MENTONE - Mentone Town Council pored over its budget for 2009 at Monday night's meeting.
The board held a budget meeting following its regular meeting.
The board raised the salary of the police department 3.5 percent from last year's total of $69,384.
The board made other marginal increases to its budget in the general fund, along with mandatory increases for things such as insurance.This year's budget estimate was $387,007, while 2009's budget estimate is $420,767 for the general fund.
During its regular meeting, the board heard a presentation from Patricia Coy, of the Kosciusko County United Way, and Pam Kennedy, Housing Opportunities of Warsaw, concerning the fourth annual Day Of Caring set for Aug. 27.
In its first year, the program had five projects, then jumped to 24 projects in 2006 and 60 projects in 2007.
The day is designed to help assist single-family homes in need, such as the elderly and homes with low to moderate income. Projects can range from painting to putting on a roof for a small home.
Applications to apply and volunteer for the event are available at the Mentone Senior Center. The deadline for applications to both have work done and to volunteer is July 25.
Currently, there are two projects slated for the Mentone area.
Krystal Lydargr, a Menzter Park board member, told the board that she has been put in charge of dealing with reservations at the park. Lydargr said there are currently a wedding and retirement party set to take place at the park in August.
Lydargr told the board she sought quotes to provide electricity to the park, and that while she sent out several requests, only Dennie Electric sent back a quote. Dennie Electric's quote was for $1,300, which would provide two 110 circuits to the pavilion and a dusk-to-dawn light. The board approved Lydargr to proceed with Dennie Electric installing power to the park.
Mentone town attorney Larry Beeson told the board that he has written letters to several homeowners whose properties have fallen into disrepair.
The board also accepted an ordinance regulating garage sales in Mentone. Habitual offenders will be fined $200 for violations.
Board member Jack Simpson expressed confusion as to why those not following ordinances concerning garage sales could be fined but those with deteriorating homes can't.
"If we can fine $200 a day on a garage sale, why can't we charge them for having a trashy house?" asked Simpson.
Beeson explained it would take another town ordinance.
Beeson also said that when it comes to housing-related issues, defendants are allowed to appeal any decision made to the county court.
Mentone Town Marshal Jim Eads informed the board that an unnamed resident wished to donate a patch of land on South Walnut Street to the town.
Mentone residents are also reminded that they can take limbs and other yard waste to the treatment plant north of town on Ind. 19. Items like couches and regular garbage can't be dropped off there.
