LEESBURG - Leesburg residents are being encouraged to get involved.
At the Leesburg Town Council meeting Monday night, grant writer Robert Murphy said he needs residents to attend a public hearing Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Leesburg Lions Building, 114 W. Section St.
Murphy is writing a grant worth up to $500,000 for the town to help offset costs of the wastewater project currently proposed.
"We need as many people there as possible," Murphy said.
Murphy also said he needs letters of support for the project to add to the narrative in the grant application.
To date, 10 letters of support have been received, including correspondence from county commissioners, the county auditor and other county officials.
"We need considerably more than that," Murphy said. "We still need a response from the health department."
Murphy said he will be mailing information to residents about the public hearing as well as the need for letters supporting the project.
In a recent letter to the editor, Murphy encouraged town residents to support the grant, which would be used to keep sewer rates lower in the town: "The town of Leesburg is applying for a grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to keep sewer rates as low as possible.
"In order to obtain a grant, IOCRA requires that the residents of the town write letters stating that they want the grant. The more letters that are included in the application, the better chance of getting the grant. Without the letters of support, sewer rates could be higher by $17.45 per month for 40 years.
"While it seems to be a 'no brainer,' the state will not give the town a grant without letters from residents stating that they want, and need, a grant.
"If you want the town of Leesburg to receive a grant, send a letter, or note, explaining why you can't afford high rates.
"Send letters for inclusion in the application to: R.P. Murphy and Associates, 1501 N. Binkley Rd., Larwill, IN 46764."
In other business, the council:
n Heard from representatives of the town's waste removal service about increased costs. Because of higher fuel, labor and operating costs, the company had to increase rates quoted for trash pickup in the town. The contract comes up at the end of the year and will be discussed more at future meetings.
n Heard a concern from a citizen about the condition of street signs in the town. The town resident said many of the street signs are faded or hard to read and many of the signposts are leaning or askew.
n Decided to have three vehicles appraised before selling them. In July, council members decided to sell two dump trucks, a 1984 Ford truck with a plow and a 1993 GMC Jimmy with a plow and salt box, and a 4000 Ford tractor with a front loader and rear grater before the end of the year. The council will decide whether to sell the vehicles through sealed bids or on E-bay.
n Approved a motion to spend $8,444.95 to fix streets in the town. Five areas in town will be fixed with the money.
Leesburg Town Council members are Rick Stookey, president; Jay Weaver and Ryan Robinson. Town clerk-treasurer is Melissa Robinson.
