From left, are Council Member Jason Hanes and Council President Keith Claassen. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

ETNA GREEN — The Etna Green Town Council signed a one-year contract with Bourbon Public Library regarding library cards for town citizens during a meeting on Tuesday, March 10.

Until recently, Etna Township annually distributed up to 100 library cards to Etna Township residents. However, the township ended its partnership with Bourbon Public Library, citing a lack of money as the reason for not providing library cards to township residents.

The contract will allow the town to provide library cards for citizens in town limits who need one.

“When this started, it had nothing to do with it being free to certain people,” said Clerk-Treasurer Patti Cook. “It provided a service for the people in Etna Green who could not use either library. That’s what that was for.”

“It’s a good service that we can provide to the town for those who want it,” said Council President Keith Claassen. “There hasn’t been any restrictions in the past.”

Council Member Susan Klinefelter agreed to sign the contract but asked the council to re-visit it during a possible renewal next year.

In other business, Council Member Jason Hanes discussed vandalism at the park and brought up the possibility of placing security cameras at Heritage Park and the fire station.

“I talked with (Fire Chief) Randall Byrer and this past week, they sold some vehicles at the fire department and before they could be picked up, the keys were stolen out of the vehicles,” said Hanes. “I think that we can solve the problem pretty easily if we get some cameras up at the park and the fire station. Kids are doing damage at the park, adults are doing damage up there. Drug deals are happening up there. We need to do something.”

Klinefelter also mentioned that she’s been talking with Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio about the town of Etna Green becoming broadband certified.

“They would like to use Etna Green as their first project,” said Klinefelter. “It’s very attractive for people moving here and it’s very attractive to businesses if you have that certification. He said there should be little to any cost involved.”

Hanes and Claassen told Klinefelter to keep both of them informed of the discussions.

“I’d like for us to look into it and find out what the costs are,” said Claassen.

Council also voted to hold a public meeting with Byrer and Etna Township Trustee Rita Anglin present regarding the language within the Etna Township fire contract. A meeting date has yet to be determined.

The council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14.