County Surveyor's race
Wayne Chapman wants to continue career in county government
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Wayne Chapman Age: 73 Address: 6994W. Crestwood Dr., Delphi Wife deceased. Four children, Jill, Julie, Carla and John, and 12 grandkids Hobbies: Grandkids, golf (not for three years) and flight simulation on his computer

Republican Wayne Chapman was first elected as county surveyor in 1992. Although he is not a registered surveyor, he said not being a registered surveyor has had no impact on the county finances. He said he can survey county roads and bridges per Indiana State Code and he uses a GPS for coordinates whenever possible on his job. He further said that his department has not paid for a registered surveyor, however the county highway would shoulder that expense when needed. Chapman said, as with a highway engineer, the state would enhance the county-paid salary of a registered surveyor.

Chapman said experience is important in his position.

"It took me three years to learn the job," he said. "I've been there long enough that I know what's going on."

"I know every road, every drain and all the people," he added. "I really love working for the people."

Chapman said before being elected to take office in 1992, he worked at a grain elevator in Rockfield for several years, was a farmer, and then delivered fuel oil throughout the county.

"I got to know the county and all the farmers during that time," he said.

Chapman said the surveyor's job is paid for 36 hours per week, but he works more hours some weeks. He said the work is seasonal in nature and there are times when more than 36 hours in a week is required to complete the duties of the office.

According to "Here's Your Indiana Government" published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the surveyor is responsible to survey and keep records of all section corners throughout the county. The surveyor supervises all civil engineering work of the county. The surveyor is required to prepare, maintain and keep in custody a record book showing maps of each section, grant, tract, subdivision or group of such areas in sufficient detail.

Chapman said he had a difference of opinion with the county council about the budget in the past. He was asked to pay some office expenses out of a restricted office fund, the cornerstone perpetuation fund. Chapman reported that those differences were put aside for the good of the county.

"I don't like to be pushed into something that I don't think is right," he explained.

Chapman said the Indiana State Board of Accounts audits all surveyor fund accounts.

The surveyor reports to the county drainage board and decides when a property owner must begin paying a ditch assessment for a drain on their land.

Chapman said he believes he has a very good working rapport with the current drainage board, which is comprised of commissioners George Mears, Bill Brown and Loren Hylton.

Chapman said he wanted to thank voters for trusting him in the past with the surveyor's duties.