Jasper Utility Service Board Reviews Projects, Safety Upgrades, and Staffing

At their Monday evening meeting, the Jasper Utility Service Board reviewed safety enhancements, advanced multiple infrastructure projects, and approved staffing requests. 

In his report to the board, Electric Utility Manager Stan Seifert reviewed some safety features being used with the city’s new electric meters. A new auto-disconnect feature will shut down the meter if it exceeds temperature guidelines. Notifications are also sent when there is a shutdown so that the issue can be investigated. The department is looking into other integrated safety features for future use. 

Gas and Water Manager Tim Doersam provided an update on spring hydrant flushing. The project is nearing the halfway mark and should be completed in the next two weeks. Resolution #USB 2026-5 was approved, recommending the purchase of real property for the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant project. The property in question is approximately 7 acres, and both parties have agreed to sale terms. 

The retroactive approval of Dubois County Regional Sewer District Memorandum of Understanding was approved. The Regional District has been trying to accommodate a project for Hayesville. To be eligible for a SRF funding application, they had to show an ongoing working relationship between the county sewer district and the city of Jasper. The memorandum needed to be submitted by the deadline, so the retroactive approval facilitated that. 

A generator was damaged by fire at the 400 West lift station. The fire appeared to be electrical in nature, and it is possible that the generator may be able to be repaired. The board gave permission to seek quotes if it is determined that repairs are not possible. 

Business Manager Ashley Kiefer presented Resolution #USB 2026-4, which was approved. This will repeal Resolution #USB 2004-1, which allowed advertisements with utility billings. Kiefer said there is no longer room to allow the community to have advertising space in billing, as it is needed for city-related business. 

In his report, General Manager Rob Young sought to put in place assistant manager positions for the wastewater and gas and water utilities, saying, “I think it’s important to us.” The board approved Resolution #USB 2026-3, recommending changes to the Utilities’ Salary Ordinance for 2026 and adding the Assistant Wastewater Manager position. The resolution will be sent to the Common Council for approval. Pending the Council’s approval at their next meeting, the board granted Young’s request to fill the Assistant Wastewater Manager position. The Assistant Gas and Water Manager is already on the salary ordinance, and permission was granted to fill that position. Young was also approved as a replacement to the IMPA Board of Commissioners, a position that he has held in the past. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


 - By Drew Hasselbring