Versailles Town Council sets budget hearing

Among the decisions at the Thursday, August 12, meeting of the Versailles Town Council was the choice of Thursday, August 26, at 3:00 p.m. in Town Hall for the 2005 budget hearing for the public.

The second hearing, according to Clerk/Treasurer Ted Spurlock would be at the regular council meeting on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m.

Appearing before council members Sue Meisberger, president; John Holzer, and Jim Taul, Eric Cole of Laughery Valley Co-Op suggested installing a business radio antenna on one of the town's water towers.

Council members and Town Attorney Larry Eaton noted they will check to see if the price is right before making a decision.

Concerning a fence on town property, Jim Samples said he would be glad to move the fence if town personnel would mark the area where it should be. Council members agreed to this procedure.

In other business, council members negotiated with Tom Turchiano of Rumpke for trash pickup for $5,400 less than the three-year progressive contract had called for. At a cost of $8.25 per household, the total cost per year will be $89,100.

According to the contract, there will be only one heavy trash pickup per year. This will be in the spring; however, under the negotiations, one heavy item can be set out each Thursday as long as it follows the same guidelines.

Council members appointed Jim Taul to replace George Stegner as a member of the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. Stegner passed away on August 8. He had served on the town council for 12 years before his retirement and continued to represent the town on the Planning Commission.

Reports from town officials included Water/Street Superintendent Kevin Hensley's update on the paving project. Six manholes have been repaired or replaced to take care of surface water that was getting in. The town is also draining the old lagoons and processing it through the new sewer plant.

Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Mark Salyers reported on the open house at the new facility. Approximately 20 people attended and toured.

In the absence of Town Marshal David Adams, Deputy Joe Mann reported 20 warnings issued and 20 citizens assisted during the month of July, along with 14 cases taken and 25 other police-related activities.

Fire Chief Richard Purvis reported a total of 20 runs for the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department, 10 were medical and 10 were fires.