North Judson Council to Consider Town Marshal’s Resignation, Hear Public Input on Rate Hikes

North Judson Council President Wendy Hoppe; Police Officer Frank Thomas; Council Members Josh Brown, John Rowe, Jane Ellen Felchuk, James Young; Town Attorney Justin Schramm, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins

The resignation of Town Marshal John Ramos, utility rate hikes, and curbside recycling will all be discussed during tonight’s North Judson Town Council meeting.

Ramos was fired by the town council back in April. He appealed his termination, but then offered to resign last week as part of a settlement agreement. Council members are expected to accept his resignation tonight.

Also during tonight’s meeting, members of the public will get to weigh in on proposed water and sewer rate hikes. Accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates determined that the current levels are not adequate to cover operating costs. Additionally, the town’s water and wastewater infrastructure is in need of upgrades, requiring more revenue to cover future bond payments.

Curbside recycling will also get another look from council members. It’s seen as an alternative to the recycling drop-off site offered by the Starke County Environmental Management District, which has been difficult to keep clean.

North Judson’s animal ordinance will also be reviewed tonight, following complaints about chickens in town. Tonight’s North Judson Town Council meeting starts at 6:30 at the town hall.