Tensions Boil as Dubois County Commissioners Vote on RDA Amid Public Pushback

The Dubois County Commissioners faced accusations and scrutiny from the public as they attempted to make an informed decision regarding the county’s relationship with the RDA. 

The Commissioners convened to discuss the Regional Development Authority (RDA), addressing questions about the organization, its role, and its value moving forward. At the most recent Dubois County Commissioners meeting, a resolution was proposed by the Mid-States Corridor RDA requesting continued support. The resolution failed when a majority decision could not be reached. At the special session called last week, however, with all Commissioners present, the resolution supporting continued participation in the RDA was approved. 

Following the original measure’s failure, the special session was requested by Commissioner Stenftenagel, who had voiced support for the resolution, to request additional information of RDA representatives before taking formal action. Her inquiries focused on why the RDA should remain involved during the Tier 2 study phase and what options the county has for withdrawing from the organization. In response, RDA Attorney Bill Kaiser and Chairman Mark Schroeder emphasized that the RDA serves as an advocate and liaison between local governments and INDOT. They also suggested that without the RDA, the counties and municipalities will be overburdened by the additional workload of suddenly absorbing all tasks attached to the Corridor project with no outside support. 

Commissioner Chad Blessinger, however, voiced his earlier opinion that elected officials might be a more appropriate choice to shepherd a project of this magnitude than an appointed board. Acknowledging the increased responsibility, Blessinger said, “part of me thinks you're probably right. If there's no RDA, maybe that's a little more something on our shoulders, but maybe that's the shoulders it should be on.” Similar concerns were raised by members of the public in their comments. Blessinger also told the Chairman, “when you talk about being an advocate for the for the county, I've never thought that, Mr. Schroeder, you ever had anything but good intentions for the county.” 

Some critics of the Mid-States Corridor RDA have argued that the organization should have automatically dissolved after its initial eight-year term expired last year, as no formal extension was approved. RDA Attorney Kaiser acknowledged that state law does not clearly define what happens in that situation and said the state has been asked to provide an official interpretation. He noted that delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic likely extended the project timeline, and that without interruptions to Tier 1, the Tier 2 study might already be finished. 

Kaiser explained that the original eight-year timeframe was intended to ensure long-term commitment from participating entities. When asked whether the county could leave the RDA in the future, he said withdrawal is likely possible at any time, though clarification has also been requested from the state. 
 
Commissioner Stenftenagel also asked about financial oversight. Kaiser said the RDA is subject to annual audits by a state-approved accounting firm which are then examined by the State Board of Accounts. All financial records are publicly accessible. Stenftenagel also inquired about the RDA’s future after the corridor project moves forward or is completed. Kaiser said its continuation would depend entirely on the participating entities, since it was formed by the local governments it represents. 

Questions were also raised about potentially transferring control of U.S. 231. Schroeder and Kaiser said the RDA has advocated on behalf of local governments, including expressing the county’s opposition to taking over the highway if the corridor is constructed. In the meantime, the cities of Huntingburg and Jasper have agreed to fund a study examining how they would handle INDOT’s request to assume control of the roadway within their jurisdictions. 

Before the vote, Blessinger clarified that the decision was not about support for the Mid-States Corridor, but whether the RDA continues to serve a useful and necessary role. He questioned whether the RDA is better equipped than local officials to negotiate with INDOT. Schroeder acknowledged that county officials and engineers are equally qualified, but argued that the RDA provides additional support backing the county’s interests. 

Commissioner Stenftenagel, who said that she called the meeting to get answers to the county’s questions, ultimately stated that she still believes the RDA to be a valuable advocate. She also addressed criticism she had received since publicly supporting the resolution, including claims that she was not considering the county’s future. She said she has received comments that she is “not concerned about our grandchildren, our great grandchildren. I want those children to go to college and I want them to come back here. I think that's important.” Stenftenagel continued, “I've received emails um been told that I need to take my position here as a commissioner seriously. I feel that I have. I've been told that I'm not the right person for this position…I was elected to this position to make a decision. I know how I feel. I respect everyone else's opinion. I do. I've been in some of some of your positions as far as land. Farms. I understand. The public is never going to agree/disagree with my decision and I respect that. I do want to close by saying I want to make a motion to recommend continued participation in the Regional Development Authority and be presented to the Dubois County Council. And that's where I stand.” 

Commissioner Hostetter responded to his colleague’s comments, saying, “I respect that and I think to make that decision in a room full of people that disagree with you proves that you do have a backbone.” He then seconded the motion. The vote was called for before the public comments, prompting an audible objection from the audience. The resolution passed 2-1, with Blessinger casting the dissenting vote. It recommends that the county remain part of the RDA, though the final decision rests with the County Council, which is scheduled to take up the issue at its March 30 meeting. 

Following the vote, the commissioners opened the floor for public comment. Speakers raised concerns that the RDA could be used to gather private funding in a way that bypasses new state-level financial review requirements for large transportation projects. Under recent legislation, INDOT projects exceeding $250 million in a single county must undergo additional scrutiny. 
 
Criticism was also directed at the commissioners for not allowing public input before the vote. Blessinger pointed out that no one had requested to be placed on the agenda, consistent with standard procedure. Mark Nowotarski of the Stop the Mid-States Corridor Coalition argued the agenda lacked sufficient detail, noting it only referenced a general discussion and did not list RDA representatives as speakers. Blessinger acknowledged that concern, while Stenftenagel reiterated that the purpose of the meeting was to gather information and clarify her position before making a final decision. With no unanswered questions remaining, there was no reason to delay the vote. 

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


- By Drew Hasselbring