Residents in Winona Lake may pay $6 a month more for their wastewater bills in 2015.
Winona Lake Town Council during its meeting Tuesday night approved introducing an ordinance that would increase residents’ monthly sewer bills from $36 to $42.
The council will hold a public hearing on the topic at a meeting at 5 p.m. Dec. 29 in town hall.
Craig Allebach, town coordinator, said the town participated in a wastewater study to determine if sewer rates were sufficient. According to the study, an increase in wastewater fees is needed because the sewage output amount necessitated the rate increase.
If the council approves the ordinance at its Dec. 29 meeting the rate will go into effect January 2015.
Randy Swanson, councilman, said for the last four years residents have enjoyed a $36 rate, not an increase. The rate in 2010 was $42 before it was reduced to $36.
Terry Howie, councilman, said the town anticipated building its own sewage plant, but decided not to build the plant and the reason the sewage rates were able to be kept at the $36 level was the savings from not building the plant.
In other business, the council heard the Department of Local Government Finance approved the town’s 2015 budget at $2,464,775, a $55,150 decrease from the 2014 budget.
The council also approved a resolution for Christmas bonuses. The following town employees will receive $275 bonuses: Paul Schmitt, Malcolm Gilbert, Joe Bumbaugh, Mike Foster, John Leeper, Ellen Swaim, Jenny Harting, Cindy Nolton, Craig Allebach, Kent Adams, Holly Hummitch and Gene Seiman.
The council approved accepting Wayne Township providing $12,000 to the parks department for park services it provides to the town, as Wayne Township residents use the park system.
Allebach said the town entered into a $700,000 contract with Phend & Brown for extending the Greenway. A pre-construction meeting will be in January, trees will be cleared in February and the project will be completed in August 2015.
The council approved Winona Lake Volunteer Fire Department purchasing $25,000 in bunker gear and airparks.
Allebach said he spoke with Jay Shively, Winona Lake resident, who suggested a new sign be put in Heritage Park.
A temporary sign will be installed and then a wooden sign with the subdivision name will be installed in the spring.
Ken Jones, Jones Petrie Rafinski, gave project updates and said the town’s lift station is under construction and will be completed by the end of January.
Jones also said the company’s landscape architecture department met with Winona Lake Parks Department for the Limitless Park.
Jones thanked the town for its trust in the company in working on the project.
Winona Happenings include a Hoopsters Benefit for the Limitless Park at Jefferson Elementary School between Winona Lake Fire Department and WRSW Jan. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. A freewill donation is the entry fee and doors open at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 6:30 p.m.
A pajama party will be in the village shops Jan. 31 from 7 to 11 a.m. where customers are encouraged to wear their pajamas and can participate in sales in the town.
(Story By The Times Union)
