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Dubois County Commissioners approve repairs, insurance changes and $100 fine for dilapidated property
Summary
At the Sept. 2 meeting in Jasper, Dubois County Commissioners approved multiple administrative and budget measures — including funds for highway equipment repairs (pending County Council approval), a $100 fine for a noncompliant property, changes to employee insurance, and IT upgrades — and opened H.E.L.P. rehabilitation bids.
The Dubois County Commissioners on Sept. 2 approved a series of administrative and budget actions and received updates on highway projects, local development and employee benefits.
Highway Superintendent Donnie Lueken reported on property and equipment needs and requested an additional $60,000 appropriation from the Highway Fund for equipment repairs; the commissioners approved the request pending County Council approval. Lueken also described an offer from Realtor Jud Collett to sell the Holland Dumpster Site for $30,000 (with an option to lease unused acreage at $600 per year) and said the county would need two appraisals before purchase. To address roadside mowing complaints, the highway department will test-buy a used tractor and batwing mower for about $30,000 using current budget funds.
Highway Engineer Levi Leffert updated the board on completed paving on CR 400 W and 1200 S and the reopening of the Hickory Grove Road bridge after beam and deck replacement. Leffert reported ongoing stream‑crossing repairs at CR 850 W and recommended repairing the deteriorated stream crossing on CR 1025 S rather than pursuing an alternate alignment that would constrain parcel access. He also said AES’s Crossvine solar project is planning limited site work this fall and anticipates construction in spring 2026, with a public open house expected in November.
The commissioners approved a limited-use GIS agreement with American Structurepoint for work on the Dubois County Comprehensive Plan and accepted Matrix Integration proposals for a courthouse wireless site survey ($3,820) and firewall replacement ($15,458.46).
The board opened bids for the H.E.L.P. Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program; Huntingburg Mechanical submitted bids of $16,500 and $17,500 for two homes. Bids were taken under advisement; Region 15 Planning Commission representative Jenny Matheis said the program must be completed by year-end and noted a shortage of contractors, with additional bid dates set for Sept. 15 and Oct. 6, 2025.
Environmental Health Specialist Christina Pierini and Health Administrative Director Shawn Werner reported that the Slotten property at 5398 E. Main Street remained out of compliance; the county presented photos and described repeated, late work by the owner. The commissioners voted unanimously to assess a $100 fine, due in 30 days, and directed County Attorney Gregory S. Schnarr to prepare the notice; the issue is scheduled for further review Sept. 15 at 9:00 a.m.
On personnel and benefits matters, Assessor Angela C. Giesler received approval to create a temporary third deputy position to shadow a retiring employee (cost not to exceed $14,000 in 2026). Human Resources Generalist Markie Rhodes announced employee open enrollment Nov. 5–19, 2025, and the commissioners approved renewal of the LifeSpring employee assistance program at $1.84 per employee per month. The board voted to switch the county’s short‑term disability carrier from AFLAC to One America effective Jan. 1, 2026, noting One America’s 60% benefit structure and a $1,500 weekly maximum; employees wishing to keep AFLAC may do so via direct pay. Houchens Insurance Group representative Max Bawel presented stop‑loss renewal options and the commissioners approved a stop‑loss policy with Intermediary Insurance Services, Inc. (IISI) with a $100,000 specific deductible; the board also continued Optum organ transplant coverage.
Other actions: commissioners declared several items surplus, appointed County Engineer Levi Leffert to the Regional Sewer District Board, approved Recorder Jackie McPherron’s request for a one‑day‑per‑week unpaid intern pending HR and liability checks, and approved the HRI dental insurance renewal. Nathan Van Raemdonck of Westwood Professional Services presented the Duff Solar Park subdivision in Patoka Township; county surveyor Ken Brosmer requested interior easements and a road name and the applicant will resubmit the minor‑subdivision plat to the County Subdivision Committee.
The commissioners scheduled their next regular meeting for Sept. 15, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
The meeting record shows motions carried unanimously where noted and several items—such as the H.E.L.P. bid awards and biosimilar drug legal documents—are pending further administrative action or later meetings.
