Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
To better understand the costs and revenues of the Warsaw Sewage Works, city council members Monday invited Todd Samuelson, of Umbaugh & Associates, Plymouth, to present a cost-of-service study recently performed on the city's sewer system.
The research will provide information to help Warsaw and Winona Lake meet an agreement on sewer costs, which increased for Winona Lake residents in recent months.
Samuelson displayed an in-depth study of the sewer works utility expenses, analyzing how costs were acquired and how the department's revenues fulfilled these expenditures.
Based on the information, which factored gallon usage, overhead costs from regions of the utility and past debt service, Samuelson reported a recommendation from Umbaugh to collect $36,337 from Winona Lake per month. This recommendation is a 60 percent increase from the current cost of $22,710.
"Keep in mind this study is a work in progress," Mayor Ernie Wiggins said. "We will be sharing these results with Winona Lake and I'm sure additional factors will come to light.
"We're not making an action on this issue tonight. This is merely for our own knowledge of the situation."
In matters regarding the human resources department, an amended ordinance was approved involving five Warsaw Police Department dispatchers who are relocating to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department as of Dec. 31.
According to the ordinance, these workers will be compensated for half of any accumulated sick pay at the time of the transfer. Personal days will not be recognized upon WPD termination.
Human Resources Director Jennifer Whitaker said no employee included in the ordinance will lose a week of pay during the move, though these individuals will receive a week delay in the final payment from Warsaw.
Also approved for the department was an ordinance amending the city's travel policy. All city employee travel requests not necessitating an overnight stay may now be solely approved by Wiggins. The new ordinance was called a "good check balance" by Whitaker.
Whitaker presented a final request from human resources, hoping to alleviate an issue regarding Family Medical or Employee Medical Leave. Following board approval, city employees will not face termination during a 12-week absence under FMLA. Employees now have an additional 30 days after the 12-week FMLA leave.
The board also:
• Approved an ordinance establishing a Jan. 1 effective date for an increase in parking fines. Violations now face a $10 penalty, as opposed to the previous $5 fine.
• Heard reports from Fire Chief Matt Warren, who said October was a busy month. An estimated 1,200 people were contacted by the department through both emergency runs, safety talks and station tours.
• Discussed an issue with Street Department Superintendent Lacy Francis regarding how department funds would be allocated for new vehicle purchases/leases.
Because of upcoming Environmental Protection Agency standards which will affect motor emissions, costs of motor production will increase $6,000 to $9,000.
Francis recommended the city now lease three vehicles instead of purchasing one truck for the street department in the near future. No objections from the council were made during the meeting.
• Acknowledged Bob Morrison's gratitude to Golden Corral. Morrison thanked the business for its observance of Veterans Day and the generosity shown to local veterans and their families.
• Heard a report from Wiggins regarding the potential use of land currently owned by the city for a Habitat For Humanity location. Areas on a lot near Logan Street could be used for the non-for-profit organization. Wiggins said the idea could be a "good use of the land and good cooperation with Warsaw."
Councilmen present were Wiggins, George Clemens, Jeff Grose, Joe Thallemer, Jerry Patterson and Bill Rhoades. Charlie Smith was absent.
