Betsy Luce, left, addresses the North Webster Town Council during her final meeting, following nearly two decades of service, while her replacement, Leigh Anne Jessop, looks on. Jessop will be sworn into office Dec. 20. InkFreeNews photo by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — During its annual end-of-year budget workshop, the North Webster Town Council bid an unofficial farewell to Betsy Luce, the town’s longtime clerk-treasurer.

Luce won’t officially be replaced until the council’s last regular meeting of the year on Dec. 20, and she plans to be on vacation the last two weeks of the year and won’t be in attendance to see her replacement, Leigh Anne Jessop, sworn into office.

Luce, who has served as clerk-treasurer for 19 years, announced her retirement earlier this year.

Both Luce and Jessop attended the Tuesday, Nov. 29, meeting, along with council members Dan Thystrup, Lisa Strombeck and Dave Waliczek. The council approved its annual interlocal agreement with Kosciusko County for computer terminal services in the amount of $1,050. Additionally, Luce received verbal approval for the transfers from any unspent appropriated funds from 2022 to 2023.

Luce also reviewed the Community Crossing Grant funds that have already been received by the town. Strombeck agreed to continue leading that effort in 2023. It was noted that the streets to be repaired using grant money have already been selected.

Thystrup provided a review of the North Webster trail, which is currently in the planning stages. The trail eventually will connect Wawasee Middle School with the town via a walking/biking path.

The council was also informed that 2022 appropriated funds received by the town from the federal American Rescue Plan Act have been committed to three local nonprofit groups. Luce said she is still waiting to hear back from the North Webster Community Center and the Dixie Sternwheeler regarding their application for ARPA money. The council approved offering the 2023 ARPA funds to the North Webster Lions Club, North Webster American Legion and perhaps a third nonprofit group.

During the meeting, the council approved a monthly wastewater increase of $4 beginning March 2023 to fund infrastructure improvements in the system. It was noted wastewater rates have not increased for several years. A more intensive rate study will be conducted in 2023.

The council also reapproved premium pay for town employees for 2023 of $2 per hour. Additionally, town employees will receive a 3% pay increase in 2023, with the exception of Police Chief Greg Church, whose salary is already topped out according to the town’s current pay scale.

Town employee health insurance rates and HSA funding also were discussed. Luce said the town has been looking into changing providers. She noted that while benefits will be the same, the costs for coverage will decrease. The council agreed to reappropriate its savings to help lower the costs for family health insurance coverage for employees.

In a final gesture, the council approved giving Luce the laptop computer she has been using. It was noted that the computer will no longer have access to the town’s server after Luce’s separation of employment.