Proposed 10% sewer rate hike discussed
Holton Town Council meet in new facility
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

No increases in sewer rates since 1993, coupled with the high number of delinquent sewer bills and new Cinergy rate increases, have forced the Holton Town Council to raise the sewer rates.

At the suggestion of Attorney Larry Eaton, a 10 percent increase is being considered. An average bill for a Holton resident for sewage is $34.00. "Most towns are between $40 and $50," noted Eaton, who added that not having an increase for more than ten years was "unheard of."

Eaton also said the town council will have to be more aggressive in collecting delinquent fees. Small claims will be filed against people who have not paid. Also the idea of garnishing wages to collect bills was brought up with Eaton saying it could be done.

The proper procedure to raise the rates will begin and be advertised in the local newspaper before it appears on residents' bills.

In other business at the regular meeting of the Holton Town Council on Tuesday, August 10, Bill Vankirk met with the council reviewing the insurance policy for the town for the next year. The total insurance bill for the town was $7,247.00, which included the new building.

Town worker Steve Troxell re
ported that the last of the brush from the tornado that swept through the area on July 30, had been cleaned up.
Wilma Myers said she had sent out several thank you notes to people who had been so helpful throughout this disaster. She also had sent a Letter to the Editor to the local paper to have published. "Everyone was just great," she noted.

The resignation of Town Marshal Don Raisor was accepted on July 14. The process to interview for the position will begin.

President Robert Furst noted that the open house for the new community center was a success and the punch list was done for the structure with the exception of two items. They are also checking on getting phones installed at the facility, as well as putting up flags.
Attending the meeting were Robert Furst, Wilma Myers, Rick Holman, Velma Stickelman, Wilbur Myers, Steve Troxell, Attorney Larry Eaton and Bill Vankirk. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for September 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Building on Versailles Street.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

The Holton Town Council met in regular session Tuesday evening, August 10, for the first time in the new community building on Versailles Street. Members were busy signing claims. Pictured from left are : Wilma Myers, and Rick Holman, members; Robert Furst, president; Velma Stickelman, Clerk-Treasurer; and standing in the back Wilbur Myers, park caretaker, and town worker Steve Troxell.