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DuBois County approves $200 monthly rent increase for county tenant amid space and facility concerns
Summary
Council approved a $200 per month rent increase at the Center on 5th for a county program and discussed cramped office space, a 60-day notice clause in the lease, and the possibility of pursuing a county-owned facility in the future.
The DuBois County Council approved a $200-per-month rent increase for a county-funded tenant at the Center on 5th, raising the monthly rent from $800 to $1,000 and the annual contract amount by $2,400.
A presenter identified in the meeting as Jess explained the increase resulted from a new memorandum of understanding and an HVAC replacement for the room. The presenter said the HVAC replacement cost was amortized across tenants and that the room's share of that cost was spread over five years, producing the $200 monthly increase. The countyfund line to pay the increase was identified in the discussion as county general.
Commissioners asked questions about the physical workspace. The presenter said six staff currently share a classroom-sized space that can be noisy and cramped; commissioners and staff noted the office is safer than a prior location but acknowledged the inconvenience. Commissioners discussed the building relationships with the landlord and noted the lease is month-to-month with a 60-day notice clause on either end.
Some commissioners and staff raised the recurring issue of county programs being housed in non-county-owned buildings and recounted times when landlords did not clear snow or otherwise provide the access and maintenance county employees would receive in a county-owned facility. One commissioner asked the county to continue exploring acquisition of a county-owned building as a longer-term option.
The council moved, seconded and approved the appropriation to increase the rent by $200 per month by voice vote; the transcript records the motion and the “aye” vote but no roll-call tally.
Ending: Council recorded the lease terms include a 60-day notice requirement and asked staff to keep looking for suitable county-owned space for county programs.
