Dubois County orders remediation, fines property owner $1,000 for dilapidated building

Commissioner Chad A. Blessinger, president of the Dubois County Board of Commissioners, informed the board that property owner Robert Slotten failed to appear for a status hearing on a violation of County Ordinance 2018-02 concerning a dilapidated building at 5398 E Main Street.

Health Department Environmental Specialist Christina Pierini and Administrative Director Shawn Werner testified that they had seen no progress on required remedial actions. County Attorney Gregory S. Schnarr summarized prior orders: Slotten had been given deadlines and a proposed $1,200 fine previously stayed; a $500 fine was issued on June 16, 2025. At the July 7 meeting the board voted to assess an additional $1,000, payable in full within 30 days to the Dubois County Auditor’s Office. The motion also authorized county officials to prepare a scope of work and solicit quotes or bids to demolish and remove the structure and to fill or level the ground as needed. The motion was duly seconded and carried.

The board’s action adds to the $500 fine previously issued on June 16, 2025. The county did not specify a contractor or timeline for remediation in the motion; officials authorized the solicitation of bids. The meeting record notes Slotten did not appear at the July 7 hearing and that the Health Department representatives reported no remedial progress.

The board’s immediate next step is to solicit bids for demolition and site remediation. The fine is due within 30 days and the solicitation process was authorized at the July 7 meeting; no further schedule was set in the record provided.