Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SOUTH WHITLEY – At Tuesday night's South Whitley Town Council meeting, officer David Calhoun was sworn in by Clerk-Treasurer Alyssa Knepple.
Knepple noted that Calhoun was previously sworn in before starting his duties but council wanted to also hold a public swearing-in.
In new business, council voted to move ahead on a proposed timeline to increase electric utility rates. There will be a public hearing on the ordinance 2026-03-10 "Amending Electric Utility Rates" at 6:30 p.m. April 14 ahead of the regular council meeting.
Representatives from Baker Tilly, financial advisors to the town, will attend the public hearing to present on the proposed rate increase. Rates shown on the ordinance are "on the higher end," said town attorney Gregg Hockemeyer, though the town may choose to go lower.
Hockemeyer reminded council that state law does not allow rates to go low enough that there is a deficit. The electric utility is currently at a deficit as the town has been charged more over the years for the service but has not increased the rates.
Knepple presented the new utility bill format and explained each line item, including the credit that is reflected by the fuel adjustment from the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA), which is different each month.
Knepple said they have received many calls at the office regarding the new bills. The town clerks can provide usage history for individual residents if requested.
In other business, council approved a $145,080 water line quote as part of the ongoing Community Crossings Matching Grant-funded street work on Wayne Street. The next Community Crossings grant cycle will provide up to $1.5 million, matching 80% this year rather than 70%, which Council President Brock Waterson said is lucrative for the town.
Council discussed porta-potties for the townwide garage sale, which will be held April 24-25.
Knepple said she spoke with Borden and town cleanup day for oddsize trash pickup will be May 2.
Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. March 24.
