BOURBON – The Bourbon Town Council, along with its attorney, Mark Wagner, continue to take steps to make the owners of abandoned or rundown properties come into compliance.

During its meeting Monday, Wagner presented updates on the legal actions he is taking.

Karen Holmes owns a number of properties within the town limits that are in disrepair. At an earlier meeting, the board approved a negotiated figure of $10,000 from Holmes to pay a portion of the back utilities owed with the understanding that she sell the properties or start paying utilities by Nov. 15. Wagner said he is in contact with the attorney representing the owner.



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Legal steps are still in place concerning the Elizabeth Cary property on West Center Street. The property has been in discussion by the council for several months as they took steps to have major debris and motor vehicles removed. At this time, Bourbon Zoning/Building official Bill Keyser was named by the courts to oversee actions taken. Wagner said during the investigation into the property holdings, a $4,000 IRA was uncovered and the town can use funds from that to cover legal fees, such as filing fees, and to reimburse Keyser for his work.

Wagner said he has seen improvement on the property, but that there are still campers that need to be removed. October 31 is the deadline that must be met for improvements.

Police Chief Bill Martin will be returning to his duties Tuesday following a health-related problem. He will be subject to light duty only, and another officer will be needed to cover his shifts. The town has been utilizing reserve officers, along with some extra paid officers, to fill positions.

According to a monthly report submitted by the police department, officers made 50 arrests during September. They issued 31 speeding tickets during the month with the average speed over the posted limit of 19.5 mph.

The council members voted 2-0 to approve the removal of a tree near the wooded area at Westwood Park. The estimate for the removal was $850. Council President Les McFarland was absent from the meeting.

Roger Terry, street department, said leaf pickup will begin Monday and be in effect until the weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday.

After the meeting, Terry said residents can rake the leaves to the curb or place them in dimmable containers. He said leaf bags should not be used and piles have to be free of sticks, stones and trash.

The town usually has some $30,000 each year to improve roads; however, a Community Crossing Grant of $306,157.50 will allow extensive repairs. The work is slated for 2018 and only those roads listed in the grant application can be included.

The council is in the early stages of determining future water rates. Steve Stacy, wastewater superintendent, presented his survey of rates from neighboring communities. According to Stacy, Bourbon’s base rate is $11.60. Argos is currently at $18.08 and has increases approved to raise the rates each year over the next five years. Etna Green bills a base rate at $17.65 and Bremen is at $12.60.

The last increase in rates in Bourbon was in 2008. In order to increase rates, the town has to have an official study, according to Bourbon Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger.

Stacy noted that the water plant was originally built in 1964. He said, “It is something we have to think about for the future.”