WINONA LAKE - The Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday approved the 2008 budget.
Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks discussed budget increases for 2008.
The general fund for 2008 is $1,194,532. It is a $125,000 increase from the $1,069,560 budget in 2007.
Hicks said the increase is attributed to an $80,000 increase for the town's trash removal contract, and gas and insurance increases for the Winona Lake police and fire departments. The increase also is attributed to a 3-percent employee wage and benefit increases for town employees.
The motor vehicle highway budget for 2007 is $633,575, and in 2008 is estimated at $656,440. This is a $22,865 increase for gas and insurance increases and to compensate for the 3-percent employee wage and benefit increases for town employees.
Also during the meeting, Winona Lake Police Reserve Officer Randy Bowman was sworn in. He formerly served as a reserve officer with the Pierceton Police Department.
The council discussed the Sept. 11 ceremony that was held Tuesday morning in the town.
Hicks said there were approximately 40 to 45 people who attended the ceremony.
Town Council member Rolly Ortega thanked the Winona Lake police and fire departments for the protection they provide to the town.
Ortega also informed the council he has received calls from residents regarding overgrown weeds on sidewalks along first and seventh streets. He said the town has an ordinance for vegetation overgrowth, but the weeds are not high enough to violate the ordinance. He said the town will look into what they can do to get rid of the weeds.
He also said he received a phone call from a resident who disapproves of the privacy fence at the Winona Lake Park lodge. Ortega said the Winona Lake Park board will discuss the matter.
Public Works Director Pete O'Connell said he and Town Coordinator Craig Allebach have looked at streets in Winona Lake that need resurfacing and storm drainage work. O'Connell said there is money in the motor vehicle highway fund to support the projects.
The council approved for the town to seek bids for nine street resurfacing and storm sewer projects in the town.
The projects include resurfacing the alley between 401 and 309 Administration Boulevard, South Union Street between Oakwood Avenue and Boys City Drive, Sunday Lane 100 feet inches off of Chestnut Avenue, 15th Street from Chestnut Avenue to Kings Highway and Conner Street off Poplar Street, Walnut Street from 13th Street to 15th Street, Western Street and storm drainage work, the alley between Sixth and Seventh streets and the alley between 13th and 14th streets.
Approved the Warsaw Fire Department purchasing a nozzle and ball in-take valve for the department's fire engine for $3,723.
Upcoming events in the town include Rodeheaver Series featuring Marilyn Sexton Mason Sunday at 2 p.m.; Fall Sailboat Regatta Saturday; Light the Night Sept. 20; Winona Lake Fall Festival Oct. 6; Huzzah Hoosier Pennant Vintage Base Ball Tournament Oct. 6 and the Second Sunday Series at Rodeheaver Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
