DUBOIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

The Dubois County Board of Commissioners assembled on Monday morning with updates on several high-priority issues. 

On February 26, the Commissioners held a meeting with the Indiana Finance Authority, Baker Tilly, and the City of Jasper. According to Commissioner Blessinger, they addressed the environmental necessity of finding solutions to failures within the septic system. They also discussed the county’s “willingness to provide significant funding toward the project to help reduce the rates and try keep them as affordable as possible.” The City of Jasper expressed their support, reinforcing the benefits of the regionalized partnership. 

The meeting’s primary focus was on project financing. As the county’s median household income does not qualify for specialized funding, Blessinger asked IFA representatives to provide some guidance on options that would maximize affordability, which they were unable to provide. As a result, the Commissioners opted to continue reviewing options for funding. 

The Commissioners reported that multiple media outlets have requested any investigative records related to the alleged misuse of commissary funds in the Sheriff’s Office. The County has only limited records, as the State Police conducted the investigation and the prosecutor’s office received many of those records. Blessinger said, “It’s always my goal to be as transparent as possible. We give a hundred percent of the things out that we can give out.” The Commissioners have reached out to Indiana’s interim public access counselor, Steve Carter, for guidance on what items can be released to media sources. No answer has been received at this time. 

In general business, the Courthouse HVAC temperature control contract between Messmer and the County was approved. Some surplus items were also approved, including new keyboards and mice that came with new computers but are not needed. If anyone in the public wants them, they are welcome to reach out to the Commissioners, and they would be gladly donated. 

The security system at the Courthouse requires an upgrade. The additional of twelve more cameras will address blind spots and provide additional visibility overall. 

The comprehensive plan that was previously approved has been sent to various consultants for review. So far, responses have been received from multiple vendors, and more are expected. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit duboiscountyin.org/government


- By Drew Hasselbring