From left, are Etna Green Council Members Susan Klinefelter and Keith Claassen. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

ETNA GREEN — Progress is being made on Etna Green establishing a residential tax increment financing district.

During a Tuesday, Oct. 11, meeting, Town Attorney Nick Jacobs provided an update on behalf of Greg Fitzloff, business development partner with Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. Jacobs said Baker Tilly completed its “1% test,” in which the advisory firm confirmed less than 1% of the homes in Etna Green were built more than one year ago.

A resolution will be discussed at the Kosciusko Redevelopment Commission’s next meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10, about the TIF. The resolution will involve sending notice out to the community about the TIF’s establishment moving forward.

Jacobs said he, Fitzloff, Redevelopment Commission President Joni Truex and Redevelopment Commission Attorney Adam Turner will all meet next week to further discuss the TIF’s establishment.

An ordinance regarding unsafe buildings in town limits was also drafted by Jacobs and presented to the council.

Council Member Jason Hanes asked Jacobs to publish public notice with local media outlets as soon as possible about the ordinance being approved at the council’s November meeting.

In other business, Clerk-Treasurer Patti Cook asked the council about earmarking 10% of the town’s 2024 budget to rainy day funds for improvements at Heritage Park. Cook said that amount would be $23,479 and offered to prepare an ordinance for council’s next meeting if there was interest.

Council Member Susan Klinefelter said the town could also look into volunteers to help improve the park, with the money solely going toward materials.

With future park improvements, Cook said the town received an endowment from the Lions Club of Etna Green for making the community building look nicer. Aulbrey Jones, who lives in town, presented a plan for flowers and perennials near the building and offered to help Cook with planting. Council approved the plan.

Cook also asked about a salary ordinance for Town employees Barry Baker and Andy Cook. She said a lot of towns were going with a 7% increase for employees. Council voted to keep the increase at 3%.

Council also:

• Adopted its budget for 2023, which totals $237,129.
• Approved hydrant flushing in town taking place from Tuesday, Oct. 18, to Thursday, Oct. 20.

Council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8.