LARWILL — Larwill’s town attorney opened the council meeting Thursday with a formal hearing regarding a sewer rate increase for local residents.
There were no comments from the public and the hearing was closed.
Town council members Rick Hobbs, Lore Wolfe and Rick Flauding opened their regular meeting with approval of the ordinance increasing the sewage rates about 14 percent. This raises most single-family dwelling costs from $35 per month to $40 per month.
It was noted that there have been no rate increases in the last several years.
With budget workshops in the near future, Clerk-Treasurer Renee Sills asked for items to include in next year’s costs.
“I know the snow plow truck costs for maintenance, gas and tires is going to be a guessing game,” Sills said.
Hobbs suggested that the person driving the truck be paid minimum wage, a suggestion Sills disagreed with.
“Who will do it for $7.35 an hour? That’s minimum wage. As a taxpayer, now, not treasurer, you paid $4,400 for one person to plow last year,” she said. “He worked, what, 100 hours? What does that work out to an hour?”
Hobbs recommended that a person be paid $10 per hour, which was approved.
Applications are being taken for Larwill Citizen of the Year. Hobbs said no one was nominated last year. A nominee doesn’t necessarily have to live in town. They can be someone who is active in the community. Ballots are available at town hall and at the post office.
The council also agreed to pay town employee Fred Stoffel $10 per hour for pulling out and repairing the sewage pump, if necessary.
Hobbs reported that a tree recently fell from Don Andrews’ property onto Hammontree Street. Jim Draper was hired to clear off the street and cut the rest of the tree down at a cost of $400.
Hockemeyer said generally it is the property owner’s responsibility to have a tree cleared. Hobbs said the town would pay for it.
“You guys pay me for my advice,”âHockemeyer said. “If that’s your policy ...”
The town will recommend Brad Hull Trucking be hired as the company to make improvements and repairs to the road and around the lift station at the Richland Township Fire Department, a joint town and township project. The town’s share is $2,461. The township’s share is $9,000.
Flauding announced he is moving from town soon and announced his resignation to be effective following the July 12 meeting.
Hockemeyer said candidates for the seat must be a Larwill resident and registered Republican.
A Republican caucus will be called to fill the vacancy.
Interested individuals can pick up a candidate’s application at the Whitley County Clerk’s office in Columbia City.
