NORTH MANCHESTER - If increases are approved by the town council, North Manchester will see an increase in sewer rates in mid-2006.

Wednesday evening, H.J. Umbaugh and Associates representative Todd Samuelson presented results of a sewage rate study the company recently conducted.

Samuelson presented three possible rate increase plans ranging from around $5.50 to $13.22. The rates were based on figures that include a possible new sewer project. However, since the town still is in the process of meeting with the state to discuss ideas for the project, the figures used were only estimated.

The last rate increase in North Manchester was in 1996.

The council will review the information presented and consider further action at a later date.

Later in the meeting, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase town salaries by 3 percent. The first reading was approved 4-0 and will be finalized at the final meeting of the year Wednesday.

In other business, the council:

• Approved appropriations for $40,000 from the County Economic Development Income Tax to complete improvements on the Warner-Bruder property and $9,425 for the park and recreation fund to reimburse for a phone systems and wages of laborers.

• Tabled a decision about entering an agreement with WEDCOR for three years. WEDCOR wants North Manchester to commit $18,500 per year for the next three years.

• Approved funding for a small business development group in the amount of $1,500.

• Heard Chris Harrison received the Wastewater Operator Of The Year award Tuesday at a state conference in Columbus.

Manchester Town Council members present at the meeting were: Christopher Garber, Laura Rage, Stan Escott and Dan Rinearson, president. Council member Diane Haupert was absent. Clerk-treasurer is Nancy Reed. [[In-content Ad]]