Pierceton Council Approves Chester Tax Abatement
At its June 8 meeting, the Pierceton Town Council held a public hearing regarding the tax abatement requested by Chester Inc. at last month’s meeting.
No members of the public were present to speak for or against the abatement. Following the hearing, the council approved the abatement unanimously.
Chester Inc., which is headquartered in Valparaiso, announced plans to construct a facility at Matchett Industrial Park last month. The company plans to build a 20,000 sq.-ft. facility. The new facility would add 25 new employees, expected to make a total of 3.4 million in annual wages. Additionally, the actual construction is a long-term project for NIPSCO, expected to bring 40 skilled employees to the area during construction.
Additionally, the council introduced an ordinance that would update pretreatment measures for certain facilities before sewage goes into the municipal sewage system. Town Attorney James Walmer said he still needed to iron out some details with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Walmer’s recommendation was to introduce the ordinance at the meeting. Once IDEM signed off on it, the council could bring it up for final approval. Walmer also recommended drafting a supplementary ordinance to address an emergency response plan and fines.
Town Manager Chip Hill reported that pipeline portion of the sewage project would start on Thursday. Hill says flyers and other notifications will be put up to notify residents when the work would be affecting them. He did note residents should make sure not to use appliances like washing machines when the work was being done because drains will be temporarily stopped, approximately for four hours, during the work. Flooding could occur if notices are disregarded.
Department heads had nothing to report, though Town Marshal Tim Sammons requested travel expenses for free training programs. The council said they supported the training.
The next meeting of the Pierceton Town Council will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 13.