Hartford City RDC Adopts $2,500 Pre-Approved Spending Authority

From the Hartford City Redevelopment Commission meeting on June 11, 2026

The Hartford City Redevelopment Commission unanimously adopted Resolution 26-01, establishing a formal process for pre-approved spending of up to $2,500 per transaction.

Under the resolution, the RDC president or vice president may authorize expenditures before a full board vote, provided at least one other RDC member co-approves. All pre-approved spending must be reported at the next scheduled meeting with documentation of the amount, payee, description, and purpose.

City Attorney Tyler Rothstein, who drafted the resolution, described the authority as primarily for emergency repairs, time-sensitive payments, and routine maintenance. "I see this more as an emergency. I don't see this as a routine issue," Rothstein said.

Clerk Treasurer Dana Whatley raised a conflict-of-interest question about whether she could serve as a co-approving member given her dual role as clerk treasurer and RDC member. Rothstein recommended she be excluded for transparency, and the resolution was amended on the spot to bar any Hartford City clerk treasurer or deputy clerk treasurer from co-approving transactions.

The vote was 4-0, with members Dudelston, Eckstein, Whatley, and Kingery present. Members Megan Miller and Chad Yentz were absent.

Source: Meeting transcript — Hartford City Redevelopment Commission, June 11, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.