Budget, water lines are a concern (07/15/2008)

DUNKIRK - Concerns about city finances and water system problems stirred up debate at Monday night's council meeting here.

Council members unanimously approved a cost study to see if a water rate increase was needed, and moments later voted to freeze wages for city employees and elected officials in next year's city budget.

The latter subject was introduced by clerk-treasurer Jane Kesler who said she was starting work on the city's 2009 budget figures, and she wanted to know if there would be any pay raises granted.

Councilman Larry Smith said in light of the city's current financial limitations, he didn't feel council members had any choice but to hold the line on wages.

"I make a motion to freeze any wage increases for employees and elected officials for 2009," councilwoman Judy Garr said, agreeing with Smith. Her motion passed unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting, Garr introduced several measures aimed at improving the city's water distribution system, but possibly calling for a rate increase, too.

Council members approved an agreement with Commonwealth Engineering, Indianapolis, to study ways to improve the water system, and also authorized a $6,000 study by the accounting firm of H.J. Umbaugh and Associates, Indianapolis, to review the city water department's rate structure. Garr explained that the city was considering applying for a state loan to help make water system improvements, and the rate study would be needed to show that city water fees were in line with acceptable figures.

Garr said the proposed rate increase could be in the neighborhood of 25 percent.

In pointing out the need for the rate increase, clerk-treasurer Kesler noted that three years ago an interdepartmental loan was approved between the water and wastewater treatment departments. The water department was supposed to pay back the $20,000 loan from the sewage department in five years, and so far no payments have been made.

Kesler asked if the first payment in three years could be made soon, but Garr said, "I don't feel we can make that payment."

One of the problems the water department is facing is the need to repair leaks in old water mains "all over town," Garr said. Water department superintendent Dace Mumbower said his department could use some help on a temporary basis from city workers in other departments such as the park and sewer departments.

Also Mumbower suggested replacing some of the older galvanized steel water lines, rather than waiting to repair them as they start leaking.

Council members agreed with both of these proposals, saying they would start to replace water lines in some of the worst areas where breaks have repeatedly been occurring.

In other business related to the city's water system, the council approved installation of two new water meters at a cost of approximately $11,600. One will serve a two-inch main at the city's new fire station/Jay Emergency Medical Services building and the other is for a six-inch line at the Saint-Gobain Containers plant.

Kesler said the Saint-Gobain water usage is currently being estimated, as the meter there is not functioning. She said the new meter should pay for itself in a short time. The Saint-Gobain plant has a well, but also taps into city water when the need arises.

As her departmental report concluded, Garr asked Mumbower to prepare a list of which water main sections should be replaced first.

In other business at Monday night's meeting, council members:

•Learned that Mayor Ron Hunt had made some personnel changes in the wastewater treatment department, promoting 12-year veteran city employee Tim Kesler to superintendent. Hunt said that former superintendent Greg Buckner will remain with the department but in a lesser role.

•Heard a report from councilman Tom Johnson that the park board is currently accepting applications for the position of park caretaker. Johnson said that the current caretaker, Charles "Butch" Parfitt, will be resigning from that post, effective Aug. 1.

However, Parfitt will continue to serve as the city's animal control officer, Johnson said.

•Learned that the city pool will be offering swimming lessons for youngsters and adults between Aug. 4-8 from 10 to 11 a.m. Cost will be $15.

•Authorized a 2 percent increase in the township fire service contracts for 2009. Councilman Craig Faulkner said the new annual rates will be $1,975 for Knox Township in Jay County; $4,512 for Richland Township in Jay County; $2,677 for Jackson Township in Blackford County; and $2,005 for Niles Township in Delaware County.[[In-content Ad]]