BOURBON – Bourbon Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to increase its contribution to the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation by  $5,000 for 2018.

It will continue to pay $10,000 per year as well.

Council President Les McFarland brought up the request at the end of the meeting. He explained that the MCDC is seeking the extra funding from towns within the county to be used for vocational training, such as welding classes. He said they hope to attract people from out of the county to fill job openings for local industries. It is estimated that there are some 400 job openings in the county over a wide range of positions.

The extra contribution will be for only one year.

Council members Larry Wattenberger and P.J. Hanley said they are aware of at least two Bourbon industries that are having difficulties in finding enough qualified applicants.

The council also voted unanimously to extend the contract for trash pickup with Republic Services from Culver. Kim Berger, clerk-treasurer, said the current contract is due to expire later this year and Republic was requesting a three- to five-year commitment. All of the comments from the council members were positive as to the services being provided.

When or should water rates for the town be increased led to a lengthy discussion. The last increase was in 2009, according to Berger. The town’s financial consultant, Umbaugh & Associates, brought the matter to the attention of Berger.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Berger said a study by Umbaugh could cost as much as $3,000 to $5,000. It was decided to have Wastewater Superintendent Steve Stacy contact other towns of the approximate same size as Bourbon to find out the average rates.

Stacy said the splash pad in the park uses a significant amount of water. It has been closed until summer 2018. It was noted that they did delay the closing for a few days since there were residents holding a party.

Stacy also alerted the council that 20,000 gallons of water were unaccounted for over the last few days. He said that a similar occurrence happens about two times each year. Although they have no verifiable information, they suspect that water is being siphoned from a hydrant.

Stacy agreed to speak with the trustee of an area town to find out if their fire truck was being filled in Bourbon. Police Chief Bill Martin said officers on his department will help to monitor any suspected illegal usage.

McFarland encouraged Bourbon residents to attend a comprehensive plan open house forum at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Matchett Center. The town continues to seek public input for future projects and needs.

To that end, the council voted 3-0 to name Alexis Stanley as a marketing coordinator-intern. Stanley is a marketing student at Grace College in Winona Lake. She will be volunteering for the town, but will receive college credit for her work.

During the meeting, she suggested using an internet marketing survey approach to reach residents.

McFarland said, “We want more input instead of just guessing what the public wants.”

There was an additional discussion on other ways to reach the public such as paper-generated surveys.

Stacy said the water and sewer lines for the Dollar General store being constructed are complete. He indicated that there is some confusion about tying into existing storm drains, as to whether the drains are under Indiana Department of Transportation’s or the town’s authority. Stacy said he will continue to seek more information.

The town officially named Oct. 31 as Halloween night. The designated hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Martin agreed to ask reserve officers to be available to help monitor those participating.

In previous years, activities were provided in the park; however, the council said they are hoping that activities can be moved to the downtown area to have more participation.