Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - The Etna Green Town Council approved a task order for Commonwealth Engineers to complete the town's wastewater preliminary engineering review during its council meeting Tuesday.
Chris Harrison, business development manager at Commonwealth, told council Etna Green did not receive any funding through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs for the review.
"The last discussion we had was if (OCRA) fell through, we'd move forward with the wastewater preliminary engineering review, which will have the community ready for State Revolving Funds," said Harrison. "That application has to be submitted by April 1. And with that, we're running on an extremely short timeline."
Harrison said it would be $30,000 to complete that task.
"That is a fundable document," said Harrison about the review. "We can take that document and also use it for OCRA funding and (U.S. Department of Agriculture) funding."
Harrison and Council President Heath Roberts emphasized the importance of moving forward with the project.
"This is the second time we've applied to OCRA, and it's been turned down," said Roberts. "We're going to apply for this same grant again, but we have to keep moving forward with this because the timeline is getting stretched out so far. If the wastewater plant goes down, there is no backup. We've got to do something, so this will get things moving."
In regard to the town's water system, any residents experiencing issues with their water are asked to contact council or Clerk-Treasurer Ann Anglin for assistance.
In other business, Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe asked council about seeking public input on phases two and three of the Heritage Park walking path project. She noted deadlines for some of the applicable funding would be in May. Phase two will primarily consist of landscaping work, including bushes, grass and benches. Roberts said he would speak with Roe further on determining the best methods on seeking public input.
Council also:
• Approved their annual contract with Etna Township Fire Department.
• Approved a 2026 contract with Baker Tilly, which will perform services as requested by council.
• Approved a shipping/cargo container ordinance presented by Town Attorney Nick Jacobs. The ordinance states only businesses in town limits are permitted to have shipping containers on their property.
Council's next meeting is at 7 p.m. Feb. 10.
