Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission elects officers, retains London Witte for annual report work

The Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission unanimously elected Jeff Hatfield president, Hobart Scales vice president and Wayne Kinney secretary at its organizational meeting called to order after 2 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2025.

The vote also approved retaining accounting firm London Witte to prepare the commission—s annual report and to provide a proposal for services through the remainder of the calendar year, a move commissioners said would preserve continuity while staff and outside advisors complete a transition.

Why it matters: The commission—s annual report supports statutorily required pass-through letters that must be completed by June 15 and helps the commission and county auditors assess available Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for future projects. Commissioners said keeping the same firm this year will ensure continuity in the historical financial record and ease the year-end reporting process.

The meeting opened with a roll call showing all five appointed commissioners present: Jeff Hatfield, Bill Nicks, Hobart Scales, Wayne Kinney and Bob Dyke. The commission noted that, under state statute, it must elect a president, vice president and secretary; the county auditor serves as treasurer by virtue of that office.

During a public-comment–style item, Brian Girth, the Vanderburgh County treasurer and a former county auditor, recommended the commission engage London Witte to prepare the annual report. Girth said London Witte—s continuity with the auditors— office would make preparing the multi‑page report smoother and reminded the commission of the June 15 deadline for required pass-through letters.

"I think it would be a mistake to replace them," Girth said, referring to London Witte, and urged the commission to retain the firm unless it had cause to change.

Commissioner John Stowell added that receiving the annual report and updated financials would help clear outstanding questions about Petersburg Road, a project that has been awarded federal funds scheduled to be available in July 2032. Stowell said the commission had been told in prior discussions with outside attorneys that TIF funds could be carried over beyond a TIF district—s formal expiration to fund Petersburg Road beginning in 2032, but that those arrangements would need confirmation once the commission—s finances are clearer.

No final decisions were made regarding Petersburg Road at the meeting; commissioners said the timing and funding questions depend on the forthcoming financial report and additional legal review.

Actions taken

- The commission elected Jeff Hatfield president, Hobart Scales vice president and Wayne Kinney secretary. Each nomination was seconded and approved unanimously; the roll call at the start of the meeting listed five commissioners present.

- The commission voted unanimously to retain London Witte through the remainder of the calendar year and requested a proposal for services from the firm.

Other business and adjournment

Teresa Bassmeyer, identified as the Vanderburgh County auditor and therefore the commission—s treasurer, introduced herself to the newly constituted commission. With no further new business, a commissioner moved to adjourn and the meeting ended shortly after.

Notes: Statements attributed in this article come from the meeting transcript. Where the transcript referenced a statute or a statutory deadline, the meeting record did not specify the statute by number.