Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE – At Wednesday night's meeting, the Silver Lake Town Council heard a proposal to design a new boat launch off of Shutt Avenue from Brett Burch, Silver Lake Conservation, and Herb Manifold, Ecosystems Connections Institute.
Manifold gave a presentation on the current state of the boat launch, with a 7-inch dropoff that damages trucks, trailers and boats.
Council voted to allow Burch and Manifold to move forward with designs and permits for the project.
Ahead of the regular meeting, the council held a public hearing for the 2026 budget. Nicole Grzybowski, of Baker Tilly, spoke on the town's estimated tax revenues and disbursements, including how the loss of local income tax in 2027 will impact the town's finances. The town will have to annually petition to the county for funds to make up for that loss in revenue.
Grzybowski said the town only spent 76% of the total budget in 2024.
In old business, the council discussed Carla Buckles's property on Coy Avenue, which is in violation of the unsafe building ordinance. Buckles was given a 60-day extension but has not made progress on repairs and was not present at the meeting. Council voted to impose a $500 fine.
In new business, the council approved hiring Shannon McLeod, grant manager at Baker Tilly, as Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant administrator for the community center project. The contract was set at $60,000.
Council also:
• Approved an updated Child Education Leaves of Absence ordinance.
• Approved the 2026 interlocal agreement for the police department's county data access.
• Tabled decisions on staff raises until the Nov. 12 meeting.
Hydrants will be flushed the week of Oct. 20 and leaf pickup will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through the first week of November.
There was a claims docket of $119,680.
Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 12, at which time ten new and amended town ordinances will be presented.
