By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

ETNA GREEN — The Etna Green Town Council unanimously passed ordinances for water and sewer rate increases during a Tuesday, June 10, meeting.

A first reading of the ordinances took place at the council’s May meeting, with a public hearing taking place prior to council’s approval. In May, council said water and sewer rate increases were necessary, as “current rates are insufficient to cover maintenance costs, repairs, upkeep, and other necessary expenses” pursuant to Indiana code.

Water’s increases will be implemented in two phases, with the first on July 1, and the second in January 2026.  Sewer will receive a one-time increase on July 1.

During the public hearing, Council Member Keith Claassen said he believed the town wouldn’t have needed to raise the rates if former employee Bryan Long hadn’t been “driven out” and a contract with Astbury Water Technology wasn’t signed.

“I warned that this is exactly what would happen with that contract signed, I could see the writing on the wall,” said Claassen.  “As long as we’re contracting out work to be done rather than having our own people do it, it’s going to cost more.”

“Yes, it’s going to cost more, that is true,” said Town Employee Richard McManis.  “But it is also going to cost more when it is not fixed properly the first time.  And, since Band-Aids have been put on machines in the past just to keep them working, now those Band-Aids are coming off, and those Band-Aids are no longer working.  The equipment needs to be replaced.  That is why the wastewater is in the hole right now.  That’s why we need to have rate increases.”

Resident Dave Price said he didn’t see anything out of line with the proposed rate increases.

New Clerk-Treasurer, New Business

In other business, Clerk-Treasurer Barbara Wagoner said the clerks’ office would have new hours of operation.  The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and will be closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. on those days.  The office will not be open on Fridays.

Wagoner said former Utilities Clerk Ashley Ashby no longer works for the town as of May 31. Patti Cook, the former clerk-treasurer, resigned on May 31.  Ann Anglin is the new utility deputy clerk, with Eileen Hall assisting the town during the transition.

Hall presented the council with three letters removing Cook and Ashby from town accounts, with the letters unanimously approved by council. Further discussions on the town’s salary ordinance were also tabled to July, as council said the ordinance had been changed after council had signed it.

Mural Update

Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe provided an update on the town’s upcoming mural project. Council approved a memorandum of understanding between the county’s tourism commission and the town of Etna Green for the payment and reimbursement of invoices.

The mural, created by former resident Justin Vining, will be placed on the town’s post office.

A celebration for the mural’s installation will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 12, with free doughnuts and coffee for those in attendance.

Roe also said she collected more information on possibly replacing the town’s tornado siren, but told council she wanted to wait for Wagoner to become more adjusted to her new position before any further discussions occur.

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