Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SOUTH WHITLEY – At Tuesday night's meeting, the South Whitley Town Council heard from Jeff Rowe, of Baker Tilly, who completed a rate study of the town's utilities, following an introduction of a wastewater rate ordinance.
The ordinance proposes a rate increase of 8.63 percent. This would increase a resident's monthly bill from $90.28 to $98.06 for 4,000 gallons of usage.
Rowe discussed project costs, which will be lessened significantly by an SRF (state revolving fund) grant as well as a $4 million forgivable bond.
Council approved the ordinance on first reading. There will be a public hearing for the wastewater ordinance at the Oct. 27 regular meeting.
Council also heard from Jack Barlow, of Habitat for Humanity. Barlow discussed other counties like Huntington whose Habitat for Humanity programs run under the greater Fort Wayne umbrella, and "the work on the back end is run through Allen County," Barlow said.
Habitat for Humanity is expanding into Whitley County and Barlow wanted to make the council aware of what their programs offer, including NeighborLink, where individuals can apply for home repairs costing less than $5,000.
In other business, council:
• Tabled a decision on a cottonwood tree removal in the Town Park; Councilman Kris Shoemaker will discuss the matter with the Park Board.
• Approved the hiring of Officer Michael DeLong as a full-time officer at $33.10 per hour; he will be officially sworn in at the Oct. 27 meeting.
• Approved a claims docket of $132,932.85.
Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27.
