NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester's town court may be entering its final year.
The North Manchester Town Council has reviewed the costs versus the benefits of having a town court.
Attorney Matt Mize told the council Wednesday that, according to a current ordinance, the vote to abolish the town court would have to be done in 2010, or it would have to wait until the end of another four-year term.
Mize told the board that if they decide to do away with the town court, Town Judge Cheryl Gohman would finish out her term and the court would be abolished Dec. 31, 2011.
The board determined the cost of running the court exceeds the benefits of having it. The number of people who use the court has been on a decline. Many violations, such as seatbelts tickets, go to the county court in Wabash.
When asked for input, Town Marshal Jeffrey Perry said, "It's been a convenience for the two retirement communities in town, but otherwise I'd support taking everything through the county."
A proposed ordinance to abolish North Manchester's town court was read at the meeting. The board will meet again Wednesday at 2:15 p.m., at which point they will read the ordinance again. The board will vote on the ordinance at that meeting if there are no changes that need to be made.
In other business, the 2011 state-approved budget is significantly less than originally expected.
Town Clerk Carrie Mugford said the general fund budget is $263,821 shy of what it was projected to be, and the Park and Recreation Department's budget is $101,629 less than the expected amount.
The difference comes from a reduction in property taxes and a lower-than-anticipated income from certified shares.
Mugford said that instead of encumbrances, the board could vote for a "No Spend" Resolution. She proposed moving $150,000 from the Motor Vehicle Highway fund to the general fund. If the state approves this request, the general fund will still need to be reduced by $103,000.
Another request would be made to remove an encumbrance on $75,000 in order to bring the Park and Recreation Department's budget closer to the state-approved budget.
The board passed the No Spend Resolution. The town has 10 days to make its requests for the proposed changes to the state.
The board would like to remind the public that bids for the pool demolition project are due by Wednesday at 2 p.m.
