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Dubois County keeps political‑balance rule for tourism commission in 2–1 vote
Summary
The Board of Commissioners amended the county tourism commission ordinance to require no more than a single majority from one political party on its seven‑member panel; the change passed 2–1 and takes effect July 1, 2026.
The Dubois County Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 on June 15 to amend the county ordinance that governs the Dubois County Tourism Commission, keeping a political‑affiliation limit intended to prevent one party from holding more than a single majority on the seven‑member panel.
The ordinance, titled Ordinance 2026‑09, restates the commission's membership and appointment authorities: two members appointed by the Board of Commissioners, one by the County Council, three by the mayor of Jasper (two of those must be engaged in the hotel or motel business within the county) and one by the mayor of Huntingburg. The ordinance specifies two‑year terms beginning Jan. 1, with limited one‑year initial appointments to stagger terms. It becomes effective July 1, 2026.
Commission President Chad A. Blessinger cast the lone dissenting vote. The discussion centered on preserving appointment authorities and ensuring the commission reflects local tourism business representation as well as a political balance.
County officials said the amendment updates earlier ordinances (No. 91‑12, as amended by No. 97‑07) to reflect changes tied to state law on appointing authorities. The text of the ordinance references I.C. 6‑9‑18‑5 when describing appointment changes.
The ordinance was adopted at the meeting in the Commissioners/Council Room of the Courthouse Annex in Jasper. The county clerk will publish the amended ordinance and it will take effect July 1, 2026.
