Commissioners adopt resolutions to enable build-operate-transfer approach for JPG campground and future projects

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted July 9 to adopt a pair of resolutions allowing the county to use Indiana's build-operate-transfer procurement method for public projects, including a planned campground at the Jefferson Proving Ground site.

Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-13, which adopts the provisions of Indiana Code section 5-23 and specifically authorizes the county to use a BOT agreement for the Jefferson Proving Ground Campground project at 101 West JPG Ordinance Drive, Madison, IN 47250 (several parcel numbers read into the record). The resolution directs county staff to prepare and publish an RFP/RFQ in accordance with the statute, requires the county to hold a public hearing at least 10 days before awarding any BOT agreement, and calls for an evaluation committee that will include legal counsel, the municipal adviser and the parks and recreation department.

The resolution specifies minimum contract terms the county expects in a BOT transaction, including ownership reverting to the county upon expiration or termination of the agreement, cost-allocation provisions that must identify developer and county responsibilities, payment and bond requirements, revenue agreements and that any county payments be subject to appropriation and paid from legally available sources. It also notes that if a BOT term exceeds five years, approval of the Jefferson County Council may be required.

Commissioner (speaker 5) moved to adopt Resolution 2026-13 and a motion to approve was seconded; the board recorded the ayes and approved the resolution by voice vote.

Separately, the board approved Resolution 2026-14, a shorter countywide adoption of Indiana Code 5-23 that authorizes the board (or a designated committee) to serve as an RFPQ committee for future projects and directs officers to take administrative steps necessary to issue RFPQs under the statute. That measure was also approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: the BOT method allows the county to transfer some design and construction risk to a private developer, potentially secure a guaranteed maximum price and accelerate delivery while retaining eventual ownership of the facility. County staff told the board the RDA has committed funding for the JPG campground project and that funds must be spent by August 2028, which is driving the schedule and the need to have procurement options available.

What happens next: staff will prepare the RFP/RFQ documents and an evaluation committee; a public hearing is required before any BOT award and any long-term agreement may require fiscal-body approval. The resolutions do not obligate the county to award a BOT contract; they only authorize the use of the procurement method.