Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - Because the utility rates aren't high enough to generate needed funds, Etna Green will do a bond issue for the local match of a Department of Commerce grant for its water project.
Tim Kelty of R.P. Murphy & Associates, Larwill, told the Etna Green Town Council on Tuesday that officials at the DOC notified him that it was not acceptable for the town to pursue Rural Development funding for the project and, if it chose to do so, must pull its grant application and reapply at another date.
Kelty said he hopes the project can be put out for bid in November, with the opening of bids in December and awarding of the contract by mid-January.
The town must now have a rate study completed and will move ahead with the project with a bond issue.
In other business, the council signed an ordinance naming East Railroad Street. The roadway was known by that name for many years, but was apparently never officially named. The council then approved an ordinance banning parking on the northside of East Railroad Street.
Another ordinance was passed, per State Board of Accounts directive, for the town to pay $15.80 per month each on the wastewater treatment plant, fire station and park building. A recent audit noted that the town should pay sewage fees on its municipal buildings.
In other business, the council:
• Issued a reminder that large item trash pickup will be Thursday and Oct. 29. A list of acceptable items is available at the clerk's office.
• Set trick-or-treat hours for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29. The Lions Club hayride will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, and the Lions Halloween Festival is at 6 p.m. Saturday.
• Approved the purchase of software for payroll from Keystone Consulting at a cost of $2,500, plus maintenance.
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at the fire station.
