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Porter County Redevelopment Commission elects officers, appoints director and approves consulting and legal contracts
Summary
At a reorganization meeting, the Porter County Redevelopment Commission elected its officers, appointed Michael Jabo as director and Susan Hale as assistant director, retained outside legal counsel, and approved an as‑needed financial consulting contract.
The Porter County Redevelopment Commission on an organizational meeting (date not specified) elected Jim Biggs as president, William (Bill) Herring as vice president and Ralph Neff as secretary, appointed Michael Jabo as director and Susan Hale as assistant director, and approved two professional services contracts, the commission said.
The reorganization sets the commission's leadership and vendor relationships ahead of a year commissioners described as likely to include substantial economic development decisions. Commissioners approved an as‑needed contract with DEF Consulting (financial consulting) and voted to retain legal counsel for 2025.
Commissioners held a roll call at the start of the meeting and confirmed a quorum. Motions to elect or appoint each officer and to approve the contracts were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting packet attached a financial report covering expenditures from 12/11/2024 through 02/18/2025 and referenced the commission—s prior action on a comprehensive thoroughfare plan contract.
Votes at a glance
- Election of Jim Biggs as president of the Porter County Redevelopment Commission: motion approved by voice vote; commission members present voted in favor.
- Election of William Herring as vice president: motion approved by voice vote; commission members present voted in favor.
- Election of Ralph Neff as secretary: motion approved by voice vote; commission members present voted in favor.
- Appointment of Michael (Mike) Jabo as director: motion approved by voice vote; commissioners stated his county planning role would be an advantage.
- Appointment of Susan Hale as assistant director (Susan Hale identified in the meeting as planning director within the Porter County Planning Commission): motion approved by voice vote.
- Approval of professional services agreement with DEF Consulting (financial consulting, as‑needed, hourly rates): motion approved by voice vote. Dan Bodich attended the meeting representing the firm.
- Approval of legal services contract for 2025 with the law firm and attorney named in the meeting (name as stated in the meeting): motion approved by voice vote.
What the actions mean
The votes are procedural and organizational: the commission established officers and retained staff and vendors so the body can operate and pursue projects this year. The appointment of Mike Jabo ties the redevelopment commission—s administrative role to the county planning operations because Jabo serves in county government. The financial consultant contract was authorized on an as‑needed basis at prescribed hourly rates to support annual financial reviews and project work; the legal contract covers counsel services for 2025.
Background and next steps
Commission staff noted the meeting was light on substantive project business but said heavier agenda items are expected at future meetings. The meeting packet mentioned the earlier comprehensive thoroughfare plan contract and included the most recent financial report. Staff indicated the commission will present annual financial reviews and other materials for approval at upcoming meetings.
Ending
No formal controversies, amendments or roll‑call tallies with recorded no/abstain votes were recorded in the minutes provided; the record shows motions were approved by unanimous voice vote of members present. The commission scheduled future meetings and discussed calendar options for regular monthly meetings.
