Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BOURBON - Town Council passed an ordinance abolishing legislative districts for the town on Tuesday.
Councilmen Bill Keyser and Larry Wattenbarger agreed that requiring candidates for local office to reside in a particular part of town was limiting for those few citizens willing to serve.
Although historically elections have been based on residency in one of the three town wards, there was no ordinance on record locally or at the county level requiring this action. According to town attorney Mark Wagner, the election process would remain the same if council took no action; adopting the ordinance will open elections to anyone living within town limits.
The matter is being addressed because of Ken Workman's resignation from the council. Three residents have expressed interest in being appointed by local committeemen, but only one lives within the ward being represented. Larry Manhardt lives in Ward 3, while Ken Keller Sr. and Linton Savage reside in Ward 2.
A Republican caucus will be called soon to make a selection. Any residents interested in filling the remainder of the term should contact Republican County chairman John Zentz at least 72 hours before the caucus.
In other business:
• Council discussed the annexation of property at the north limits of town, taking into consideration the favorable recommendation of the Plan Commission. The area is being developed to allow construction of a private school. A public hearing on the matter will be held at the Aug. 5 council meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the town meeting room.
• E&B Paving, Rochester had the low bid of $30,179 for street paving. Street superintendent Roger Terry said his budget allows for only $15,000, so E&B will do the first six streets on the list.
• Police Chief John West was granted permission to submit an application for funding through the state to hire a new officer. The grant would pay all but $3,328 for cost of the officer for three years, when the town would have the option to retain the officer at its expense.
• Keyser said he received a letter from State Senator Kent Adams informing him of a meeting at 4 p.m. July 31 in the town meeting room to discuss work needed on Ind. 331 with officials from the LaPorte District of the Indiana Department of Transportation. Included in the invitation were two local residents who had written letters to Adams expressing their concerns over the condition of the road, which is Main Street through town.
• The council accepted donations and contributions of $2,176 made to the park and the Emergency Medical Service since March. Also accepted was a donation from Bourbon Street Motorcycles to the EMS for $882.
