Nappanee Starts Budget Process
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
NAPPANEE - Nappanee Common Council members convened for their first glance at the 1998 budget during a work session Monday.
Many of the marginal hikes reflected in such departments as the EMS, fire, police and clerk-treasurer's office represent the 4 percent increase in pay granted to department heads earlier this summer. However, a few changes could have some impact on both city employees and residents.
That trend was most noticeable in the police department, where the city is projecting an additional $127,897 tacked on to their funds. The uppage would take into consideration the anticipated hiring of one more full-time officer in 1998, plus the costs to equip and clothe the new employee. There are also plans to hire in an additional dispatcher.
In July, Police Chief Ray Carich approached the city council for permission to apply for a statewide grant program that could provide up to $100,000 to implement a new officer. Carich did receive approval from the council to forge ahead with the application process, and if the city gets a nod, some of those suggested expenses could be offset.
Another major move on the city's part could come in the form of launching a local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. The idea was first brought to the council's attention by active proponent and civic leader John Leavitt, with guidance coming from the Goshen chapter's coordinator, Kevin Deary.
Both men were present for the council meeting to answer questions about the program, which has not been figured into the '98 budget. Mayor Larry Thompson, working with clerk-treasurer Kim Ingle, believe $70,000 is a fair estimate for the program's first year. That amount is comparable to funds the city sets aside for the senior citizens program, the Elder Haus.
Deary offered members a chance to peruse a tentative layout of estimated expenses for the first year, which he presumed at $98,870.Deary said a board of directors would be implemented, made up of community volunteers, who would be responsible for securing donations from civic organizations and so forth. The United Way could also be counted on to help foot the bills, Deary added, noting that the Goshen area United Way came through with 45 percent of their cost this year.
Deary also stressed to the council that the Nappanee version of the Boys and Girls Club will be an independent service of its own merit, and will work closely with related agencies and the police department. "It's not a recreational facility, it is a guidance facility," he said.
A full-time employee is also expected to be added to the street department. The department has been one man short since the departure of former superintendent Jeff Kerns in 1991. At that time, Sam Adams moved up to his position, and no replacement was ever brought in.
Overall, the anticipated 1998 budget amounted to $5,077,534, -Ê$375,199 above the 1997 buget of $4,702,335. The figures will come before the council for a first reading Aug. 18, with a second reading and public hearing Sept. 3. The budget is expected to move through a third and final reading Sept. 15.
Near the session's end, Thompson addressed an issue that has weighed heavily on his mind since his election to office.
"From my office, it appears that we have a lot of duplication (in the city)," he said. "We have a lot of areas that overlap." He was speaking to the fact that the Chamber of Commerce and the city's redevelopment appear to be assuming parallel roles, with both working tirelessly to promote the city. "I really wish that the Redevelopment Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and the city would come together at the same table, discuss our goals, and who should be carrying them out," Thompson said.
He expressed concern that the city is paying two-fold for equal services from two organizations.
"My challenge tonight is that we bring some of these folks together - and bring everyone to the same table to decide what's best for Nappanee," Thompson continued. "Whatever happens, I will continue to work for the betterment of Nappanee, but I think we can do it together." [[In-content Ad]]
NAPPANEE - Nappanee Common Council members convened for their first glance at the 1998 budget during a work session Monday.
Many of the marginal hikes reflected in such departments as the EMS, fire, police and clerk-treasurer's office represent the 4 percent increase in pay granted to department heads earlier this summer. However, a few changes could have some impact on both city employees and residents.
That trend was most noticeable in the police department, where the city is projecting an additional $127,897 tacked on to their funds. The uppage would take into consideration the anticipated hiring of one more full-time officer in 1998, plus the costs to equip and clothe the new employee. There are also plans to hire in an additional dispatcher.
In July, Police Chief Ray Carich approached the city council for permission to apply for a statewide grant program that could provide up to $100,000 to implement a new officer. Carich did receive approval from the council to forge ahead with the application process, and if the city gets a nod, some of those suggested expenses could be offset.
Another major move on the city's part could come in the form of launching a local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. The idea was first brought to the council's attention by active proponent and civic leader John Leavitt, with guidance coming from the Goshen chapter's coordinator, Kevin Deary.
Both men were present for the council meeting to answer questions about the program, which has not been figured into the '98 budget. Mayor Larry Thompson, working with clerk-treasurer Kim Ingle, believe $70,000 is a fair estimate for the program's first year. That amount is comparable to funds the city sets aside for the senior citizens program, the Elder Haus.
Deary offered members a chance to peruse a tentative layout of estimated expenses for the first year, which he presumed at $98,870.Deary said a board of directors would be implemented, made up of community volunteers, who would be responsible for securing donations from civic organizations and so forth. The United Way could also be counted on to help foot the bills, Deary added, noting that the Goshen area United Way came through with 45 percent of their cost this year.
Deary also stressed to the council that the Nappanee version of the Boys and Girls Club will be an independent service of its own merit, and will work closely with related agencies and the police department. "It's not a recreational facility, it is a guidance facility," he said.
A full-time employee is also expected to be added to the street department. The department has been one man short since the departure of former superintendent Jeff Kerns in 1991. At that time, Sam Adams moved up to his position, and no replacement was ever brought in.
Overall, the anticipated 1998 budget amounted to $5,077,534, -Ê$375,199 above the 1997 buget of $4,702,335. The figures will come before the council for a first reading Aug. 18, with a second reading and public hearing Sept. 3. The budget is expected to move through a third and final reading Sept. 15.
Near the session's end, Thompson addressed an issue that has weighed heavily on his mind since his election to office.
"From my office, it appears that we have a lot of duplication (in the city)," he said. "We have a lot of areas that overlap." He was speaking to the fact that the Chamber of Commerce and the city's redevelopment appear to be assuming parallel roles, with both working tirelessly to promote the city. "I really wish that the Redevelopment Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and the city would come together at the same table, discuss our goals, and who should be carrying them out," Thompson said.
He expressed concern that the city is paying two-fold for equal services from two organizations.
"My challenge tonight is that we bring some of these folks together - and bring everyone to the same table to decide what's best for Nappanee," Thompson continued. "Whatever happens, I will continue to work for the betterment of Nappanee, but I think we can do it together." [[In-content Ad]]