Budget cutting and the salary ordinances were the primary topics of Warsaw Common Council’s Tuesday, Oct. 28, meeting. The meeting started with a lengthy discussion involving road maintenance, including proposed changes outlined here.

There was heavy discussion on Ordinance 2014-09-02, the resolution for appropriations and tax rates. This ordinance pertains to the city’s 2015 budget. Mayor Joe Thallemer explained that the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance had not issued its 1782 Notice, but the council would have 10 days to make adjustments to the budget once the notice is issued.

Thallemer reported the state gave the city of Warsaw a 2.7 percent tax levy increase. Some  cuts will  be made before the start of 2015. “We’re very close to the amount the state gave us,” reported Thallemer.

Several ideas for possible budget cuts were examined. These included wage increases and non-profit organizations. Four council members were in favor of the idea to limit the amount given to each non-profit at $25,000. Councilman Mike Klondaris vocalized his support, stating, “I think that’s a good idea because there are a lot of them.” Councilman Charles Smith was one of those standing in opposition of the idea, pointing to organizations that require more than the cap would permit  do immeasurable amounts of good for the community.

Councilwoman Elaine Call suggested using the money that has been going towards the bike path to help with costs such as fixing roads, thus keeping cuts from occurring elsewhere. Thallemer explained that it was funded using strictly tax money from cigarette sales, and that recreational amenities like the bike path are important in keeping the community attractive to businesses and citizens. Also discussed was taking the previously proposed wage increase for many of the city’s workers down from 3 percent to 2 percent. The motion to adopt the ordinance pending some additional cuts passed with a vote of 6-1.

The council also adopted salary ordinances for city employees and elected officials. A big point of discussion was the Warsaw Police Department’s desire to begin hiring more officers with prior expierience and training. It was explained that bringing on a brand new individual to the force requires six months to a year of training before they can be of any use to the community, while also costing a good deal of money. It was explained how in the long run it would both save money while also having more officers out in the community at a given time. The motion was passed by a vote of 5-2.