Hartford City and Blackford County to Share Greenway Trail Maintenance Costs

From the Blackford County Commissioner meeting on May 18, 2026

Hartford City and Blackford County will draft a formal agreement to share maintenance costs for the Greenway trail after Mayor Dan Eckstein appeared before commissioners to request help.

The roughly 4-mile trail is split about evenly between city limits and county jurisdiction, but Hartford City currently handles all mowing, tree removal, three-times-per-week security checks, and litter pickup. Each mowing session costs about $150 in fuel alone, running two mowers on 89-octane gas at $4 to $5 or more per gallon.

No formal maintenance agreement has ever existed. A prior mayor informally agreed the city would handle it all. An interlocal agreement covers Greenway insurance but not upkeep.

Commissioner Lancaster agreed the costs should be shared. A formal interlocal agreement will be drafted.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County - County Commissioner Meeting - May 18, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.