Commissioner Steve Dillinger hosts 35th annual State of the County address

Event highlights major investments in public safety, infrastructure & quality of life

More than 500 business leaders, elected officials, community partners and residents gathered Wednesday, June 24, for Hamilton County’s 35th annual State of the County address at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville.

County Commissioner Steve Dillinger chose this year’s theme, “Hamilton County: Doing the Right Things for the Right Reasons,” because he says it reflects a philosophy that has guided county leadership through decades of growth and change.

“Doing the right thing isn’t always popular,” Dillinger said. “When we built 146th Street, people thought we were making a mistake. Today, it’s one of the most important roads in the county. As we now work to improve those interchanges, we know there will be short-term inconvenience, but the long-term benefits will far outweigh it.”

(From left) Commissioners Christine Altman, Steve Dillinger, and Mark Heirbrandt. (Photo provided)

In addition to upgrades along 146th Street, Dillinger provided updates on several major county projects, including the renovation of the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, construction of the new 911 Communications Center and Public Safety Training Facility, and expansion of the Judicial Center, which will add seven new courtrooms.

Dillinger also announced plans for a new childcare center that will serve employees working at the county’s public safety campus, including 911 dispatchers and sheriff’s deputies.

As Hamilton County continues to experience rapid growth, Dillinger said the county’s continued success is the result of decades of thoughtful planning and strategic investment. He pointed to recent U.S. News & World Report rankings that named Carmel the No. 1 Best Place to Live in America, Fishers No. 2, and Noblesville No. 18.

“That doesn’t happen if you’re not doing something right,” Dillinger said.

The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual luncheon. Hamilton County Television aired a telecast at hctv1.com those who could not attend.