2022 JASPER COUNTY FACT BOOK:
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CITY GOVERNMENT
City of Rensselaer
Stephen A. Wood MAYOR
Frieda Bretzinger CLERK-TREASURER
City Officials From the time our first mayor’s, Thomas McCoy, swearing in, the city elects a Mayor, five (5) Council Members, and a Clerk-Treasurer to serve a four (4) year term. Current officials include: Mayor Stephen A. Wood, Russell Overton, At-large Councilman, William Hollerman, 1st Ward Councilman, Noelle
Rensselaer has a long history within our great state of Indiana. Originally named Newton, it was platted as a village in 1839. It would later be renamed Rensselaer in 1844 after its founder James Van Rensselaer from New York. In 1896, Rensselaer officially became a city, sharing the same name with a city in New York. Our great history is evident with a stroll through our city. You may begin with the centrally-located 125 years old Jasper County Courthouse, Rensselaer serves as the county seat. The courthouse cornerstone holds additional history to be shared by those in the future. You will then notice our brick streets on the west and south side of the courthouse. Then there’s the monument to Mr. Van Rensselaer in the Presbyterian Church yard. And so much more. Plus, the community’s support of the Jasper County Historical Society and its museum serves as a great look into our past and realization of just how much our city has and will accomplish. Our community comes to life throughout the year with many events focused on bringing new interest to our city as well as keep our community as close knit as possible. Each event highlights the pride our community has for its downtown, our many parks, and our small-town friendly atmosphere. The City of Rensselaer owns and operates its own four (4) municipal utility services, serving all residential, commercial and
Russell Overton AT-LARGE COUNCILMAN
William Hollerman 1ST WARD COUNCILMAN
Weishaar, 2nd Ward Councilwoman, George Cover, 3rd Ward Councilman, Ernest Watson, Jr, 4th Ward Councilman, Frieda Bretzinger, Clerk-Treasurer City Council Meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers located in City Hall – 124 S Van Rensselaer St., Rensselaer IN 47978.
industrial customers with electric, water, sewage, and natural gas. Plus, we continue to improve our sanitation services to include weekly trash service and bi-weekly curbside recycling. All at a minimal cost to our customers. Current and new residents need not shop around for the most cost-effective services they need for their home or business, we got you covered! Other municipally owned departments are the Volunteer Fire Department, Police Department, Parks Department, Weston Cemetery, and our own water and wastewater treatment plants. All working together to ensure our residents’ and customers’ needs are met now and in the future. The Gas Utility completed a new pipeline that provides a second tap into the trunk line going through the county. The City of Rensselaer Water and Wastewater Utilities continue to pursue grant funding as a means to meet State regulations as well as current and future utility needs. We proudly celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Rensselaer Fire Department, even taking delivery of a new aerial truck. The community welcomed back its annual Christmas Parade, flanked by all the new Christmas decorations thanks to the many sponsors and volunteers that made it a true celebration befitting our city and the Christmas season. Like any great city, we cannot do this alone. We work closely with such organizations as the Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce, the Jasper County Economic Development Organiza-
Noelle Weishaar 2ND WARD COUNCILWOMAN
Contact us at: 219-866-5212 or mayorwood@cityofrensselaerin.com or visit our website at cityofrensselaerin.com Hours of Business M-F 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM except city recognized holidays Utility Office – 124 S Van Rensselaer St – 219-866-7884 Electric Utility – 425 N Van Rensselaer St – 219-866-8475
tion and Main Street Rensselaer. With our combined forces, our commitment is to promote and improve the quality of life in Rensselaer. Rensselaer is also home to a critical access hospital, Franciscan Health Rensselaer, five (5) medical clinics, Rensselaer Central School Corporation, a public school corporation for grades K-12, and St. Augustine’s Catholic School, a parochial Indiana Four Star school for grades Pre-K – 5. From the four corners of our city, through the downtown, shopping, health and fitness and restaurant options are plentiful. Breathing new life into our community were the many businesses that expanded services and facilities, along with several new businesses Our city’s central location to bigger cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Merrillville and Lafayette, easy access to I-65 to the west and south, plus the county operated small airport adds to its appeal for new residents and business. We offer a Tax Abatement Program, a TIF District, and EDC financing packages. Drexel Industrial Park and Lintner Industrial Park are zoned and ready for retail/service development. Some of our city utilities have been extended to service areas beyond our city limits. Rensselaer has much to offer. Come visit. Stay awhile. Stay long-term. You will enjoy the small-town atmosphere with a big-city heart.
124 S. Van Rensselaer St. • Rensselaer, IN 47978 • (219) 866-5212 • cityofrensselaerin.com
