MENTONE – After four years as Mentone’s utility superintendent, Eric Carlin submitted his letter of resignation to the town council Monday night.
Carlin’s resignation is effective Feb. 15.
“I have accepted a position with E.J. Prescott and I am very excited about the opportunity,” Carlin wrote in his resignation letter. “I have enjoyed serving this community and I am very proud of the different projects and grants I have been a part of completing for the town. If there is anything I can be of assistance in in the future, feel free to call me.”
Carlin was named utility superintendent Dec. 3, 2007. He replaced Darrel Miller, who resigned Oct. 24, 2007.
A 2000 Tippecanoe Valley High School graduate, Carlin also is a 2005 Ivy Tech graduate with a degree in computer information systems.
“Yes, we wish you well,” said Tim Croy, council president. “Without you, we wouldn’t have gotten the wastewater and sewer projects done.”
Croy presented Carlin with a plaque for his service.
Later during the meeting, Croy asked Carlin if he was still interested in being the sexton for the cemetery board and be involved with the town park.
Carlin said his new job would require him to be out of town a lot, so he was not sure how accessible he would be as sexton. He would, however, try it for awhile. He said he also would continue with the park.
“We appreciate that,” Croy said.
The council agreed to pay Carlin for his acquired vacation time.
At the end of the meeting, Croy told Carlin, “On behalf of the town council and Mentone, we appreciate everything you’ve done for us. We will sure miss you.”
Josh Shepherd, utilities employee, will be acting superintendent until Carlin’s replacement is named.
Shepherd requested the council set up an executive meeting to figure out what the town will pay a new employee for the utilities and water department.
“A few were asking, but I didn’t know what to tell them,” Shepherd said.
The council decided to hold an executive session at 8 p.m. Thursday to discuss wages. In an executive session, the council can discuss personnel, but any vote on a decision must be made during a public meeting.
Applications for the position are being taken until Wednesday.
The Mentone council also approved an increase of $2,000 to Shepherd’s annual salary.
The council previously told Shepherd that as he got his certification, the town would reward him with a salary increase of $1,000 per certification. Shepherd is now certified in water and waster distribution.
