Trying to offset loss of property valuation of $1.195 million in the town limits, the 2015 North Webster budget is decreasing town expenditures by $51,604 from 2014. North Webster Town Council heard the first reading of the budget at its monthly meeting Tuesday evening at the North Webster Community Center.

The total budget being asked for approval from the State of Indiana is $1,337,100. “We are trying to keep the tax rate as close to the same as possible given the reduction of valuation of property,” explained North Webster Clerk-Treasurer Betsy Luce.

Town resident David Biesemeyer approached the council about the trimming of trees on W32 Lane, the street below the Webster Lake town dam. “My wife was told by Wawasee School Corp. that it will not send buses down to pick up my grandchildren because of overhanging trees. One bus came for a week to pick up the middle schooler but the elementary driver will not do it. My kids were always picked up by a bus. I drove a school bus for years and a 66 passenger one will fit down the street without problems.”

North Webster Utilities Manager Mike Noe reported, “The school transportation office told me the trees weren’t the problem.” However, the council directed Noe to trim the four trees involved so Biesemeyer can take the issue directly to school officials.

Noe was given approval to purchase fiberglass doors for the town’s new utility building not to exceed $3,000. “Fiberglass will give the longest and most effective service,” Noe noted. He was instructed to return to both bidders for an “apple to apple” bid and accept the lowest of the two.

North Webster Police Officer Candice Smith representing the police department announced trick or treat hours will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The NWPD rendered 199 calls of service during August. The most, 34, were traffic related, followed by 21 citizen assists. Officers worked 576.5 hours, drove 3,219 miles and used 265.7 gallons of fuel.

A thank you note from the Webster Lake Ski Bees was read by Jon Sroufe, council president. He added Mediacom had contacted the town about special rates currently in place for new customers.

The next meeting of the council will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. It will also be the second budget hearing and will be held at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St.