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DuBois County sets $500 fine, gives July 2 deadline after contractor did not start demolition work
Summary
After a contractor failed to begin agreed demolition work at a fire‑damaged property, the county ordered reimbursement/fine and gave the owner until July 2 to complete the unsafe portion removal; commissioners said they would proceed with county abatement if the owner did not act.
The DuBois County Board of Commissioners voted to assess a $500 reimbursement/fine and ordered the owner of a fire‑damaged property to complete demolition of the unsafe rear addition by July 2, 2025. County health staff reported the owner had submitted a contract but work had not started as of a June inspection.
Health department staff said the rear section of the building was “obviously not salvageable” and recommended removal. The owner told the board she had secured a contractor and that a dumpster and gravel were scheduled for delivery, and she said the contractor expected to complete the work within two days once on site.
Commissioners said the county should not become the contractor of last resort when owners fail to act, but they also said they would begin preparations to hire county crews if necessary. The board voted to impose a $500 reimbursement/fine — payable to the county auditor within 30 days — and set a July 2, 2025 deadline to complete the demolition and fill the site; the matter is scheduled for review at the July 7, 2025 commissioners meeting at 8:30 a.m.
If the owner completes the work before the county proceeds, the county will not perform the demolition. If the owner does not complete the work by the deadline, commissioners said they would proceed with county abatement and recover costs from the owner.
