SILVER LAKE - The Silver Lake Town Council held a public hearing for the 2023 budget ahead of Wednesday night's meeting.
Tyler Coffel, of Baker Tilly, presented a report on the town's cash flows, receipts and disbursements. Coffel said all the town's funds are very healthy, and that 44% of local tax dollars will go to town operations, 24% to public safety, 16% to streets, 4% to parks and 12% to economic development.
Guest speakers at the meeting were John Lantz of the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County and Beth Johnson of USI Consultants. Lantz received a $500 donation from the town of Silver Lake for the shelter. Johnson talked with the Council on updating local road ratings.
The Council approved a third invoice of $71,116.05 for the school building demolition on Sycamore Street, a new snow blade for the street department's Toolcat at $3,477.14, a 40-foot by 40-foot by 16-foot garage to house the town's leaf vac at $35,000 and insulation work at station two for $24,500.
A rezoning ordinance and resolution for appropriation transfers were also approved.
Cody Mangun, of the Silver Lake Police Department, spoke to the Council on possibly acquiring a kayak rental kiosk for public use.
Town Marshal Jason McGlennen reported success with the radar speed signs recently installed at each major entrance to town. The signs also track the number of vehicles traveling one-way into Silver Lake; on Oct. 7 there were 1,216 vehicles counted.
In other business:
• The fire department had 12 runs last month: one medical assists, five assists to other departments, two accidents, three alarms and one fire.
• The Council approved McGlennen's request to purchase a 2018 Dodge Charger for the police department for $23,500, replacing the Ford F150 which will be purchased for use as a work truck by the street department.
• The 2023 budget adoption meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27.
The next regular Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 9.
