By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

MENTONE — The Mentone Town Council had its first hearing on raising the rate for its Cumulative Capital Development Fund during a March 3 meeting.

No one from the public spoke at the hearing.

Mentone property owners would see a small tax increase from the change. The town would raise the rate from 0.0383 to 0.05. That means that someone with property valued at $100,000 would see an increase of $4, said Town Clerk-Treasurer Nicki Norris.

The council plans to hold another public hearing at 6:30 p.m. before the start of its next regular meeting on Wednesday, April 7, at town hall. It also plans to vote on it at that meeting.

Internet provider contract

The council also approved letting Town Attorney Andrew Grossnickle modify or end the town’s contract with Indiana Telephone Network.

The contract allows the company to rent space on the town’s water tower to provide internet service to people in the area. Council members said at Wednesday’s meeting that they’d prefer to end the contract.

Grossnickle is to have Town Council President Jill Gross sign either a contract modification or a termination. He will talk with Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd about the water tower’s logistics before doing the modification or termination.

Town activities

The council also heard from its member Tim Croy that the Mentone Egg Festival is being planned for this year.

Organizers are planning to have a band and car show on the Friday of the festival.

Croy also said that the Mentone Chamber of Commerce has its Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 3, at Mentzer Park.

Council Member Shelly Krueger said the farmers’ market is to start up again in town on Saturday, May 8.

It’s to be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Krueger said the first one will include an antique and craft fair.

To sell at the market, people may contact Krueger at [email protected] or through the Mentone Community Farmer’s Market Facebook page. She’s also to put some forms on the bulletin board at the town office, and people may also pick up forms the day of the market.

The council also heard that the Mentone Youth League is planning its 2021 season.

The season’s start is the weekend of April 30/May 1, and the league estimates that 150 kids will play in it. It asked the town if it could have a parade on Saturday, May 1.

The council is okay with MYL holding a parade. Town Marshal Jim Eads is to work with the league organizers on the route.

To register or be a sponsor for the league, visit the Myl League Facebook page.