planning during a meeting that included several routine approvals.
Highway officials reported that a bridge joint repair on an approach slab expanded into a three‑day project after crews uncovered deeper cracking and delamination beneath the surface. What began as a small maintenance job is now expected to cost about $15,000, but commissioners noted the work prevented a potential failure that could have required a far more expensive structural replacement.
Commissioners approved two utility permits — one for a NIPSCO gas service line and another for Jay County REMC electrical service — and authorized the highway department to haul stone for the 4‑H grounds. The board also voted to begin the department’s annual shift to four 10‑hour workdays starting May 18.
Maintenance staff reported that sprinkler testing at Circuit Court passed and new security doors were installed. Commissioners agreed to pause previously approved electrical upgrades for the clerk’s office until decisions are made about long‑term courthouse renovations.
Public transit officials reported strong first‑quarter growth, with trips up 45 percent and fares up 30 percent compared to last year. Commissioners accepted the program’s quarterly claim and signed required documents for upcoming INDOT grant applications.
The board also approved a study proposal from Elevatus Architecture to evaluate relocating Superior Court into the first floor of the historic courthouse and constructing a new building across Third Street for other justice‑system offices. The study will proceed once funding is identified.
Several subdivision plats were approved, and planning officials noted that a condemned building in Geneva remains unresolved due to demolition costs.
Public comment included questions about the proposed innkeeper’s tax, which commissioners clarified is enacted by the county council and administered by a tourism commission.