Brown County Government Website – Calendar of meetings, Agendas, and Minutes.

Jan 7, 2026 Commissioners Meeting – Starts around 4:10

• • Agenda Comm Mtg Jan 7 2026 Rev 2026_01_06 1500
  • Presentation of Accomplishments  2025 Commissioner Office Accomplishments  2026_01_07 1330

Commissioner Meeting Agendas:  You can sign up at the county website to have these sent to you via email. They are generally available the day before the meetings. Commissioners meet every first Wednesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. and on the third Wednesday at 6:00 pm.

• • Brown County Government Website – Calendar of meetings, agendas and minutes.
    • • Agenda Center: “Create a Website Account – Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. “
  • The county council has a working session every first Thursday of the month from 9-12. They also meet monthly on the third Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Meetings Streamed on YouTube.  All the meetings are streamed on YouTube at “Brown County Indiana Government Meetings.”  Transcripts are also available.

Brown County Democrat Newspaper. Publishes government meeting schedules. Reporter Courtney Hughett provides extensive coverage of what was discussed.

Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI tools like Google Gemini can be used to provide analysis and summaries of the meetings. The tool can also inform you of how to prompt for the information you are requesting.

Last updated Mar 5, 2025

Preliminary work was done on an update to the county comprehensive plan (cost around 37K). The update process was limited to two public meetings at different locations, on the same day and a survey.  Link to the draft and current version below: 

1. Third Draft 3 Brown County Comprehensive Plan
2. Current Version – Revised 2011 Brown County Comprehensive Plan (PDF)

Commissioners declined to approve the Draft without more community engagement to include identifying “communities” within the county. Coud developing and perhaps testing an agenda for future public meetings be helpful to identify the scope of desired changes?

 2025 Comp LMI by Census Tract  (communities) – LMI average is 40.4%.  To quality for OCRA planning grants, LMI needs to be 51% or higher. (The higher the LMI, the lower the income).

Requirements and Expectations – Comprehensive Plan – Public meetings – Residents know the following:

1. The purpose of a Comprehensive plan (allows a county to manage zoning).
2. How their property and area are zoned.
3. What Zoning District (s) are applicable to their property and area
4. What type of development is allowed within their district
5. The process for how zoning is changed to include decision criteria.

References:

• • Comprehensive Plan Zoning Maps by Townships- Appendix  A
  • Brown County Zoning Ordinance – Districts and Allowable Uses pg 22-31
  • Controversy – Reversing a Zoning Change: Letter to the Editor: Commissioner addresses Tilton property

Brown County — Historical, Cultural and Economic Context

• Summary.   Brown County, is known for its scenic beauty and natural terrain, and as the most heavily forested county in Indiana. Tourism generates approximately $21 million in gross wages and accounts for about 10% of the county’s GDP. Total taxable income on tax returns exceeds $510 million. Approximately 77% of residents’ income is earned outside the county. Although more than half of the land is federally or state-owned, thereby reducing the property tax base, this characteristic enhances the county’s appeal to visitors and current and future residents.
  • Regional Opportunity Initiative (ROI / Upland Regions / Brown County “Story” — Nashville, Tourism Focus.
  • History — Rural, Brown County State Park, Artist Colony, Bedroom Community

• • Brown County is a bedroom, retirement, work from home county with tourism where residents desire a more rural lifestyle.  (We have 4 stoplights in the county (the 4^th was just added last year (2025).

  • Residents want to live here but generate their income (77%) from outside the county.  Tourism accounts for around 21 million in gross wages. The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of all residents is over 510 million. 

  • Our tax policy is high income (among the highest in the state) and low property (among the lowest in the state.).  Our GDP is around 362 million and the total for surrounding counties is around 30 million. Tourism accounts for around 40 million in GDP. 

    • Lower property tax supports second homes and tourist rentals.
  • Schools. Declining enrollment has been systemic. 
  • Home Costs and Affordability.  Demand and availability of buildable land have increased median home values that exceed what is affordable fort those at the more modest income levels. Affordability defined as spending no more than 30% of pre-tax income on housing.
  • “What are best bets for future of local economy?”  Sara Clifford, Brown County Democrat, Dec 28, 2016. Summary from the Community Readiness Initiative (CRI) facilitated by Ball State.
  •  A New Path for Brown County. A Hypothesis for a Modern Plan for growth and Economic Development in Brown County, Indiana, By Chris Schneider – December 5th, 2024
  • Small Communities in Brown County
    • 10 Secluded Towns Lost in the Hills of Indiana’s Rugged Brown County Region:  Elkinsville, Cornelius, Gatesville, Stone Head, Trevlac, Gnaw Bone, Helmsburg, Bean Blossom, Story, Nashville, 
    • Not included: Cordry and Sweetwater Lakes
  • Jobs:
    • Total (2023): 3840; Tourism Related: 1,026
    • Total Tax Returns Filed: 7,302 (2023).
      • Residents paying tax – no job: 3,462.
  • Wages:
    • “Brown County is more typical: 32% of the earnings generated in the county flow out while 77% of the earnings realized by local residents originate elsewhere.
    • Brown County is among the eight in the “high wage increase and high job growth corner,” which leads to prioritizing economic development resources where the market indicates they are best used.
  • Economic Development – Subsidies, Abatements, Tax Increment Financing.
    • The county has not had to subsidize a developer for a project. An abatement (400K) was offered (never used) to the previous owner of the Little Opry to help finance wastewater treatment for a new music venue.  Rebuilding the Little Opry with private money was not feasible.   
    • An Economic Development Area (required) for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was developed for Helmsburg. A TIF was not needed. Private, not public, funding was used to revitalize the area. Habitat for Humanity also built three homes in the area.
    • The state did approve a 39 million dollar concept to provide sewer service along a corridor that runs from Lake Lemon, Trevlac, Helmsburg to Bean Blossom and Woodland Lake. Priority is service in Bean Blossom (about 200 homes), a new plant in Helmsburg, and then extending service to Lake Lemon.
•  :
  • Medical Services.
    • No hospital or 24×7 Urgent Care Facility. Hospitals and urgent care available in surrounding counties.
    • Medical services provided by two ambulances that serve residents and tourists.
    • Medical treatment can also be provided by volunteer firefighters and EMTs if/when they may be available.
    • IU has a  primary care facility in Nashville.
    • One assisted living facility. 
    • Residents may choose to re-locate when more available medical services are required and assisted living options are needed.
  • Fire and Emergence Services. Provided by Volunteer Fire Departments. Some fire fighters trained as EMTs.
  • Gravel Roads.  Residents can prefer gravel roads that may attract less traffic.
  • New Residents.  Attracted by a more rural environment, recreational opportunities, and amenities provided by tourism businesses.
  • Recreation – Trails
    • Part 1: Part 1: Trails and Parks, Brown County IN
    • Part 2: Trails, Parks, Culture, Brown County, IN
    • Bicycles.  Trails, Paved Roads, Gravel Roads.  Bikes are uniquely designed for the respective surface.   Brown County Mountain Biking.
    • Van Buren Township. Combs Road – Story / Elkinsville.  Road Remains closed due to feedback from the public
    • Hamblen Township – Mt. Tea State Forest, Upgrades to Pumpkine Ridge Rd. Concern by residents for upgrades to a single-lane, unmaintained county road.
• Sewer Service:
  • Nashville, Gnaw Bone, Helmsburg.
  • In process:  Bean Blossom and Lake Lemon
  • Plans:
    • Brown County Regional Sewer District (RSD)
    • Nashville RSD

Broadband. Analysis of FCC data:

• • Fiber is available to 90.31% of Brown County. Individual fiber providers cover:
    • Sci Fiber: 67.84% of the county
    • Mainstream Fiber Networks: 33.29%

Water Services.  Available in 75-95% of the county?  

APC 2025_04_22 Presentation on a Zoing  Change and Enclosures – Decision Criteria 

• • IC 36-7-4-603, Reasonable regard for the following by the Plan Commission and the Legislative body: 
    1. The comprehensive plan;  Brown County Comprehensive Plan (PDF) 
    2. current conditions and the character of current structures and uses in each district;
    3. the most desirable use for which the land in each district is adapted;
    4. the conservation of property values throughout the jurisdiction; and
    5. responsible development and growth.
  • Brown County Comprehensive Plan (PDF)
    • Four Main Principles (Elements). It is important that this comprehensive plan explain the principles (elements) that should be followed when making decisions and also the relative importance of each principle, as this will help those who must make difficult decisions.  This will be especially important in those situations where a decision must balance competing principles. (Ref: Brown County Comprehensive Plan, 2011 Revision).
    • “Criteria” (Four Main Elements (Principles)
    • Preserves – Natural Features and Way of Life
    • Discourages Economic Decline (One Side of the Coin)
    • Fosters Economic Development (Other side of the Coin)
    • Enhances the desirability of Brown County as a place to live in retirement should also be protected, when possible

3. Need: Decision Criteria – Weighted Decision Matrix – to assess (score)  “Relative Importance of each principle.” 

• • Examples – Decision Criteria —   2025 Comp APC Apr 22, 2024 Encl 250419  

Marshall County to repay $1.6 million after historic M.C. Regional Sewer District dissolution , Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:30 AM, By Kathy Bottorff

• • The project drew fierce opposition from residents once they learned of potential costs. While homeowners were initially told monthly costs would be less than $100, county commissioners say that figure climbed closer to $200 after the board failed to secure federal grant funding.On October 31, IDEM determined the district must be dissolved, citing the project as economically unfeasible, unfair, and unreasonable due to project changes, delays, and resident cost concerns.
  • PDF Marshall County to repay $1.6 million after historic M.C. Regional Sewer District dissolution

Fired comptroller’s report critical of Lake County government By MICHELLE L. QUINN  | Post-Tribune | Post-Tribune PUBLISHED: December 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM CST

Clark seeks more accountability for Music Center; Kemp warns against government control
By Courtney Hughett -October 28, 202

• • “Rich Stanley also addressed the council, identifying himself as a candidate for commissioner in 2026 if his federal lawsuit against the Brown County Election Board succeeds. Stanley said the Music Center “is a public asset that only exists due to the taxing authority of the county,” and urged two changes which are to make four of the seven governing board seats elected officials and send 100 percent of the profit back to the county. “Public assets should not be turned over to private business interests,” he said, adding that he opposes selling the venue but wants profits used to offset county costs.”

The council did not support any changes to the current agreements. Councilman Rudd did not commit one way or the other.

Another option: Instead of 4 of the 7 board members being elected officials, these could be direct appointments by the elected officials. 

Background Information on the approval of the project:

• • GUEST OPINION: Time will tell what music center’s impact will be” by TIm Clark
    Brown County Democrat .  May 23, 2019 .
  • BCMC: Brown County Music Center (Maple Leaf): For the Record. (2017-2024)

“Ownership” – Lease to Own.

The State of Indiana allows counties, through a third party, to borrow money to fund buildings such as the Brown County Jail and the Brown County (Maple Leaf) Music Center.   A non-profit is established along with a board to manage the building and the required lease payments.  At the end of the lease, the buidling is transferred to the county.

The required lease payments are included in the county’s annual budget, which is reviewed and approved by the state. For the Music Center, the total amount borrowed was $12.5 million.

• • Brown County Maple Leaf Building Corporation Certificate and Articles of Incorporation – Brown County Maple Leaf Building Corp Certified Copies Attachments

  • FYI  Brown County Jail Bldg Corp CertifiedCopiesAttachments 

Financial Documents

Indiana Gateway Bond-Lease Reports:

• • Bond_Lease Report_ Gateway 3.5 Million
  • Bond_Lease Report_ Gateway 9.0 Million

Bank Documents

• Project Budget approved by the bank: “Schedule of Cost Breakdowns-Hard Costs and Soft Costs:  Maple Leaf Hard and Soft Costs
• Oct 29, 2018. Updated Hard and Soft Costs Maple Leaf Draw 7 part 1 Updated Hard and Soft Costs
• Brown County Maple Leaf Bldg Corp First Mortgage Note Feb 8 2018  $3,500 ,000
• Brown County Maple Leaf Bldg Corp First Mortgage Note Dec 27 2018  $9,000,000

Last updated: Nov 29, 2025

Political Context: The county has a one-party monopoly (R) on political power.   The local party influences who can run for office, be appointed to boards and commissions, and even obtain and keep a county government job. Consequently, loyalty to the party and its agenda can too often take precedence over supporting candidates and policies that could produce better results for the county.

Preview of seats open in the 2026 election. Candidates can begin filing for candidacy in the 2026 Primary Election on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, through Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, until noon. Includes the Auditor position and four (4) council seats.

 2026 Elections

Auditor:  Julia Reeves is finishing two four-year terms and is not running for 3rd term.

• • Expectations for qualifications?  Experience with developing, changing, and managing government (county) budgets. Knowledge of basic accounting to include the difference between cash and accrual, fund accounting, auditing, and managerial accounting.
  • Curious and the desire to learn.  Ability to apply what is learned to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. County finance and accounting differ significantly from private-sector accounting.  There will likely be a learning curve.

Council seats up for election in 2026: Huett, Byrd, Kirby, Kemp

• • District 1. Gary Huett: Appointed to the council in 2019. Elected in 2022-26.
  • District 2. Darren Byrd: elected 2014? 2018, 2022-26.
  • District 3: Joel Kirby: Elected 2022-26
  • District 4: Jim Kemp: Elected 2022-26
  • At-large: Patrick Nielander: 2024-2028
  • At large: Judy-Swift Powdrill: 2024-2028
  • At large: Scott Rudd: elected 2020 (at large) and 2024. (Possibly (?) running for commissioner, District 2 in 2026).
• Commissioner Seats up for election in 2026: District 2 – Ron Sanders
  • District 2: Ron Sanders (2022-2026)
  • District 1: Tim Clark (2024-2028)
  • District 3: Kevin Patrick (2024-2028).

Credit Rating.  Oct 16, 2025. “Brown County, IN Debt Rating Lowered Two Notches To ‘A’ From ‘AA-‘ On Weakened View Of Management”  

• • The two-notch downgrade reflects our view of heightened vulnerability in management following continuous and numerous internal control findings.
  • PDF Copy: Brown County, IN Debt Rating Lowered Two Notches _ S&P Global Ratings

Audit Reports-Sept 16 ,2025 – State Board of Accounts

• • • 15840A FINANCIAL STATEMENT AUDIT REPORT OF BROWN COUNTY, INDIANA  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
      • Adverse Opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
        • In our opinion, because of the significance of the matter discussed in the Basis for Adverse and Unmodified Opinions section of our report, the financial statement referred to above does not present fairly, the financial position and results of operations of the County as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
      • Opinion on “Regulatory” Basis of Accounting  (1)
        • In our opinion, the accompanying financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position and results of operations of the County, as of and for the year
          ended December 31, 2024, in accordance with the financial reporting provisions of the Indiana State Board
          of Accounts described in Note 1.
    • 15840S SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLIANCE REPORT OF BROWN COUNTY, INDIANA
      January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
      • Internal control deficiencies resulted in noncompliance with laws and regulations over the following areas:
         Annual Financial Report
         Reconcilement of the Monthly Financial Statement (Form 61)
         Timely Recording
         Capital Assets
         Overdrawn Cash Balances
         Training on Internal Control Standards

Jonathan Haidt: The Devil’s Plan to Ruin the Next Generation.  I asked ChatGPT how it would destroy America’s youth. Its answers were unsettling—and all too familiar.

I approach spirituality as a social scientist who believes that whether or not God exists, spirituality is a deep part of human nature, shaped by natural selection and cultural evolution, and central to human flourishing and self-transcendence. Our “better angels” call us upward and out of our daily concerns. Our inner demons pull us downward, where we become more selfish and easily tempted.