WINONA LAKE – Winona Lake will continue its search for a new town manager.
Town Council President Ashley McGinnis said Tuesday the town has been going through the process of looking for a new town manager since October, when current Town Manager Craig Allebach submitted his intent to retire, effective the end of October or as soon as a replacement is found. She said Allebach is still in the position and was very gracious with his time in doing so.
The town accepted applications for the position and had about 30 people apply for the position, McGinnis said. Allebach said seven candidates were interviewed. McGinnis said they thought they had a candidate for the position, but “it did not work out and we’re back to square one.”
Town representatives had an interview with representatives from Civitas Strategies and had discussions on using Civitas to help find a new town manager.
There was another discussion about using Civitas to also help create a strategic plan for Winona Lake, McGinnis said. A comprehensive plan for the town was created about five years ago. She said the town has made progress into the comprehensive plan. The town is now looking at a way to steer their way forward with that plan, as well as what other things people may want from the plan.
McGinnis said the council hasn’t made a final decision on Civitas Strategies as the council is waiting on proposals from Civitas.
Councilman Jason Zaugg said he appreciates Allebach’s engagement with the town and the hiring process for the next town manager, even though it’s past his desired exit.
In other business, the council:
• Approved an ordinance reestablishing a cumulative capital development fund.
Craig Marcum, from Baker Tilly, said the fund is a property-rate tax fund and the town uses that money every year towards town expenses. Currently, the rate is at $0.0458 per $100 of assessed value. The fund can be reestablished to a maximum of $0.05.
The council approved reestablishing the fund at the maximum rate.
• Heard about Winona Happenings. The Farmers Market at Winona 2025 season will begin Saturday. The season will run on Saturdays from April 26 to Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At 10 a.m. May 2, there will be a cereal domino run at Eisenhower Elementary School. Parks Department and Senior Center Director Holly Hummitch said boxes of cereal are being collected that will be donated to Combined Community Services. Drop box locations are at Eisenhower Elementary School and Winona Lake Limitless Park.
At 10:15 a.m. May 3, the Living Hope 5K will be at Limitless Park.
The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest will be May 16-18. Village at Winona Managing Director Nick Hauck said this is the 20th year for the fest. There’s a lot of activities during the weekend, including about 58 races throughout the county with close to 3,000 racers over the weekend.
• Heard Kosciusko Connect will install a phone system for the town today.