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Commissioners authorize bids to demolish unsafe DuBois structure at 5398 E. Main St.
Summary
The board voted to solicit quotes to demolish part of a deteriorated structure at 5398 East Main Street in DuBois after repeated delays by the owner; bids are due Aug. 18.
The DuBois County commissioners voted Aug. 4 to solicit quotes to demolish the southern portion of a deteriorated structure at 5398 East Main Street in DuBois and to make the parcel compliant.
County staff and Health Department representatives told the board the building has been subject to multiple hearings and compliance deadlines, with limited progress by the owner. A site visit this week showed some removal work and equipment on site, but county officials said progress has stalled repeatedly.
Action taken: The board approved a request for quotes and asked staff to publish the solicitation with a submission deadline of Aug. 18, 2025, 9:00 a.m., at the commissioners' meeting. The solicitation package includes the project scope and parcel information; responses will be opened at a public meeting. Commissioners noted that any demolition cost incurred by the county will be billed to the property owner and that a contractor hired by the county would be authorized to proceed if the owner fails to complete remediation.
Legal context: County staff said they reviewed applicable parts of Indiana code and are working within the county's enforcement authority; the board documented several prior status hearings (April 21, May 5, June 16, July 7 and July 21) where compliance was discussed.
Background: Health Department staff member Christina Green reported visible progress at the parcel but said a final wall remained and progress had stalled. The owner (represented at the meeting by parties who spoke) told the board that materials and equipment were staged and that remaining work required removal of a masonry wall and backfill. Commissioners said the county had provided multiple opportunities and that, because of repeated stalls, they would accept quotes and pursue remediation independently to ensure public safety and compliance.
Next steps: County staff will publish the RFP/quote document and accept submissions through the Aug. 18, 2025 deadline. The board authorized staff to proceed with contracting and with billing the landowner for costs if the county performs the work.
Ending: Commissioners approved the solicitation by motion and set the quote-opening timeline; staff will return with the results for final action.
