Non-reverting fund established

DUNKIRK — The city’s fire department will begin building up funds for future equipment purchases.

Dunkirk City Council on Monday approved the creation of a non-reverting fund for the fire department, allowing it to retain revenue from fire protection contracts over the long term.

Council members had discussed the possibility for the last couple of months. The goal is to preserve funds the city receives from fire protection contracts with surrounding townships. (That money currently goes into the general fund.)

The city is receiving nearly $14,500 this year through fire protection contracts with Knox, Jackson and Richland townships in Jay County, and Niles Township in Delaware County.

Christy Curts, the council member who serves as liaison to the fire department, said the department would like to allow the funds to accumulate to help pay for a new truck or other equipment.

Council members Jesse Bivens, Dan Watson, Randy Murphy, Donna Revolt and Curts unanimously approved creating the new fund.

Clerk-treasurer Kara Lowe noted she will bring a resolution to the next council meeting to allow fire protection funds already received this year to be transferred into the new non-reverting fund.

Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins also explained that the city has slowed the process of creating its first tax increment financing (TIF) district in order to implement it correctly. Before moving forward, he said, two properties involved in a planned housing project must be annexed into the city. The city has hired Indianapolis-based consulting firm Baker Tilly to assist with the process.

The council also agreed to contribute $4,500 in economic development income tax (EDIT) funds to the West Jay Community Center gym floor replacement project. It had already committed $500 from the mayor’s promotional fund.

In other business, the council:

•Approved the use of Dunkirk City Park for the Spencer Calvert Co-Ed Softball Tournament; and payment of $203,346.49 in claims.

•Heard from Robbins that stormwater basins and a main ditch have been mowed.

•Learned from Revolt and Murphy, respectively, that the park shelter house is being painted and that downtown curb painting will begin Thursday.

•Heard from Curts that Dunkirk Moose Lodge will host its Back-to-School Bash from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. The event will include free haircuts, face painting, snow cones, hot dogs, inflatables and giveaways of school supplies and other items.