WITZ Banner ad 2020 2_18_2020.jpg
WITZ Banner ad 2020 2_18_2020.jpg
Dubois County Graduate Alyssa McPherron Awarded Scholarship
The Dubois County Board of Commissioners met on Monday morning with an agenda that included a
scholarship presentation, discussions about mounting property taxes, and the need to prioritize
employee safety.
County Highway Superintendent Steve Berg began his report by saying that the department had “a
close call…as an employee suffered a stroke in the parking lot.” Berg said that fortunately, two
employees who were first responders were able to assist, but that this highlights the need for CPR
training within the department. Berg also requested the purchase of an AED to be housed in the
garage. The Commissioners agreed with Berg’s assessment, approving both the training and AED
purchase.
On Berg’s recommendation, the board also agreed to extend the county’s current contract with
Asphalt Materials Incorporated. County Highway Engineer Brent Wendholt then provided an update on
current paving projects. Saint Anthony Road West is open, and paving will begin within the next 2
weeks for 350 South and 450 South. Bridge crews will be out in the coming weeks, pressure washing
and sealing bridges as a preservation method to protect against salt damage.
The Association of Indiana Counties was on hand to present one of four $500 scholarships awarded in
conjunction with SRI to Dubois County graduate Alyssa McPherron. The award was presented to her
mother, County Recorder Jackie McPherron. Alyssa plans to attend Purdue to become a pharmacist.
The AIC told the board that they have several items of significance for next year. One top priority will
be road funding, specifically for bridges. Additionally, property taxes will be on the agenda for the
General Assembly. They hope to help negotiate the rising property taxes over the last 2 years due to
the dramatic increases in assessed value. They hope to help tax payers with these challenges as well as
to address the fact that the system was not set up to handle such rapid changes in assessed value.
They will also be working with the State Department of Health to maintain the funding that was
approved a few years ago, and which the AIC says has shown to be a tremendous benefit.
In other business, the board agreed to backdate the previously awarded extra financial support for the
animal clinic in Jasper Animal to include expenses incurred for animals treated in July and August. The
Commissioners also approved the Dubois County Resolution 2024-15 authorization the lending of
funds and a loan agreement with Dubois County Airport and forwarded it to the County Council for
their approval. Significant discussions were held regarding the upcoming benefit package renewals for
county employees. The board voted to approve transitioning out of the county’s relationship with
Liberty Mutual for employee life insurance.
For more information on these and other updates, visit duboiscountyin.org/government
- Drew Hasselbring