Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CLAYPOOL - Claypool was notified that it was denied the $425,000 Community Focus Fund grant they applied for in July.
The money was going to be used to fund the water tower repairs and water systems upgrade project.
According to the field officer from the Offices of Community and Rural Affairs, the town "failed threshold." Threshold figures are based on a series of categories including average household income.
Community and Rural Affairs said monies in the application were for maintenance, and they don't fund for maintenance. Murphy's application was very explicit in not including maintenance in the portion not funded by the town. Claypool's portion of the project was $80,000, which would come from the Economic Development Income Tax and Tax Increment Fund.
Actual monies used for maintenance of the existing tower depend on the extent of the improvements. If the tower is cleaned, repainted and apoxied, cost would be around $35,000. These repairs would keep the tower in working order for approximately 20 more years.
If the project continues without the grant monies, the town's 175 hooked-up residents would have a 92-percent water rate increase imposed on them spread over several years.
The council agreed to have Murphy resubmit the application by the Jan. 15 deadline.
Murphy said the specifics for not meeting threshold were not provided, only the statement that it did not. When the town resubmits, the assigned field officer is required to come to the actual site. This will be the town's opportunity to question the reasons for denial.
The board discussed bids for trash pick-up contracts. Resident Janet Ecklebarger questioned the 56-percent increase from the previous year. Niki Miller agreed to contact the current service before the board agrees to a new contract.
New rates were discussed for water and sewer hook-up for new service including residential and commercial. The board drafted the ordinances and they will be sent to attorney Mike Reed for final copy.
Sites 3 and 4 were approved by the board for the Housing Opportunities of Warsaw grant money. Nine residents applied for the HOW grant monies for home improvements. These are the next phased-in houses to be improved. There are enough funds in the account to accomplish the improvements needed on all nine applicants. The money will be spent on new roofs, electrical work and a new furnace.
The board approved the motion to retain Reed for 2007.
