Winona Budget Shows $250,000 Shortfall
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
WINONA LAKE - Wayne Township is offering less money to support the town's fire department and park, Winona Lake town councilmen heard Tuesday. An accounting error left the township's budget $250,000 short.
"They asked for a reduction this summer," said Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks, "and we've not received the money for 2004."
The town will receive 25 percent less for fire protection next year: $12,500, instead of 2004's level of $16,500. The contribution for the park is $6,750, instead of 2004's $9,000.
The contracts are renewed annually as the trustee's office recognizes Wayne Township residents benefit from fire protection and recreation offered by the park.
Fire chief Roger Gelbaugh said he reacted, "but what are we going to do?" he asked, talking about the reduction to his department funds.
Hicks said the loss already has been taken out of the fire department's capital budget. The department's plan to purchase another fire truck will be put on hold another year.
The council also:
• Approved a final plat of 16 lots in the Autumn Hills housing subdivision off Packerton Road.
• Accepted as a town-maintained street Sarah Drive in the Indian Hills subdivision.
• Heard from town attorney Jim Walmer, who gave an update on the Lions Club lawsuit against the town. The lawsuit was filed in July 2003. A pretrial conference, to be conducted by telephone, is scheduled for Dec. 6.
Walmer said all parties are waiting for Jim and Lisa LeMasters to file for a vacation of the ground occupied by the organization. A lease agreement sent to the club several months ago has not been returned, Walmer said. The agreement offers the town's senior center to the Lions Club free of charge for certain activities and for a certain amount of time.
• Approved removal of stop signs at Chestnut and First streets.
• Heard from street superintendent Pete O'Connell that crews are picking up leaves every day, a task that will continue until all the leaves at the curb are collected.
• Approved $500 toward the fire department's Christmas dinner at Westminster Hall Dec. 11. Town employees also are invited to the dinner.
Council president Jerry Clevenger said the employee luncheon, Dec. 9, is paid for through contributions.
• Heard town events as: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Grace College Bach Christmas Oratorio IV, V, VI at Rodeheaver Auditorium; Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., MasterWorks Second Sunday Concert Series at Rodeheaver; Nov. 15, 2 p.m., "Town Talk" on WRSW 107.5 with councilman David Delp; Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m., employee Christmas luncheon; Dec. 11, WLFD Christmas dinner at Westminster Hall; and Dec. 19, 2 p.m., Fort Wayne Philharmonic Christmas Concert, sponsored by the Lakeland Community Concert Association.
Town council members are Jerry Clevenger, David Delp, Jeff Carroll, John Boal and Rolly Ortega. [[In-content Ad]]
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WINONA LAKE - Wayne Township is offering less money to support the town's fire department and park, Winona Lake town councilmen heard Tuesday. An accounting error left the township's budget $250,000 short.
"They asked for a reduction this summer," said Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks, "and we've not received the money for 2004."
The town will receive 25 percent less for fire protection next year: $12,500, instead of 2004's level of $16,500. The contribution for the park is $6,750, instead of 2004's $9,000.
The contracts are renewed annually as the trustee's office recognizes Wayne Township residents benefit from fire protection and recreation offered by the park.
Fire chief Roger Gelbaugh said he reacted, "but what are we going to do?" he asked, talking about the reduction to his department funds.
Hicks said the loss already has been taken out of the fire department's capital budget. The department's plan to purchase another fire truck will be put on hold another year.
The council also:
• Approved a final plat of 16 lots in the Autumn Hills housing subdivision off Packerton Road.
• Accepted as a town-maintained street Sarah Drive in the Indian Hills subdivision.
• Heard from town attorney Jim Walmer, who gave an update on the Lions Club lawsuit against the town. The lawsuit was filed in July 2003. A pretrial conference, to be conducted by telephone, is scheduled for Dec. 6.
Walmer said all parties are waiting for Jim and Lisa LeMasters to file for a vacation of the ground occupied by the organization. A lease agreement sent to the club several months ago has not been returned, Walmer said. The agreement offers the town's senior center to the Lions Club free of charge for certain activities and for a certain amount of time.
• Approved removal of stop signs at Chestnut and First streets.
• Heard from street superintendent Pete O'Connell that crews are picking up leaves every day, a task that will continue until all the leaves at the curb are collected.
• Approved $500 toward the fire department's Christmas dinner at Westminster Hall Dec. 11. Town employees also are invited to the dinner.
Council president Jerry Clevenger said the employee luncheon, Dec. 9, is paid for through contributions.
• Heard town events as: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Grace College Bach Christmas Oratorio IV, V, VI at Rodeheaver Auditorium; Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., MasterWorks Second Sunday Concert Series at Rodeheaver; Nov. 15, 2 p.m., "Town Talk" on WRSW 107.5 with councilman David Delp; Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m., employee Christmas luncheon; Dec. 11, WLFD Christmas dinner at Westminster Hall; and Dec. 19, 2 p.m., Fort Wayne Philharmonic Christmas Concert, sponsored by the Lakeland Community Concert Association.
Town council members are Jerry Clevenger, David Delp, Jeff Carroll, John Boal and Rolly Ortega. [[In-content Ad]]