Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The town council approved a request today by the Winona Lake Fire Department to seek a loan of $150,000 for the purchase of a new tanker truck.
The vote to authorize the loan application to the Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services was three to one, with Councilman Harold Dunn voting against the application authorization. If approved, the loan would be paid from the state's fire fighting and emergency equipment revolving loan fund.
"We're looking at the loan to take some of the burden off the capital fund," said Fire Chief Mike Cox. We're looking at an in interest rate of 4- to 4-1/2 percent."
Dunn renewed his objection to the purchase of a new tanker, stating his desire to have the current tanker repaired instead.
"I'd say we're not using our money wisely. We're going into debt to replace a tanker that can still be used for a while," he said.
Council President Brent Wilcoxson said he supports the loan application, but is uncomfortable with the $150,000 cost, in light of an estimated trade-in allowance for the current tanker being $20,000 and the department's plans for various fund-raising efforts.
"From my standpoint, I'd prefer to see the loan amount reduced," he said.
In other business, the council passed Ordinance 98-104, which sets the sewer rate at $31 per month.
The council also tabled awarding an architectural contract for the renovation of the Quonset hut building into the new town hall.
Two proposals were received, with Associated Architects and Designers bidding $11,500 for managing the project and Scearce Rudisel Inc. bidding $5,500.
"The only difference I see is in the design drawings," Wilcoxson said. "I'm not certain Scearce Rudisel isn't just using our plans and going with those."
The council will investigate the differences in the two bids and make a decision on awarding the project at a special meeting Thursday at 9:30 a.m..
Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks announced the 1999 tax rate established at the State Board of Tax Commissioners hearing Monday will be $2.4987 per $100 of assessed value.
