In efforts to generate money to fund a combined sewer overflow project, Todd Samuelson, certified public accountant for H.J. Umbaugh and Associates, Plymouth, discussed financial options Monday with the Warsaw city council.

Samuelson presented two monetary possibilities, both involving bonds related to the construction of the new Warsaw sewage treatment plant, constructed in 2003.

The first option would refinance a 2001 mortgage refunding bond, generating $325,000.

"Currently, interest rates are still quite favorable," Samuelson said. "Though I can not guarantee what they will be down the road, this option could create a financial security for the sewage works from a possible event we don't know of yet."

The other option Samuelson presented was a two-year extension of the 2001 bond that could generate $1.1 million for construction needs.

Though the council made no motion, members authorized Samuelson to move forward and begin readying the city for the new financial operations. Samuelson said he would return with more information during the council's Oct. 17 meeting.

In other matters, Mayor Ernie Wiggins reported an increase in funds received from the county option income tax, with an additional $800,000 collected over anticipation.

Councilmen also approved and finalized an ordinance establishing 2006 salaries for elected Warsaw officials. According to the ordinance, the mayor will earn $57,518 next year, the clerk-treasurer will earn $48,746. and council members will receive $4,906.

Members of the board of public works and safety will receive $125 per month, and plan commission officials will be awarded $30 per meeting.

An ordinance regarding a transfer request by Oakwood cemetery was approved by the council, allowing Oakwood to transfer $2,000 from its equipment account to operating supplies. The transfer was reportedly made to adjust for increasing gasoline prices.

Activities director Janelle Wilson represented the Parks Department to request allowance to transfer $21,000 from the department's equipment balance to an improvement account. Wilson said the transfer would permit the department to begin moving the Mantis Skate Park to a different location inside of Boggs Industrial Park.

"We're currently larger than we need to be, and we're not very efficient with our use of space," Wilson said. "The new location will be smaller in dimensions but the overall quality will be much better."

Wilson also said the current skate park is landlocked, and the relocation would allow for the option of adding an adjacent playground to the park in the future.

In other department matters, Street Department superintendent Lacy Francis requested transfers of $2,000 from utilities to communication and transport and $27,000 from repairs and maintenance to repair and maintenance supplies.

Francis reported the $2,000 transfer was needed to cover training and certification for mosquito fogging and traffic signal training. The $27,000 was requested for the relining of storm sewers and replacing of pipes and manholes on Hepler Drive.

The council approved both requests unanimously.

Present members were Wiggins, Joe Thallemer, Jeff Grose, Bob Morrison, Charlie Smith, George Clemens, Jerry Patterson and Bill Rhoades.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 17. [[In-content Ad]]