Elkhart County commissioners adopt 2025 code supplement, approve landfill contracts and declare local disaster emergency

Elkhart County commissioners on Jan. 26 adopted a code supplement covering ordinances passed through July 31, 2025, approved contractor agreements and task orders tied to landfill projects, and issued a local disaster emergency declaration after being briefed on hazardous winter conditions.

County Attorney Steve Olson introduced the "2025 S-23" supplement to the Elkhart County Code, saying it incorporates ordinances, orders and resolutions of a general and permanent nature enacted on or before July 31, 2025. Commissioners moved to adopt the supplement and approved it by unanimous voice vote.

The board approved an independent contractor agreement with C and E Excavating Inc. tied to a previously awarded landfill project and a task order with CNE Excavating Inc. for construction of landfill cell F1/F2 PB7. Commissioners also approved an independent contractor agreement and task order with Blue Flame Crew LLC for GCCS header pipe improvements at the Elkhart County landfill.

The board accepted the weights-and-measures report covering December through Jan. 16 and then turned to a proposed disaster emergency declaration for the county. Olson said the declaration, effective Jan. 23, 2026, responds to significant snowfall, hazardous travel conditions and risks to vulnerable populations and cited the governor's statewide declaration (executive order 26-03) and subsequent FEMA confirmation and presidential approval. Olson said the local declaration is intended to allow Elkhart County to recover state and federal funds to assist affected residents and emergency services; he emphasized it does not change travel conditions or restrict movement.

Each of the motions recorded during the session carried unanimously, with commissioners responding "aye" on voice votes. With no public privilege-of-the-floor speakers, the commissioners adjourned and the county's Stormwater Board convened.

Actions taken at the meeting will enable county staff to move forward with previously awarded landfill work and to pursue state and federal assistance following the winter storm. The board did not specify any staggered or conditional implementation dates beyond task-order specifics reported during staff presentations.