Pictured, from left, are Claypool Town Council Members Gene Warner and Liz Heiman. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

CLAYPOOL — Claypool Council heard an update about potential funding for the town’s wastewater treatment plant project during a July 18 council meeting.

Ben Adams, project manager at Commonwealth Engineers Inc., attended the meeting to discuss the State Revolving Fund Loan Program. SRF provides low-interest loans to Indiana communities for projects that improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.

After submitting a fund application for the town’s project, Adams said Commonwealth received a memo at the end of June from SRF, which stated Claypool’s plant project ranked 41st out of 300 applications they received.

“Last year, SRF closed on 65 loans,” said Adams. “They had more than $700 million in project dollars. Based on the applications received (this year, SRF) has over 300 projects asking for over $3 billion in funding. Everyone is looking for this money.”

Adams said SRF representatives will be asking communities at the top of their list how prepared they are to move forward with their respective projects. He also noted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is tracking which communities already have outstanding loans with SRF, which would increase the chances of lower-ranked borrowers who are new to the program receiving a loan.

He expressed optimism in Claypool receiving funding from SRF, estimating up to 25% of the applicants won’t be prepared to move forward. Adams asked the council to sincerely consider discussing design permitting for the project at the council’s August meeting so the project can move forward in a timely manner.

“In my mind, you’ll likely be funded,” said Adams.

Adams also provided a brief update on the town’s retention pond project. He said Commonwealth is ready to move forward, with a survey being completed on the area. The topic was tabled for the council’s August meeting.

In other business, a public hearing was held introducing an ordinance for a 38% sewer rate increase in town. The rate has not increased since 1999. A 38% increase for a wastewater minimum at a single-family residential unit per month would be $73.32.

The council also received a letter from the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission about William Conley, who is planning to operate a lawn care business at 206 W. Section St. Clerk-Treasurer Pat Warner said the APC is wanting input from the council on the permit Conley is seeking for a home business.

The council wants further details from both the APC and Conley before approving the operation.

Claypool Council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15.