Anita Goodan
A representative from Baker Tilly reviewed the sewer rate study with the Winamac Town Council members when they met for their regular session meeting Monday, July 14.
Baker Tilly officials recommend an 21 percent increase in sewer rates. The council members thought that the proposed percentage could be increased in smaller increments in four different phases over the next two years. That schedule will be drafted with an ordinance to be presented at an upcoming meeting. A public hearing will be held to take comments on the proposed increase and that information will be available when the documents are prepared.
According to Baker Tilly, anticipated capital improvements are driving the increase in rates. It has been since 2016 when the rates were last raised. Rates are typically increased every 3-5 years to keep up with maintenance, and improvements to equipment.
In other business, Town Manager Brad Zellers explained that the new Columbarium at the McKinley Cemetery was set last week. He asked for the council’s approval to revise the Town of Winamac Fee Schedule that would reflect a decrease in fees for the Columbarium. The cost of a Columbarium niche was reduced to $900 and the maintenance fee reduced to $250. The council approved the ordinance amendment with a unanimous vote.
Additionally, Council President Tom Murray urged the Winamac Police Department to be diligent when it comes to the operation of golf carts. He told Chief of Police Branson Eber that he saw golf carts recently that were operated by drivers under the legal driving age. He wants to make sure that licensed drivers are operating golf carts per state statute. Chief Eber noted that if the officers see the activity they will be sure to conduct stops and take necessary action according to the town’s ordinance and state law.
Since there seems to be lack of favorable support for a fire territory, the Winamac Town Council decided to cease moving forward with the concept. They will be meeting with Township Trustees to discuss fire contracts and options soon as budget season is in full swing.
The Winamac Town Council meetings are now available for viewing on the town’s YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/@WinamacIndiana. Monday night’s meeting should be uploaded to the page by the end of the week.
