Jasper board tables NextSite contract amid funding concerns and economic development debate
The Jasper Board of Public Works tabled a proposed three-year contract with NextSite, a consultant service that connects developers with commercial and retail opportunities, amid concerns about unbudgeted expenses and the city’s economic development priorities.
The $105,000 contract, which would cost $35,000 annually, would be paid through the city’s Riverboat Fund with council approval.
NextSite serves as what Director of Community Development/Planning Josh Gunselman described as “matchmakers between developers and those looking to lease, buy or build commercial and retail units.” The company would work with Jasper to identify local opportunities and connect them with people looking to enter the market.
Gunselman said he had received positive feedback from other communities that worked with NextSite and planned to conduct additional calls with cities to discuss their experiences with the company.
Boardmember Councilwoman Nancy Eckerle said she was having second thoughts about approving the contract without the council’s funding approval. She cited concerns about the additional appropriation from the Riverboard Fund without knowing the impact of the 2025 Senate Bill 1, which adjusted city funding formulas to reduce property taxes.
Eckerle also mentioned the recent layoffs affecting more than 300 employees at Jasper Rubber as a reason to concentrate on attracting other employers to the area. She argued the city should focus on attracting manufacturing jobs rather than retail opportunities.
“I really feel like that should be where our focus is,” she reiterated.
Mayor Dean Vonderheide disagreed with tabling the contract, calling it an investment in the city’s future. He emphasized that NextSite would be part of a broader economic development strategy rather than the sole solution
The mayor noted that while he wants higher-paying jobs than retail typically provides, retail development could help attract industry through a combination of different economic factors.
“I’m certainly in favor of moving forward pending the approval of the council,” he said.
Regarding the impact of last year’s Senate bill, Vonderheide said the city was in good shape with its funds now.
Mayor Vonderheide also told the board he had received a call from a company interested in purchasing Jasper Rubber yesterday. “It’s not all doom and gloom,” he added, though he didn’t elaborate on the conversation.
Board member Tim Bell supported tabling the decision until the city council approves funding, emphasizing the importance of following proper procedures. He referenced previous instances where the board paused decisions to ensure appropriate approval steps.
Eckerle also requested more detailed information from communities that had previously worked with NextSite, seeking specific data on the types of businesses the company brought to those areas and whether they aligned with community needs assessments.
Gunselman expressed frustration with the evolving requirements, noting that Eckerle had been involved in contract discussions for months and that her requests continued to change as the decision point approached.
“The line keeps moving with you,” he said.
He also told her it was disheartening that she voted against a project supporting economic development — most recently, Eckerle voted against expanding the Central TIF north of Home Depot to support commercial development, though the measure passed the council in a 4 to 3.
Eckerle defended her cautious approach, stating she supports economic development but believes in exercising financial responsibility with city funds.
“I just [don’t] throw caution to the wind, especially when spending dollars, city community dollars,” she said. “I’m not against anything that has economic development attached to it and certainly not for the progress of Jasper.”
The board unanimously voted to table the NextSite contract pending city council approval of funding. The item will return to the board after the council addresses the appropriation from the riverboat fund.
In other business, the board approved the annual $4,500 contract with the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, with Eckerle, the chamber director, abstaining. The agreement includes one table at the annual Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon and various services and benefits for the city.
Eckerle highlighted the success of the Small Business Service Center, noting that business advisor Ken Schnaus has conducted three to five sessions per month since June 2025 with people interested in starting businesses. She said Schnaus regularly attends ribbon cuttings for businesses he helped develop.
Gunselman also reported that the city issued seven building permits in February 2026, including three single-family homes and four accessory units, totaling just under $1.8 million in construction.
The director reminded the public about an online community discussion board for the comprehensive plan, available through a link on the front page of the City of Jasper website at JasperIndiana.gov.
Here is a story on that project.
