Redkey nears closing for loan

REDKEY — The process of completing a loan to help pay for the town’s sewer separation project is in its final stages.
Mitch Hansel of Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering gave Redkey Town Council an update on the sewer separation project at its meeting Thursday, and council passed a bond ordinance for the project.
Council members also congratulated fire chief Randy Young on receiving a grant to build a new fire station and approved a letter to be sent to town residents concerning a utility rate question that will appear on the November ballot.
Hansel said it will take 30 days to finish the loan closing paperwork for the sewer project. The town is receiving a $3.8 million, 40-year loan at 2.5 percent interest from the United States Department of Agriculture for the estimated $7.9 million project as well as a $3.9 million grant.
“It’s just a matter of getting through the red tape and bureaucracy,” Hansel told council.
Clerk treasurer Debbie James updated Hansel that the sewer separation fund total is $217,015.98 and the town will receive credit of more than $39,000 that has already been spent on permits, etc.
Council also adopted the bond ordinance for the sewer project on second and final reading.
Sue Beasley of USDA Rural Development said it was important to pass the ordinance so it can be published in the newspaper as soon as possible. A 20-day objection period will follow publication.
Ted Friddle, who ran the meeting with president Kyle Champ absent, told Young “Fire department, congratulations on the grant.”
The town received a $445,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs earlier this month.
“We’d all like to thank everybody that worked on that and supported us,” Young told council of the grant.
Young said Ami Huffman, Jay County community development director, should receive the contract from the state in about a month, then designing of the building can begin, with bidding to start in January.

Council approved sending a letter with October water bills concerning the possibility of turning over the control of utility rates in town to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The issue will appear on the November ballot.
The last paragraph of the letter reads, “A vote of “NO” will allow the Town Board to retain the ability to set water and sewer rates. Accordingly, the Town Board respectfully asks that you vote “NO” to the public question on the November ballot.”
In other business, Mike Wright, Greg Curme and Charles “Red” Coons and Friddle:
•Learned that Redkey town deputy Ryan Miskinis will begin training at the police academy on Oct. 15.
•Were reminded that town clean-up is Oct. 10.
•Approved claims of $70,335,47 and water bill adjustments of $379.70.