![WITZ Banner ad 2020 2_18_2020.jpg](https://s3.amazonaws.com/busites_www/witzamfm/1-connect/1-witz/gallery-media/witz-banner-ad-2020-2-18-2020-10855-1582033961.jpg)
Dubois County Plans for Long-Term Growth
The Dubois County Commissioners met on Monday morning with a very heavy agenda related
to long-term planning for the county’s continued growth.
In his Highway Report, Steve Berg advised the Commissioners that maintenance and repair
work for the department is handled largely in-house, minimizing as much of the third-party
work as possible. Berg said that equipment repair costs has increased as the costs for parts
continues to rise. Three projects are targeted for completion in addition to some bridge
maintenance, and the materials line item of the budget won’t be able to accommodate the
projected expenses. Additional appropriations were approved for $60,000 to be placed into the
highway equipment repair line items to satisfy the expected project needs.
The Dubois dumpster site project planning is still in progress, and updates will be provided as
they become available. The Commissioners also opened discussions regarding open hours for
dumpster sites in respect to seasonal charges with darkness falling earlier in the evening. That
conversation will continue as winter comes, specifically regarding possible lighting
modifications or open hours adjustments for safety.
The Commissioners were presented with some proposed modifications for the 2025 Highway
Department budget, particularly in respect to vehicle and equipment replacement. Some
adjustments were also suggested to accommodate the expense of the department’s new hydro
excavator. The adjustments were accepted for presentation to the Council for final approval. In
other updates, the Chip and Seal projects are ongoing, with 500 East nearing completion as
early as Tuesday. Community Crossing projects are also underway, and bridge repairs are also
in progress.
In her Tourism update, Whitney Lubbers said that tourism revenue has continued to increase.
Numbers from 2022 show a record year, following the 38% decrease in 2020 due to Covid. The
county has seen a 59.8% increase in tourism spend in 8 years, and is ranked 14 out of 92 in per
capita spend. While hotel room nights are down slightly, which has increased the per night
charges, Air B&B stays have increased and continue to show growth. The department is
partnering with influencers to increase marketing opportunities, and is also making the visitors
guide available in Spanish. DC Bombers have driven tourism traffic with their new events and
stadium improvements, and ROJAC’s improvements to the downtown Jasper area have
contributed significantly to tourism opportunities. Numbers are expected to be bolstered by
The Art Loop, Framing Ferdinand, and the Jasper Wellness Center as these projects are
completed and added to current marketing.
Health Department Director Shawn Werner presented the Commissioners with several security-
related proposals. Werner received approval to install new panic buttons in high traffic areas
for the department and also to make some changes regarding door access with the 911 and
health department entrances. The Commissioners also discussed at length a request to increase
the credit limit for the health department with Amazon to $8,000. While the increase was
approved, the Commissioners also voiced their desire to source supplies from local vendors
when possible rather than ordering from suppliers like Amazon by default. Concerns were
expressed that while online suppliers can reduce costs and provide better value to the
community, it could have long-term ramifications if local suppliers can’t sustain growth.
In other news, an update was provided on expected claims and premiums for county
employees with Houchens Health Insurance. The board expressed their concern that quotes are
higher than they have been in the past, and that they would like to ensure that the best value
for the county is being obtained while providing the best possible healthcare. A Courthouse Use
Agreement was also approved to make the Courthouse restrooms available for Kids Day, which
will be held on September 28 th from 10-1. In addition, Ordinance 2024-12 was approved, which
will require standard contractual language for county contracts.
For more information on these and other updates, visit duboiscountyin.org/government
- By Drew Hasselbring