IURC pull-out moving forward (12/30/05)

DUNKIRK — Water rates in this city won’t be subject to approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in the future, though it’s possible a citizen petition could force a referendum on the issue.

Dunkirk City Council members unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance removing the water utility from the IURC’s jurisdiction Thursday night at a special meeting dominated by year-end financial matters.

At a council meeting earlier this month, opposition to the move surfaced and a petition drive may be on the horizon.

Under Indiana law, city voters have 60 days to petition for a referendum on leaving the IURC’s control. Only 15 signatures from registered voters are required on such a petition.

Council members and Mayor Sam Hubbard have explained that leaving IURC’s jurisdiction is primarily a cost-savings measure. Water rates in the past have been set by the council and then reviewed and approved by the IURC. But the IURC process requires paperwork and accounting charges that usually run at least $5,000 each time there is a rate change.

Many local communities — including Portland, Hartford City, Bluffton, and Berne — have opted out of the IURC process to save money.

At the council’s Dec. 12 meeting, however, Rev. Jerry L. Holten, pastor of Dunkirk’s First Pentecostal Church, spoke at length against the move and in support of a referendum. Holten was not present at Thursday night’s meeting.

The council also unanimously moved its year-end balance of more than $75,000 into the Rainy Day Fund.

“We definitely have some rainy days coming,” said Mayor Hubbard, referring to a substantial drop in the city’s property tax draw in 2006 due to a refund for Saint-Gobain Container’s Dunkirk plant. That refund is the result of a state miscalculation on the impact of reassessment and tax abatements at the plant.

“Next year ... we’re going to have to tighten our belt,” said Hubbard.

A total of $13,570 from this year’s park department budget was encumbered for the purchase of playground equipment and picnic tables for Dunkirk City Park in the spring of 2006.

The council also gave its unanimous approval to the purchase of a new sofa for the living quarters of the Dunkirk Fire Station at a price of $799 from Stewart Brothers Furniture. Councilman Craig Faulkner, who has oversight responsibility for the fire department, noted the department’s budget was putting about $20,000 from its 2005 budget back into the city’s general fund.

At the recommendation of councilman Tom Johnson, the council approved the purchase of a zero-turning-radius mower for the park department from John’s Small Engines of rural Redkey for $7,883.10, which was the lowest of three quotes for such a mower. The mower has a 60-inch deck.

In other business:

•Hubbard informed the council that Habitat for Humanity will be building two homes in Dunkirk in 2006 — one on land donated by Mike Shannon and the other on land owned by Dru Hall. The Hall-owned property has a burned-out house on it which will be razed by LPI Inc., Portland. LPI is donating its services, and Waste Management has agreed to waive landfill fees on the project as well.

•Hubbard announced the next meeting of the Dunkirk Improvement Committee will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. in the city building.

•The council appointed Jim Bob McEwen, Richard “Chuck” Huffman, Carmel Jones, Connie Whetsel, and Tom Johnson to three-year terms on the board of the West Jay Community Center.

•Hubbard said Brian Jessup has resigned from the city park board. “We already have a prospective replacement,” he added.[[In-content Ad]]