Government
The City of Jasper operates as a democracy with an elected mayor, a seven-member council, and a clerk-treasurer all serving four-year terms. The mayor and clerk-treasurer have their offices in City Hall, located downtown on the square.
The Courthouse, City Hall, and other government offices are located downtown, in the heart of Jasper and make up the downtown “square” along with a variety of exclusive shops and business offices.
| MAYORS | |
|---|---|
| 2019 – present | Dean Vonderheide |
| 2012 – 2018 | Terry Seitz |
| 1992 – 2011 | William J. Schmitt |
| 1980 – 1991 | Jerome “Chick” Alles |
| 1972 – 1979 | Robert Parker |
| 1964 – 1971 | Jack E. Newton |
| 1963 – 1963 | Francis “Benny” Sermersheim |
| 1960 – 1963 | Edwin B. Knies |
| 1952 – 1959 | Edward J. Lorey |
| 1945 – 1951 | Herbert Thyen |
| 1943 – 1945 | Charles Bartley |
| 1937 – 1942 | Roman Kunkel |
| 1935 – 1937 | John Lorey |
| 1915 – 1934 | George P. Wagner |
Taxation
Taxation for Dubois County property owners is managed at the courthouse.
Net assessed value for 2018 payable 2019:
| Dubois County | $2,344,400,853 |
| Jasper | $897,040,533 |
The 2018 tax rate for the City of Jasper:
| Bainbridge Township | 2.4509 |
| Madison Township | 2.4500 |
| Boone Township | 2.4520 |
Voting
To register to vote, citizens must be 18 years or older and reside in the voting precinct for at least 30 days before the general election which is held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and be a US citizen. For information, call the County Clerk’s office at 812-481-7035.
Utilities
Utility services of gas, water, electricity and wastewater are provided by the City of Jasper for its citizens. A Utility Service Board, in conjunction with five managers, maintain reliable and competitive services to Jasper. A Street Commissioner and 36 full-time employees make up the city street department and provide maintenance for 118 miles of city streets. They provide weekly curbside trash and recycling pick-up. For more information call the Utilities office at 812-482-9131, and the street department at 812-482-1130.
Media
A local daily newspaper, The Herald, includes international, national, state and local news and sports with a circulation of 13,000. Two local radio stations provide the area with news and sports along with music. WITZ – 990 AM and 104.7 FM provides pop music and WBDC – 100.9 FM provides country music. A local television station, WJTS TV 18, programs local news and sports and is affiliated with MSTV Network. NewsNow Dubois County is an online Television Station and Dubois County Free Press is an online source highlighting the people, places and events of this county. Spectrum services the Jasper area with cable TV, providing basic and classic channels as well as digital services. Smithville Fiber provides fiber optic internet technology to the entire city. Radio Station WBTO and the Washington Times-Herald are members of the Jasper Chamber, providing services for the regional area.
Fire & Police
The Jasper Volunteer Fire Department operates with a salaried chief and 40 volunteer firefighters and includes three fire stations, eight trucks including an aerial ladder platform truck, extrication services, First Responder capabilities, and “TRAP,” Trench Rescue Assistance Program.
The Jasper Police Department, maintained by The City of Jasper, includes the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police, Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants, Detective Sergeant, 2 School Resource Officers, and 15 Patrolmen. The police department has a 24/7 Dispatch Center with a Telecommunications Chief and 5 Telecommunications Officers, 8 Traffic Auxiliary Officers, Records Clerk, Parking Violation Clerk, and an Administrative Assistant. The well-trained staff, in conjunction with up-to-date equipment, contributes to the low crime rate in Jasper.
Also located in Jasper is the County Sheriff’s Department and the Dubois County Security Center. District 34 Post of the Indiana State Police is stationed on Jasper’s north side.