Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the appointment of Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) Commissioner Wesley R. Bennett to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Bennett will fill the vacancy left by Stefanie Krevda.
“As the commissioner of the DLGF, Wes has built a reputation as a respected leader and a knowledgeable, thoughtful and trustworthy state partner to communities all across Indiana” Gov. Holcomb said. “His career experience in successfully managing government finance will serve him and our state well navigating the complex industry of utility regulation.”
As DLGF commissioner, Bennett oversees Indiana’s property tax assessment system. DLGF also reviews and approves the tax rates and levies of all local tax levy authorities which include counties, cities, towns, school corporations, libraries and special taxing district.
Before being appointed as the commissioner of DLGF, Bennett served for 12 years as the elected Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Plainfield. Under his leadership, he oversaw budgeting, fiscal analysis, internal auditing and controls, utility accounts payables and receivables, and managing funding of capital infrastructure projects.
“I am honored to be selected by Governor Holcomb and serve the energy users and providers of our great state,” Bennett said. “I look forward to working with IURC Chairman Jim Huston, my new colleagues on the commission and the team of highly trained professionals. My previous roles in both the private and public sectors will serve me well as we move the state forward toward cleaner, more efficient and reliable energy delivery systems and methods. I want to thank my staff at DLGF, and the many stakeholders that supported us as we strived to deliver the highest and most effective level of customer service to local government.”
After a thorough application process, the IURC Nominating Committee, chaired by Carol Stephan, recommended three candidates for the governor’s consideration. Bennett will begin June 26. A new DLGF commissioner will be named soon.