Tammy Keirn, Pierceton Town Attorney, gives the oath of office to Janet Castle who fills the vacancy left by the resignation of Mandy Espinoza. Photos by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — Janet Castle is no stranger to the workings of the Pierceton Town Council. The former town clerk-treasurer for 30 plus years, now has a different role with the town.

Castle was sworn in Monday night as the newest town council member. She was appointed Thursday, Dec. 8, by the Kosciusko County Democrat Party, to fill the vacancy left with the resignation of Mandy Espinoza.

Espinoza, who was the council president, submitted a letter of resignation effective Dec. 9. The long-time board member stepped down due to health reasons.

Prior to Castle taking the oath of office, Matt Brubaker, acting president and Tom Barker conducted two public hearings, neither having remonstrators.

Steve Snyder, right, presents the Midwest Roll Forming & Manufaturing/OMCO tax abatement. New council member Janet Castle is shown listening on the left.

A resolution and approval was given for a tax abatement for Midwest Roll Forming and Manufacturing, doing business as OMCO. The company sought the tax abatement for 119 employees and new equipment at a cost of $5 million and 50 additional employees at $2,778,160. Steve Snyder, attorney for the company, stated the town would see benefits from this top notch operation with a significant expansion over the next five years.

The second hearing was on the sale of approximately 2.4 acres of land adjacent to Dollar General and LexLil LLC. Only one offer was received, from Samantha Staley with LexLil Rental for approximately $48,000. The offer was accepted. It was noted the purchaser would be responsible for survey and closing costs. The town would be responsible for the title insurance.

During the regular meeting, reports were heard from Town Marshal Jim Bumbaugh and town utility superintendent Casey Boggs.

Council members approved the hiring of James Hastings as a full time deputy at $21.63 an hour. Bumbaugh stated there were a number of qualified applicants, but it was felt Hastings was a better fit for the town in the long run.

Bumbaugh also reported the town was denied a $20,000 grant for body camera equipment and storage. He will be applying for another grant later this week.

During Boggs’ report he received approval to spend $4,700 with Silver Smith Data for GPS services to map out the town utility lines. The town will save money in the long run.

He also received approval to hire Pittsburg Tank and Tower Group to clean the town’s water tower without draining the tower. A dive-team will conduct the cleaning. The cost is $4,980 and will be done in 2023. There will be an extra cost if the sediment in the tower is over 3-inches. However, that is not expected.

The council, acting upon a request by Boggs for bonuses for employees, approved a $300 bonus at the end of the year. “Everybody did a great job in 2022,” he said adding “anything to help the guys.”

Annie Espinoza with the park and recreation department made several requests to the council. She noted vandalism in a portion of the ball diamonds was down due to cameras and requested additional cameras be installed in the north section. Repairs to dug outs and construct a new concession stand was also requested.

Lois Borkholder shows the banner honoring First Responders in Kosciusko County. The banner features posters made by children and includes a QR code where discounts are available for all first responders.

Brubaker stated quotes on various projects to benefit the community and parks were being generated, which these items could be included. The projects would be funded through a $200,000 K21 grant the town received in 2019.

During other business:

• A letter was received from KC Recycling.  Dumpsters will no longer be provided in town due to costs.
• Kim Rose’s term is up on the park and recreation board. Individuals interested, including Rose, were asked to submit a letter to the clerk-treasurer.
• Approved an ordinance, as suggested by the state board of accounts, on the guidelines for use of federal funds, including seeking quotes and bids.
• Approved going with Microbytes for the town’s internet at a cost of $1,438 a year for 11 people.
• Georgia Tenney provided information on a survey from the Kosciusko Parks Board and encouraged Pierceton residents to participate. She expressed a desire to have Pierceton connected to Winona Lake via a trail as the community has a lot to offer. “We can’t let Pierceton just sit here.”
• A presentation was given by Lois Borkholder on the LiveWell Kosciusko program to honor first responders. She presented a poster to be placed at first responder locations and the police department. She explained the program and the discounts available to first responders — police, fire, EMS, with a QR code listing the participating businesses.

The board set its year-end meeting for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28. An executive session will be held at 3 p.m. to review personnel performance.