NEW WHITELAND TOWN COUNCIL

JULY 31, 2007

2008 PRELIMINARY BUDGET HEARING

MEETING MINUTES

 

Town Council President John Perrin opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Council members present were Scott Alspach, Joe Noonan, Don Harris and Terry Spencer.   Also present were Clerk-Treasurer Maribeth Alspach along with Department Heads Ed Stephenson and Jim Lasiter.

 

Police Department

Marshal Stephenson states that his 2008 budget includes a 5% pay increase for all full time employees as do all of the budgets being considered tonight.  Councilman Harris states he would rather see a 3% increase.  After some discussion the 5% increase is preliminarily approved unless we are told to make significant budget cuts by the DLGF.

There are no changes made to the 100’s, 200’s, 300’s or 400’s.  223 – Gasoline is estimated based on $4.00 / gallon. There is a possibility that we will be purchasing our fuel from the School District before the end of 2007 which could reduce the amount we need for gasoline in 2008.  316 – Contractual Services was increased by $4,800 to cover the cost of phone cards for each of the 8 police cars for the year.

 

Properties Department

PW Supt. Lasiter explains that he has included a 5% increase for his full time employees.  Lasiter has 2 laborers that he believes qualify for a merit increase as well.  The budget is approved as presented with a $2,000 increase to 316- Contractual Services.  Council would also like to see additional money for upgrades to the existing playground equipment in the parks if funds become available.

 

Motor Vehicle Highway

DLGF provides funding information for this budget.  We should get more information on what the 2008 revenues will be at the DLGF meeting on August 20th.  If the funding is available, PW Supt. Lasiter would like to replace the Leaf Machine, the Mosquito Sprayer and purchase a new Salt Spreader.  Budget request is tentatively approved until revenue figures become available.

 

Water Utility

Supt. Lasiter explains the 400’s category.  He has budgeted for a new service truck.  He also discusses a merit increase for one of his employees. There are no changes made.

 

Sanitation Utility

Supt. Lasiter explains the 400’s category.  He has budgeted $200,000 for a new chlorine upgrade to make this a Class A Utility which would eliminate some of the equipment that they have been experiencing problems with.  Would also eliminate need for sludge removal / hauling.  This would also eliminate certain IDEM issues.  He has also budgeted monies to purchase land, pave a gravel drive at the WWTP, add a new equipment building and a new service truck. There are no changes made.

 

Storm Water Utility

There are no changes made.

 

Plan Commission

There are no changes made.  There is some discussion on adding a part time enforcement person who could identify code violations for the Zoning Administrator, Police and Public Works Departments.  No action was taken on this item.

 

 

 

Town Council

Preliminary Budget Hearing

Page Two

July 31, 2007

 

 

Town Administration

Clerk-Treasurer Alspach presents the 2008 budget request that reflects a total reduction of $2,453.  She has increased the council members pay by $600 and reduced the bookkeeper/clerk position to a part time position.  No additional changes are made.

 

Being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

____________________________

Maribeth Alspach, Clerk- Treasurer

 

 

Approved: _____________________________  

                 John Perrin, President