Members of the North Webster Town Council conduct business during their Tuesday, Dec. 16 meeting at the North Webster Community Center. From left are LeighAnne Jessop, Dan Thystrup and Lisa Strombeck. Photos by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Town Council approved a farmland lease renewal, police vehicle purchase and final American Rescue Plan Act premium pay allocations during its Tuesday, Dec. 16 meeting at the North Webster Community Center.

The council approved a three-year lease renewal with Matt Roberts of J & M Roberts Farms for land owned by the town. The organization, which has farmed the property for around 12 years, proposed increasing the rent from $200 to $250 per acre, citing consistently strong yields and long-term soil improvement from leaf composting and sludge application.

Matt Roberts addresses the North Webster Town Council during its Tuesday, Dec. 16 meeting while requesting renewal of a lease for town-owned farmland.

“You’re doing a good job, that’s all I hear,” said board member Dan Thystrup.

The lease will run from 2026 through 2028.

Council members also approved the purchase of a new police vehicle after reviewing two quotes, selecting the lower bid. The vehicle will be ordered with delivery expected in early spring, according to town marshal Greg Church.

Final ARPA premium pay distributions were approved for non-elected and non-appointed town employees, including police officers and clerk’s office staff. Each eligible employee will receive $1,176.66, marking the last of the town’s premium pay funds from the federal program. The council also approved a 2026 interlocal agreement for terminal services data used by the police department and authorized a previously budgeted payment to the North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce to support downtown beautification efforts.

During updates, officials reviewed that North Webster received a Community Crossings Grant totaling $269,052 to fund spring street paving. Bids are expected to be opened in January.

Planning also continues for town park improvements, including formation of a committee and a public input meeting anticipated in February. The next regular town council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main Street, North Webster.