ETNA GREEN - With the completed water study in hand, the Etna Green Town Council on Tuesday decided to move ahead with plans for a proposed upgrade and will seek grant funding for the project.

Council president Andy Cook said he would like to contact Commonwealth Engineering to "see what it will take to get it rolling." The proposal calls for a new well field, a 250,000-gallon elevated storage tank and replacement/updating of water lines throughout the town.

The work will cost more than a million dollars. Impact on residents, as far as water rates are concerned, will depend on the financing the town secures and the number of years it takes to repay any loans. The town plans to seek grant money from the Indiana Department of Commerce and Farmers Home Administration.

"If we're gonna do it, we may as well do it right," Cook said. "This plan takes us way into the future."

Commonwealth will also be given the OK to start paperwork for upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant. A DOC grant also is being sought for that project, which is estimated to cost $663,000.

Cook was given authorization to sign necessary paperwork when Vince Sommers of Commonwealth is in town on Monday.

In other business, the council passed ordinances giving the town's water and electric superintendent authority to issue notices for junk ordinance violations. He will also perform duties associated with that of the town marshal, with the exception of police work, such as patroling.

Also, clerk-treasurer Laura Baker told the council the State Board of Accounts is concerned with the number of past-due accounts on the town's books.

It was suggested the town either take the people with outstanding debt to small claims court or to write off the accounts as a loss.

With about 40 accounts, the town isn't willing to take the loss, so Baker will pursue the matter in court.

In other matters, the council:

• Heard a report from Garry Baker regarding acquiring a piece of property for a new park in town. The Remembrance Park committee plans to purchase a piece of land near Poulson Ford, then donate it to the town. A survey, as well as a transaction with Poulson Ford, is necessary before the donation can be made.

• Had the second reading of the annexation ordinance, which brings Schult Homes into town limits.

• Agreed to send a letter to the State Highway Department petitioning for a survey to be conducted regarding traffic at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Ind. 19. There is a caution light at the intersection, but at least one town official and many residents would like to see a stoplight there.

A meeting is set for 1:30 p.m. Monday to work on the contract with Schult Homes so annexation can be completed. The next regular meeting is at 6 p.m. July 8 in the fire station. [[In-content Ad]]