The Silver Lake Town Council at their Wednesday, April 10 meeting. From left are town attorney Austin Rovenstine, council member Jean Weller, council member Nichole Taylor and council president Medard Murfin. InkFreeNews photo by Patrick Webb.

By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Town Council voted to approve moving forward with increasing sewer and water rates.

At the Silver Lake Town Council’s Wednesday, April 10 meeting, the council discussed a list of needed capital improvements for the water and sewage facilities.

According to the town council, sewage rates will have to be increased 50%, and water 25% to cover the costs, based on a Baker Tilly report at the last meeting. According to the report and proposed capital plan, rates will need to be raised from the average of $87 a month to cover operating costs.

Silver Lake Water, Street and Sewer Superintendent Joey McNeal stated the requested items, including a new truck, pumps and telescopic handler, will be needs within five years. McNeal said one system still in use from the 1990’s was operating on “borrowed time.”

The council discussed concerns over the impact of raising rates on community members with lower incomes.

“You’ve got people who are on limited income, you’ve got people who work their tail off for minimum wage,” said Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley. Conley said the rate increases were based on the five year capital plan and if the rates were to be changed, items would have to be removed.

“I’ve been looking over the budgets,” said Council President Medard Murfin, “(and) if we don’t do something here, we’re going to be in trouble in a few years.”

The council approved to move forward with the capital plan, Murfin and Council Member Nichole Taylor voted in approval. Council Member Jean Weller abstained.

Conley stated that the council will have to hold an open executive session before rate increases are finalized. If approved, the capital plan would extend for five years.

The council also heard an update from Silver Lake Fire Chief John Conley, who reported the department had gone on six runs; a barn fire, grass fire, vehicle accident, two medical assists and a gas leak.

Conley also announced the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department’s 10th annual golf outing fundraiser will be Sunday, June 30. He also shared an update on the purchase of the firetruck, which he estimates will arrive in May or June.

In other business, the council:

• Announced a $225,000 grant Community Crossing Grant Program was announced by Governor Eric Holcomb for work along East Sycamore Street.
• Announced they were awarding the city’s trash contract to Stafford’s.
• Announced the name of the new park by Indian Trail, “Rambler Island,” and approved an order for three signs for the park.
• Heard from Jack C. Birch who shared that he was visiting local councils as part of his candidacy for Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge.
• Discussed and tabled a discussion of a noise ordinance after no new noise complaints.
• Approved a $500 donation for a cat trap and neuter program.
• Heard an update from Silver Lake Town Marshal Jason McGlennen, who reported that two applicants for the part time police position had withdrawn, and that Kosciusko Cares  had offered assistance with a resident.
• Heard an update from McNeal, who reported sidewalk work had finished on Walnut Street.

The next town council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Silver Lake Town Hall.

The council also announced there will be an executive meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Silver Lake Town Hall.