NORTH MANCHESTER - George Scheerer, of Treeway Inn, North Manchester, complained to the town council Nov. 7 about confusing street names.

The council took up the issue Wednesday.

After sifting down to Scheerer's precise concern, the council dismissed the idea of changing names.

Bernie Ferringer, North Manchester building commissioner, said the project would be "a big can of worms" and would "change a lot of personal lives." The project would be "horrendous," he said.

People would have a tougher time finding streets if names were changed, said councilman Warren Garner, leaning back in his chair.

Jack Fetrow, director of public safety, said Wabash County's 911 coordination director would have to approve name changes for emergency service.

Working at Treeway Inn, Scheerer said, he hears about the confusion from travelers. He wanted to "make town a little bit more friendly," he said on Nov. 7.

With area code changes coming in January, now is the time for street name changes because stationery will be reprinted, Scheerer said. He warned the town was "running out of time" to act.

Scheerer did not attend Wednesday's meeting.

In other business, the council:

• Passed the first reading of a 2002 salary ordinance. Don Rinearson, council president, said town employees would not see a pay raise next year. But a one-time salary adjustment might be possible in December 2002.

The employee lump-sum raise would be gathered from departmental savings and cost cutting, along with other funds. The money would be placed into a separate fund.

Without major problems eating away funds, North Manchester would know its financial status at the time of payment.

Rinearson said this was the council's first salary ordinance, but it may become an annual way of raising salaries.

Salary ordinances are the only means of increasing wages beyond adding them into the budget.

• Heard work is finished on the water tower on Market Street next to North Manchester Public Library. The total deconstruction cost was $13,462. The library is taking over the plot to "make it look at little better," said Dan Hannaford, town manager.

North Manchester Town Council includes: president Don Rinearson, vice president Stan Escott, Karl Merritt, Warren Garner, town attorney Charles Tiede and Bill Hix. Clerk-treasurer is Nancy Reed. Town manager is Dan Hannaford. Public safety director is Jack Fetrow, and plan commissioner is Bernie Ferringer. Public works superintendent, John Mugford, was absent. [[In-content Ad]]