New leadership, new direction. Appointed new leadership at the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office and Fire Department to rebuild trust, improve culture, and refocus on serving residents.

Fair, merit-based hiring and promotions. Created a Human Resources Division and implemented a transparent hiring process—ending nepotism, favoritism, and ensuring that the best people serve our community.

Stronger financial oversight. Worked with the State Board of Accounts to correct past issues, brought in independent experts, and added clear checks and balances to protect taxpayer dollars.

Same-day help when it matters most. Made Wayne Township one of the first townships in Indiana to offer walk-in, same-day assistance—so residents can meet with a caseworker and get help right away during emergencies.

Help that fits your schedule. Installed a secure 24/7 drop box so residents can submit applications anytime, with caseworkers following up the next business day. 

Keeping up with real costs. Worked with the Township Board to increase assistance levels each year, helping families manage rising rent and utility costs.

Baby Boxes that save lives. Under Jeb Bardon’s leadership, Wayne Township became the first fire department in the nation to have baby boxes at every fire station. Funded through private donations, they’re already making a life-saving difference.

Fully staffed fire services—without raising costs. Made smart, responsible changes—cutting administrative overhead, downsizing headquarters, auctioning unused equipment, and refurbishing what we could—to keep fire services fully staffed.

New Union Contract. Negotiated a new three-year contract with the firefighters’ union that was overwhelmingly approved by the members, strengthening collaboration and morale.

Balanced budgets and a stronger financial future. Took action to prevent a fiscal crisis by cutting millions in spending, rebalancing township and fire department budgets, and continuing to provide high-quality services. 

Smarter spending across the board. Reduced healthcare costs, reclassified positions, downsized headquarters, left non-essential positions unfilled, and refurbished equipment—delivering meaningful savings for taxpayers.

A better, more efficient health care solution. Partnered with Marathon Health to utilize a township-owned health clinic, saving nearly $475,000 a year while giving employees more access and generating additional revenue through lease income.

Out in the community. Jeb Bardon and his team regularly attend neighborhood, community and business association meetings, listening to the needs of residents and working to raise awareness about township services. 

More transparency, better communication. Expanded the township’s online presence with revamped websites, livestreamed township board meetings, and launched a bi-weekly newsletter to highlight services, programs and community events.  

Partnerships that matter. Built new and creative partnerships to provide additional services residents need—like free pet food, gun locks, overdose rescue kits, car seat clinics, legal aid, support for veterans, holiday assistance, and help with food and clothing.

Faster response times when every second counts. Invested in new technology at major intersections that allows fire trucks to control traffic signals, helping crews get to emergencies faster and improving safety. 

Greater safety through technology. Fire vehicles involved in active emergency responses will now appear on GPS systems via HAAS technology. This will give drivers better forewarning of the presence of emergency vehicles.

Jeb was named 2024 Crime Fighter of the Year for the IMPD Southwest District for his work in keeping the community safe.