Board of Commissioners

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Connie Gramarossa (R),
President, Commissioner – 2023
District 1

555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 202
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone (LP): 219-326-6808
[email protected]

Richard Mrozinski (R),
Vice President, Commissioner – 2017
District 2

555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 202
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone (LP): 219-326-6808 Ext. 2229
Phone (MC): 219-874-5611 Ext. 2229
[email protected]

Joe Haney (R),
Member, Commissioner – 2021
District 3

555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 202
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone (LP): (219)326-6808  x2569
[email protected]

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Commission Meetings:

1st Wednesday of each month at 10:00 am

3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm

DUTIES OF THE BOARD

The County Commissioners may adopt ordinances regulating behavior. Specifically, they have authority to pass ordinances in the following broad areas:

  • To administer elections in conjunction with the county election board
  • To incorporate new towns and alter township boundary lines, on petition
  • To grant vacation pay, sick leave, paid holidays and other similar benefits to county employees
  • Maintain all County property and buildings
  • To provide for traffic control
  • To establish minimum housing standards
  • Maintain all County Roads

In most cases the county may exercise its regulatory powers only in the unincorporated areas of the county. As a general rule, the county does not have jurisdiction to regulate behavior in the incorporated cities and towns of the county.

The commissioners are the custodians of the home rule powers of the county. Within the scope of home rule, commissioners may adopt and vest themselves with additional regulatory powers. (Generally see IC 36-2-2 for duties of the board of county commissioners.)

MEETINGS

The Board of Commissions meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 A.M. and the third Wednesday at 6 P.M. Special meetings may be called by any commissioner on a 48 hour notice.

Two commissioners comprise a quorum, as well as the necessary majority to pass an ordinance or resolution.

Unanimous consent is required to pass an ordinance on the same day or at the same meeting at which it is introduced, except for amendments to zoning ordinances and ordinances of the county council for additional appropriations.

Otherwise an ordinance requires two readings at two separate meetings. County commissioners may adopt their own rules of procedure that are in addition to those required by statute, such as requiring additional ordinance readings.

Ordinances, orders and resolutions are considered adopted when signed by the president of the county commissioners. Generally, an ordinance need not be published as a legal notice, unless it prescribes a penalty or forfeiture or there is a specific statute requiring publication. In the case of a penalty or forfeiture, prior to the effective date the ordinance must be published once each week for two consecutive weeks.

The county auditor acts as the clerk of the board of county commissioners and is required to attend all meetings of the commission. The Commission secretary keeps the minutes for the Board.

MEET THE BOARD

Commissioner Joe Haney was sworn in to his first elected office as La Porte County Commissioner in 2021. He currently serves as the District 3 Commissioner. Joe also serves on County boards such as the Parks Board and others.

Joe is active in his community and has spent his adult life volunteering his time and talents, from serving as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT to volunteering at homeless shelters, animal rescue groups, and more. 2020 was Joe’s first run for an elected office and this is his first time serving as an elected official, he has spent the rest of his adult life in the private sector.

Joe is a former clinician having worked in the surgical suites on a level one trauma team, transplant team, and as an operations manager for a total of nearly 20 years on the definitive side of health care. Joe currently resides on a small farm near Door Village with his wife of 22 years and their three daughters, where he runs a small business.

Rich Mrozinski, a LaPorte County native, graduated from Rolling Prairie High School and was employed by Northern Indiana Public Service Company one month later.  One year later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years, including two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.  Upon discharge he returned to NIPSCO , retiring after 37 ½ years.  In 2007 he was elected to the LaPorte County Council serving two consecutive terms.  In 2017 he was elected County Commissioner and re-elected in 2020.  He is a legacy life  member of Veterans of Foreign wars, including the Honor Degree, the American Legion including the Honor Degree, member of the Air Force Association,  member of the LaPorte Mayors Veteran Committee since 1990 and a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.  In 2019 he was nominated for Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.  Rich is married to his wife Beverly, has a daughter, four grandchildren and a great-grandson.

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