SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Town Council went over some numbers Wednesday evening, Sept. 9, during its regular meeting, in anticipation of preparing its 2016 budget.

Eric Walsh of Umbaugh & Associates briefly went over the budget, backtracking somewhat and using numbers from 2015 for comparison. In many places, he said, the numbers were positive, meaning the town spent less than it made in 2015.

Overall, Walsh said, assessed value is down, which he attributed to tax caps. He also noted that several residents appealed for and received approval for lower taxes on their properties and more homesteads were added.

As far as when the budget will be adopted, a public hearing is set for Oct. 14, followed by the meeting to adopt the budget on Oct. 27.

Pastor Gage Norem of the Silver Lake Wesleyan Church presented a proposal for a new building the church has been hoping to build since the 1980s, when it purchased a piece of land that is currently a farm field. The idea is for the building to double as a meeting location for the congregation on Sundays and for Bible studies and as a community center the rest of the time.

Norem presented several ideas for what the facility could be used for, including indoor sports, an exercise facility, nutrition classes and a place for kids to hang out. He presented a proposed plan and noted that the congregation is applying for grant funds.

Norem believes the project will cost around $300,000 and the church already has $106,000 in its building fund. He then asked for local residents to offer skilled labor, monetary pledges and additional ideas for ways to use the building.

A question came up as far as what the church will do with the old building, with concern expressed about another vacant structure like the old school building. Norem replied that it was suggested the church sell the old building for the assessed value of the property it sits on.

Fall cleanup is scheduled for Oct. 14-19. Fliers will go around detailing what residents may and may not bring to discard.

Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter reported that the Dodge Durango is again up for bidding online. A question came up as to whether the Durango can be sold outright; however, the requirement is that all interested potential buyers have a chance to place bids.

JT Prater of the street and sewer departments noted that a sidewalk was added from the basketball court to the pavilion and steps were added to the field. Landscaping around the pavilion is also done. Prater received a quote for parking lot sealing and the council approved the project.

Clerk-treasurer Tonya Conley introduced three letters from residents Jane Meeks, Don Ferverda and Homer Jennings, who all reported water leaks. The leaks have been repaired and all three qualify for adjustments, including Meeks for $114.82 on water and $10,66 on sewer; Ferverda for $81.28 on water and $6.07 on sewer; and Jennings for $85.37 on water and $2.93 on sewer.

A special meeting is set for 7 pm. Tuesday, Sept. 22, for those interested in the blight elimination process, pertaining to blighted buildings around town.

The next regular meeting of the Silver Lake Town Council is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14.