ETNA GREEN — The Etna Green Town Council approved entering a five-year service agreement with Indiana Municipal Power Agency for the town's electric utility during its council meeting Tuesday.
Council held an executive session about the agreement prior to their regular meeting. They decided to partner with IMPA as the town is in the process of training two new employees. Former electric/water superintendent Barry Baker no longer works for the town and Andy Cook, wastewater/street superintendent, unexpectedly died in July.
Councilman Jason Hanes said towns contracted with IMPA have had positive experiences. The contract with IMPA totals $60,750 a year.
"That money goes to our materials they (IMPA) use to work on our property," said Hanes. "If we spend too much during the year, they're going to look at it and readjust for the next year to make sure we're not putting too much into the fund."
Hanes said the contract would allow IMPA to make any necessary repairs without approaching the council every month to make requests.
The council also voted to set up an executive session to meet with representatives from Astbury Water Technology about the town's water and sewer utilities. Astbury would assist in mentoring the town's new employees for 20 hours a week until they are certified.
Also during the meeting, in a 2-1 vote, the council approved an $8,500 bid for painting the exterior of the Etna Township Fire Department building. Clerk-Treasurer Patti Cook said the town can pay for the project with LIT (local income tax) funds. Councilwoman Susan Klinefelter voted against it because of the proposed red-and-white color scheme.
The fire department will also hold an open house and fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 7. During the event, there will be touch-a-truck demonstrations, games and prizes. Children who attend can make their own first aid kit. There will also be a meal of pulled pork, baked beans, chips and homemade ice cream. The meal cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Smith also said the department received $320 in donations in memory of Cook, who served as an Etna Green first responder.
The council also heard a request from Travis and Tracie Scott about building a 30-foot by 30-foot garage on their Railroad Street property. In November 2022, their garage caught on fire. Pending the council seeing a map of the setbacks and on the condition the property's neighbors are okay with the project, the council approved the Scotts building a garage.
Trick-or-treat times for Etna Green are from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28. The Lions Club of Etna Green's annual hayride and hot dog event will take place at 7 p.m. that day as well, with wagons departing from Heritage Park at that time.
Council also:
• Had a first reading for the 2024 budget, which totals $242,429. The budget will officially be approved in October.
• Approved sending a letter to Gulf Stream representatives about keeping two hydrants on their property clear of debris and foliage.
The council's next meeting is at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in Etna Green Town Hall.