PIERCETON — Pierceton Town Council broke the town election tie last night, Monday, Nov. 9,for the last town council seat, during its regular monthly meeting. The result — Armando “Mandy” Espinoza will retain his seat on the council.

Aaron W. Robbins, Republican challenger, and Espinoza, Democrat and incumbent, ended the town election on Nov. 3 with 53 votes apiece.

State statute dictates in the case of a tie vote in a municipal/town election, it is up to the existing town council to decide who will be the winner. Espinoza was ineligible to cast his vote. The decision was up to Ronald Hall and Jim Bumbaugh, existing board members, who did not seek re-election.

“After a deplorable turnout for the elections, this was a classic case of ‘every vote counts,’ ” said councilman Bumbaugh. “As a result, we have to decide who will come on as the third town council member next year.”

In other business:

• The council accepted a bid from Advanced Disposal, Claypool, for $9.40 per month per residence, which includes a tote per resident of every home.
• Chip Kelly, town manager, gave an update on the trails in Pierceton. They are waiting for asphalt and the last day to order bricks for the trails is Dec. 1.
• Fire Chief Tim Sammons told the council trick or treat went well despite rough weather, with the fire department handing out more than 600 treat bags.
• The town council approved a $500 bill for the maintenance of monitors in police cars.

The next Pierceton Town Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14.