Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - A town manager and utility superintendent were named Monday during a special meeting of the Pierceton Town Council.
Town Marshal Phil Hawks will take on the additional duties of town manager, while William “Alex” Sturgess will become the town’s utility superintendent. Both will officially begin their duties Aug. 31.
Hawks’ salary will be split 50% from the general fund, which includes police pay; 25% from water; and 25% from wastewater. Sturgess’ salary will be split 5% from the motor vehicle highway fund, 47.5% from water and 47.5% from wastewater.
The council also approved hiring Jordan Worl, a Whitko High School student participating in the Work-based Learning program. Worl will work 20 hours per week at $15 per hour in the town’s utility department. Council President Glenn Hall noted state grant funds could be available to cover half of Worl’s wages if he qualifies.
The additional employees required an amendment to the town’s salary ordinance. Other changes included reducing the town superintendent’s monthly phone allowance from $51.73 to $41.73; increasing Officer Dustin Baker’s salary by $2 per hour for completing academy training; and correcting the deputy clerk’s salary from $19.80 to $19.85 per hour.
Agreements, Contracts Signed
After the town was notified it received $1.086 million through the Community Amenities Program, the council approved an agreement with Fleis & VandenBrink, Fort Wayne, for the First Street project.
The project will install sidewalks along the east side of First Street from Catholic Street to Dollar General. The engineering agreement is for $75,000.
Fleis & VandenBrink was also selected to handle renovations at the town’s senior center to house the clerk-treasurer’s office. The move would bring all town offices under one roof.
Three quotes were received. Fleis & VandenBrink submitted a quote of $57,000, while Hoch submitted a quote of $53,200. Jones Petrie Rafinski submitted hourly rates for various aspects of the project.
Hall noted after the meeting that the town still plans to relocate the senior center, although those plans are still being developed.
Superintendent Hire Discussed
During discussion of the various actions, Hall noted the previous superintendent was the only person certified to handle the town’s water certifications. Sturgess has both water and wastewater certifications.
Hall acknowledged some residents were upset the town did not hire from within. However, he said no other employees in the water or wastewater departments were certified.
Astbury was hired approximately two months ago to handle the necessary water and wastewater certifications at a cost of $20,000 to $25,000 per month. The company also was expected to train current employees, but Matt Brubaker, councilman, said attempts by town staff to have the company train or teach them were unsuccessful.
“This was the hardest decision I have had to make since I’ve been on the council,” Hall said. “The fact is the current staff was not groomed to take over as a superintendent.”
He said the town could have promoted someone from within, but doing so would have set that person up for failure.
“We have to make the decision that is right for the town,” Hall said.
The council also approved giving Noah Shepherd a bonus for the leadership he has provided in the absence of a utility superintendent and a second bonus will be considered at the end of the year.
The council also briefly discussed the town’s 2027 budget, which is close to last year’s budget and has been published on the Department of Local Government Finance’s Gateway website.
Council members pointed out the benefits offered to town employees, including health insurance for $1 per month, with the remainder paid by the town, as well as participation in the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund and Health Savings Account contributions.
Before adjournment, the council approved use of the town’s shooting range for the Lights, Sirens & Bullseye event Oct. 3. Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith will provide range safety officers.
The event is open to the public and first responders. Sponsors include the Kosciusko County Young Republicans, Pierceton Police Department and Project Ebenezer.
Dr. Sue Mort raised several questions before the meeting adjourned. She asked whether Shepherd was local; Hall said he lives south of Pierceton. Mort also expressed concern about who would maintain the sidewalk at the school crossing.
Hall said he believed the street department could be asked to maintain the corner intersections, while property owners would be responsible for sidewalks in front of their homes.
