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PIERCETON - Town officials don't want to appear to be Scrooges, but they also don't want to be in the business of Christmas decorating.
Brenda Whitaker, president of the Pierceton Chamber of Commerce, told the Pierceton Town Council Monday that the electric system in and around Brower Park needs to be rewired. That was one reason the bulk of the town's Christmas decorations were not put up last year.
"We looked like Scrooge city by not having any lights up last year," Whitaker said. "We need to work together as a community and get this done."
Council president Ron Hall said he would like to see the lights put up, but doesn't feel the town should have to bear the cost of the rewiring project, estimated at about $3,000. Hall said he feels the town contributes enough by paying the electric bill to illuminate the holiday decorations and by allowing town employees to put them up and take them down.
"The town is willing to help, but not to withstand the whole load," Hall said.
Council member Jerry Kreger pointed out that he brought the matter to the chamber's attention in April and, since no representative of the agency attended a council meeting prior to Monday, it was probably too late to get the work done in time for Christmas. However, it is likely the lights can be strung in time for the holidays.
The rewiring is necessary to provide electric to the Christmas lights only and isn't used at other times during the year, officials said.
No town funding for the project is available from this year's budget, and council members agreed the town can't commit more than paying the electric bills from next year's budget.
In other matters, the council:
• Tabled talk of moving the school crosswalk to the alley south of Pine Street. Members said they need more information on the project, for which funds are not available.
• Reminded residents that leaf pickup will continue through Nov. 27. Leaves should be raked to the edge of the road, but not onto it.
The next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in the community building.
