Wanda English Burnett - Editor

At the regular meeting of the Holton Town Council, an ordinance concerning town elections was read. A substantial savings will be realized by holding the town’s elections at the same time as the Primary, according to Robert Furst, president of the town council. The ordinance further noted that the next election will be in 2007-2008 and will be for one year only. Thereafter terms would be for four years as the Primary and General elections. The motion to adopt the ordinance passed unanimously.

Also included in the ordinance is that the town council members will be running at large. There will no longer be specific wards, but anyone within the town of Holton could run for any seat.

In other business:
• Clerk-Treasurer Ronald Rayburn requested the council approve the transfer of $6,000 from Riverboat to other accounts to balance the books. This met with unanimous approval. Robert Furst noted that the biggest deficit this year was due to the rising fuel costs.
• Council member Wilma Myers reported under old business that she had not been successful in finding blankets to be kept in the building since it is designated as a storm shelter. She will keep looking. She also noted that the Jingle Bell Jubilee was a great success and the community truly enjoyed the concert given by the Tri-County Harmonizers and others.
• Robert Furst reported that the cinder spreader was ready as was the lawn equipment with the exception of a purchase of a mower.
• The Holton Hometowners group was thanked for the donation of half the cost of a lighted sign that has been placed in front of the community building. The total cost was $360.00.
• Sewer Operator Peggy Furst noted that there would be a sewer training at the community building on January 16. This is sponsored by Water Alliance of Indiana.
• Wilma Myers thanked the council members and everyone for their hard work this past year. She also noted that the citizens of Holton have made the town look great with all their Christmas lights. Furst agreed.
• Marshal Billey Moore gave his report. There were 26 written and verbal warnings, 17 citations issued, 2 arrests, 1 warrant served, 1 court appearance, 2 cases taken and 2 assists to other departments for the month of November.

A statement was signed by council members for Debbie Shaffer that will be sent to the Planning Commission. It stated that the town of Holton will furnish sewer hook-up. But before the sewer hook up is turned on, the fees have to be paid. Robert Furst explained that when the sewer system was initially installed, several grinder pumps were purchased with grant money. People who signed on to the system then got a pump for free. Those pumps are all gone and now when people sign on they have to pay for a pump.

Attending the December 12 meeting were: Ronald Rayburn, clerk-treasurer; Robert Furst, president; Ronald Palmer, council member; Wilma Myers, council member; Peggy Furst, deputy clerk-treasurer and sewer operator; Billey Moore, marshal and town employee; Jim Adkins, town employee; Wilbur Myers, park caretaker and four citizens. The next regular meeting of the Holton Town Council will be held January 9 at 8:00 a.m. in the community building on Versailles Street.