Jasper Board of Public Works approves trash sticker price increase

The Jasper Board of Public Works unanimously approved raising the city’s trash sticker fee from $1.50 to $2, marking the first increase since 2010.

The 50-cent increase is the result of a comprehensive cost analysis conducted by the street department and will go into effect on September 1.

Street Superintendent Jeff Theising presented data showing the city’s total costs for trash collection, recycling services, and rubbish collection significantly exceed current sticker revenue. The analysis factored in collection costs, recycling expenses, and minimal revenue from the sale of recyclable materials.

“I don’t think that we ever thought that the trash sticker was supposed to cover all those things, all those items and all those costs,” Theising said. “But the purpose of the trash sticker was to offset some of that so that it wasn’t totally being funded by tax revenue dollars.”

Mayor Dean Vonderheide emphasized the need for the adjustment after 15 years without a raise. “Our landfill costs continue to increase. Our labor costs continue to increase. The equipment costs continue to increase. And we haven’t done anything since 2010,” he said.

The mayor noted that while the city’s total cost analysis showed $3.11 per sticker would cover nearly all trash and recycling services, the board chose the more modest increase to maintain affordability while still providing comprehensive waste services.

“Taxpayers are absorbing some of that cost, but it’s part of what makes us Jasper,” Vonderheide said. “It keeps us a clean community. The street department does a great job of getting out, picking up tree limbs and all the debris that we have these storms…there is a value there.”

Boardmember Councilwoman Nancy Eckerle supported the increase, noting that neighboring jurisdictions face similar cost pressures. “The county and Ferdinand are ready to raise theirs to $2 also. And probably for many the same reasons. Their data probably looks very similar,” she said.

Eckerle pointed out that residents using private waste collection services pay significantly more than the city’s sticker system would cost for comparable service levels.

The mayor highlighted the broader community benefits of the city’s waste management approach, particularly the environmental impact of keeping materials out of landfills through recycling programs.

The resolution takes effect immediately, though the timing for implementing the new fee structure was not specified during the meeting.

The board also took the following actions:

Music on Main Event Approval

Ruger Kerstiens, representing the Heart of Jasper, requested approval for a special Music on Main event this Friday, July 25th, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the fire pit area. This event features Debbie Schuetter and coincides with Top Notch’s opening in the former Riah Jane space on the Square. The Friday evening timing serves as a test run for potentially moving some Saturday noon events to Friday evenings, based on survey feedback indicating community preference for entertainment after 5 p.m. The board unanimously approved the request, viewing it as both a show of support for new business and an opportunity to evaluate the optimal scheduling of downtown events.

Perimeter Lighting Project Agreement

The Heart of Jasper presented a perimeter lighting project requiring city hall usage for installation. The initiative addresses inconsistent building lighting around the Square by replacing obsolete fixtures with commercial-grade, programmable lights that coordinate with the courthouse’s lighting systems. The project will cover buildings from Finishing Touches south, wrapping around the square, extending a block in each direction around the Square. All building owners have granted permission and the lights will be compatible with the lights the county installed on the Courthouse. The board approved the agreement, recognizing the project’s role in defining downtown Jasper’s visual identity.

Kids Day Event Approval

Chloe Billa, the new chairperson for the annual Kids Day Event held on the Square, requested permission to use sidewalks around the square for the 31st annual event on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event encourages children K-12 to create and sell handmade products, teaching entrepreneurship skills. Booths will line the sidewalks with streets remaining open for traffic flow. The event date has been moved to the fourth Saturday in September to avoid conflicts with surrounding community festivals. The board approved the request while emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate pedestrian flow.

Police Equipment Asset Removal

Chief Chad Dick requested permission to remove outdated equipment from city asset lists. Twenty-seven body cameras (asset numbers 103117-103143) were traded in for new models under a five-year contract system. Six older Tasers (asset numbers 102853, 102856, 102859, 102860, 102862, 102863) require removal as they’ve reached end-of-life status, though some older units remain for training purposes. The board approved both asset removal requests.

Police Training Requests

The police department requested approval for multiple training opportunities. Officers Mormon and Bieker will attend Field Training Officer School in Evansville, August 18-20, costing $1,010 total. These officers will gain valuable skills for training recruits, providing both veteran and younger officer perspectives during the FTO process, according to Chief Dick. He also requested that Detective Greener be able to attend training in investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse and online exploitation at Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, August 26-28, costing $957.75. Also approved were Officers Burton and Mundy attending Glock Armorer School training in Evansville on October 7th, for $600, which will enable them to maintain and repair department firearms. The board approved all training requests, recognizing continued education as crucial for officer retention and professional development.

Code Enforcement Updates

Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang reported the resolution of multiple property violations across the city. Most weed and nuisance violations have been addressed by property owners, including rental properties and foreclosed homes. One ongoing issue involves a foreclosed property at 1311 Kundek Street, characterized by persistent trash accumulation. The legal department pursued fines against the management company after repeated unsuccessful attempts at communication.

“We do still try to work with people. So if they contact us and say they need extra time, or, give us their plan, we are always willing to work with them,” Kabrick said. “It’s really the ones that just don’t make any effort that we go in and clean up ourselves.”

Main Street Construction Progress

City Engineer Chad Hurm provided updates on Main Street reconstruction progress. Paving operations are currently underway outside City Hall, with an estimated completion date of approximately three days for the base and intermediate asphalt layers. The finish coat will be applied in mid-to-late August after Strassenfest concludes. Construction has been completed up to 9th Street, with concrete work, planters, ADA pavers, and crosswalks finished. Work beyond 9th Street will resume August 3rd to avoid festival disruptions. A change order totaling $106,926.57 covered stenciled concrete sidewalk restoration, stage tent anchors, water meter pits for irrigation, and storm sewer modifications with undercut work. The board approved the change order, with funding coming from previously allocated project resources.

Street Department Operations

The street department requested approval for equipment purchases all within budget allocations. A stormwater pipe lining project on Schuetter Road near Poplar requires $28,000 for sealing a 140-foot, 24-inch concrete pipe to prevent joint leakage. Superintendent Jeff Theising requested permission to send himself and two staff members to the Indiana Street Commissioners Association conference in Plymouth, Ind., on September 23-25, costing approximately $2,000. He also requested permission for a weekend dumpster placement request for 7th Street. The board approved all requests.

Social District Closure Notice

The downtown social district will temporarily close around Strassenfest to protect the festival and related events. The closure runs from Saturday, July 26th at midnight through Friday, August 9th at 10 a.m. when normal 10 a.m. to midnight daily operations resume. During closure, designated permittee vendors are prohibited from offering open alcoholic beverages for carryout.