Washington County commissioners retain Marshall as president, approve 2026 appointments

The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted to retain Commissioner Phillip Marshall as president and Commissioner Todd Ewen as vice president during a January reorganizational meeting, and approved the meeting agenda, minutes and claims.

Attorney April Geltmaker asked "AS FOR A NOMINATION TO REORGANIZE THE BOARD FOR THE NEW YEAR," after which Commissioner Ewen moved to keep Marshall as president and later moved to retain Ewen as vice president; both motions were seconded by Commissioner Tony Cardwell and carried. The board also voted to approve prior meeting minutes and to accept claims and payroll as presented.

Commissioner Ewen reviewed a list of 2026 appointments the board approved, including nominees for the Hoosier Uplands director and cemetery commission; the board tabled two planning-related appointments at Ewen's request. Knapp Miller Brown reported that Buckland Appraisals raised replacement costs on county buildings by about 4 percent, a figure commissioners said they will factor into insurance and budgeting discussions going forward.

The highway department reported ongoing construction and facility work, including painting and gas-meter installation at the new office and the shop being "approximately 75% completed," and listed remaining tasks such as installing a gate at the back entrance and guttering the truck shed. The meeting adjourned after routine business.