Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE - The Silver Lake Town Council approved the 2005 budget in a morning meeting Tuesday.
The 2005 budget, totaling $477,580, was $25,400 less than the 2004 budget of $502,980.
The council increased the general fund to $266,572, up from $261,980 last year. A "Rainy Day" fund of $3,508 also was established in the 2005 budget.
Cuts were made in the motor vehicle/highway fund, the economic development income tax and the Brownfield Fund. The motor vehicle highway fund was reduced from $164,000 to $134,000, while EDIT was reduced from $42,500 to $41,000. The Brownfield Fund was cut from $3,000 to $1,000.
The local roads and streets fund ($15,000), the cumulative capital development fund ($10,000), CCI ($5,000), law enforcement education ($500) and police donation ($500) remained the same.
Later in the regular meeting, the town council held a public hearing for an ordinance concerning abandoned wells. The ordinance sets up definitions and guidelines regarding the handling of abandoned wells. Wells that have not been used in more than five years must be plugged to prevent groundwater contamination. Landowners are responsible for plugging the abandoned wells once the ordinance is adopted at the next council meeting.
The council also amended an existing ordinance regarding tapping into the town water/sewer system.
"It is the town's responsibility to take it to the property line without additional cost to the property owners," said Phil Shalley, public works superintendent. "The way things are now, it discourages people from tapping into the system."
The council approved setting a fixed fee of $1,525 plus an inspection fee to tap into the town system.
The town council also approved Shalley's vacation through most of October.
"I think 30 days is a long time to take off from a city job," said council member Tom Waite.
If the council did not approve the time off, the town would have to pay Shalley for extra time.
"You have us over the barrel here, but we will change it for next year," said council member Stanley Williams. "This won't happen next year."
In other business, the town council:
Approved sewer rate adjustments for the following residents who had water leaks repaired: Marlin Carr, Joe Fisher, Justin Perry and Rose Valdez.
Heard an update on cable television services. Beginning in October, Silver Lake will have the Chicago Sports Network included in the cable package. Speed channel is not available at this time because the town does not have the digital capabilities necessary to receive it.
