Commissioners debate RDA membership and do not forward recommendation to council

Regional Development Authority representatives briefed Dubois County commissioners on the RDA's role in the US-231 corridor project and requested a resolution recommending the county council continue membership. The RDA described itself as fiscal agent and a key liaison with INDOT and project engineers, noting prior county contributions and involvement in tier-one and tier-two studies.

Speakers explained the RDA's recent role arranging funding and coordinating with INDOT and Lock Mill (engineer or contractor naming from presentation). The RDA said the organization has not requested ongoing county payments since an initial contribution (stated as $1.75 million in 2017'18) and that continuing membership could save the county time and expense in negotiations.

Commissioners debated three options: recommend the council continue membership, take no action, or recommend withdrawal. One commissioner said the best course is to "finish the job" through the tier-two study; another preferred taking no action. After discussion the commissioners did not vote to recommend continuation at this meeting, leaving the final membership decision to the county council.

Commissioners noted the council planned to make a determination at its next meeting. The exchange underscored differing views among elected officials about the value and oversight of the RDA during a large infrastructure effort.