The City of Shelbyville is dealing with two recent resignations from high profile positions.
Attorney Jennifer Meltzer (photo), who started as an in-house lawyer with the city then transitioned into private practice locally at McNeely Law LLP, has stepped down after eight years in the position. She continued to represent the city while working at McNeely Law and serving as a State Representative for District 73, which includes parts of Bartholomew, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson expressed a desire to return to an in-house lawyer after Monday’s Common Council meeting at City Hall. Until then, McNeely Law will continue to represent the City of Shelbyville. Jacob Brattain and Luke Jolly were in attendance at Monday’s Common Council meeting and Tuesday morning’s Board of Works meeting to answer any questions as needed.
“I think we will wait a couple of months since we have this data center stuff,” said Furgeson on a timeline to hire a new lawyer for the city.
Furgeson stated the city has hired Chris Janak of Bose, McKinney & Evans LLP to assist the city as counsel after recent meetings concerning a potential data center campus being built just east of the city.
“We were looking for someone in land use and utilities and this gentleman does,” said Furgeson.
The other resignation comes in the form of the retirement of Shelbyville Police Chief Bill Dwenger (photo, far right). He has served as chief for Furgeson since the beginning of his second tenure as mayor.
Dwenger started as a dispatcher and reserve officer with the Shelbyville Police Department. He became a full-time patrolman in 1986 and quickly rose through the ranks as Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Detective Lieutenant and Deputy Chief.
Dwenger served as Detective Captain from 2000 until his appointment as Chief of Police by Furgeson.
Deputy Chief Ed Hadley (photo, far left) has been named acting chief until Furgeson appoints a new Chief of Police.
“We are looking to figure out what to do with that,” said Furgeson. “It’s a process.”
Furgeson confirmed the Police Merit Commission will not have input in the selection process.
“It is completely my appointment and nobody else gets to say except me,” said Furgeson.
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