Warsaw Common Council Reviews Budgets, Discusses Annexations
WARSAW — Besides hearing the non-profits requests, the Warsaw Common Council reviewed budgets and discussed more annexations during the meeting held last night, Aug. 6.
Jeff Beeler, superintendent of public works, presented three budgets for the street department, motor vehicle highway fund and local road and streets.
The street department budget for 2019 is up 6.78 percent. Beeler credited the increase due to adding two new employees, increased landfill fees due to added homes and purchasing two new plow trucks.
Both the motor vehicle highway fund and local road and streets are also up for 2019. The budget increases are due to more money coming in through the wheel and gas taxes. With more money coming in, more projects are being completed.
The board addressed three different annexations during the meeting. Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer explained the increase in annexations is due to the upcoming census. Annexations need to be completed by the end of the year.
A fiscal plan was presented for the Michell and Messmore Annexation. This area is north of the Bella Gusta addition and could be used for future residential development if annexed. Currently, the area is farmland and would add very little cost or services from the city. The council approved the fiscal plan.
A public hearing was then held on the ordinance. While no public comments were made, City Planner Jeremy Skinner explained the area will be zoned residential and would take place Sept. 19, if approved. Moving forward, the ordinance will be advertised and then the council will consider the annexation.
The council approved the Tru Hotel by Hilton annexation. This annexation has already been through the public hearing and advertisement steps.
A petition was presented to the council for annexation along CR 305N, made by Candler and Erin Williams. This property is near the airport and is currently farmland. If annexed, the area would be used for future residential development. The next step is for the fiscal plan to be presented.