At its October 2 meeting, the Huntingburg Board of Public Works moved forward on two fronts—rejecting all bids for a long-troubled street department roof project and receiving court updates on hoarding violations—signaling the city’s focus on both infrastructure and community safety. The board turned down five bids for the roof work, which ranged from $325,000 to $397,000. Schmidt Contracting submitted the lowest at $325,000, with American Roofing and Metal close behind at $328,000.

All proposals relied on a TPO membrane overlay, essentially a patch system rather than a full replacement.

Board member Kerry Blessinger dismissed the approach, saying, “You would not build a new building and put this roof on. This is a patch roof. I don’t believe we need to patch that roof.

I think it needs a new metal roof…I don’t think this is worth the cost.” A full metal roof could exceed $700,000, but Blessinger noted that exploring different styles might cut costs. Street Superintendent Jason Stamm warned that leaving the building open for months risked further damage: “I think leaving that thing open until May 4th, we’re probably going to do more than $3,000 worth of damage in the interior of it because every time it rains it gets worse in there.” Some contractors had proposed start dates as late as May 2026, while others could begin within 30 days. Mayor Neil Elkins stressed the need for urgency. “I’m the third mayor that’s been involved in this.

We need to move on at some point.

We’ve got a roof here, we’ve got a good price that’s going to give us 25 to 30 years at least.” Despite City Attorney Phil Schneider’s concern about “burning some bridges” by rejecting all bids, the board voted to rebid the project with expanded metal roof options and more outreach to local contractors. Leaks have plagued the building “from day one” after the city acquired it, with original replacement plans sidelined by funding shortfalls.

Protecting city workers and equipment remains a key concern as leaders seek a long-term fix. The board also heard updates on hoarding and code enforcement cases. In a Tuesday hearing, property owners facing hoarding violations stipulated to a judgment, agreeing to a permanent injunction against future offenses.

They have 30 days to comply fully, with a review set for November 6, when the judge will decide whether to impose fines based on progress. Two properties under demolition orders were also discussed. One at 420 North Jackson Street faces a November 15 deadline, while another on the 400 block of North Washington Street has already been demolished by the city, leaving a $15,000 lien. Both failed tax sales and could revert to county ownership, allowing Huntingburg to pursue liens, demolition, or redevelopment—possibly through sales to developers or Habitat for Humanity for new housing. Together, these actions show Huntingburg’s drive to balance fiscal responsibility with neighborhood safety, tackling leaks, blight, and enforcement in ways that could shape the city’s future.