Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - Annual fall cleanup in town has been canceled because of a lack of funds.
Council agreed Monday to cancel the town-sponsored event because more money than usual was spent on the spring cleanup.
The cleanup consists of free pickup of debris and appliances for two days.
However, the week-long spring cleanup attracted more participation than in the past.
Clerk-treasurer Charlotte Siegfried reported only about $500 left in the account.
Councilman Donald Wolferman suggested part of the reason for the depleted funds is that people outside of Milford took advantage of the spring program.
He reminded council members that other towns have quit such programs because of abuse from outsiders.
No date had been set for the cleanup, but the subject never got that far.
Public works superintendent Dallas Winchester, arguing against the move, said "I don't want to be the one to say fall cleanup is canceled."
But Siegfried said she had been warning some people the program might have to be canceled.
The decision was unanimous.
In another matter, Winchester found himself in a defensive mode in asking council to re-establish a part-time public works position that includes insurance coverage.
The town has seen two employees in the position come and go in the past few weeks because the position doesn't include insurance.
Council eliminated the insurance provision after a longtime employee resigned earlier this year.
The move was made in part to save money, and because many towns don't provide insurance to part-time employees, Siegfried said.
As public works superintendent, Winchester oversees the street department, sewer and water. He has two full-time employees.
Winchester expressed frustration with not being able to find and retain somebody for the position, and said the job isn't very appealing without insurance coverage.
Council made no decision on the personnel issue, and questioned the need of the part-time position.
At least one councilman suggested snow removal from alleys and sidewalks be given less priority.
"It all falls back on what kind of services you want," Winchester said.
Two employees have built up considerable overtime, and Winchester questioned how he'll provide compensation time.
Leaf pickup duties and snow removal would complicate matters without the part-time employee.
