Wanda English Burnett, Editor

More than 40 residents of Holton came out to see the new town board they elected in the fall. It was a completely new look as new board members Paul Hughes, Ryan Lauber, Angi Farrell and Clerk-Treasurer Krista Bartosz took over the reins of Holton government.

Attorney John Ertel oversaw the election of a board president, which was Paul Hughes. Ertel was officially named as town attorney on a $500 retainer.

Clerk-Treasurer Bartosz requested high speed Internet. The state wants reports and information sent to them online. The cost with OINC wireless is $300. The board agreed to purchase the Internet access.
Office hours for the clerk-treasurer will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Bob Furst has requested a salary for his work at the sewer department. The board will get with him and a Salary Ordinance will be brought to the next meeting.

Fees for using the community building will be a $50 deposit for the meeting room and a $35 fee. The community room will have a $75 deposit and a $50 fee. Weddings will have a $300 deposit and a $300 fee. Board member Farrell will be handling the scheduling of the community building and can be reached at 689-3349. The committee for the Holton Jamboree will meet the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the building. The fees will be waived.

A letter was received from CSX Railroad. They have scheduled the crossings at Faulkner and Downey for repair. The crossing at West Versailles Street, which is in the worst condition, was not approved for repair.

Sandra Wright, a new resident of Holton, said the flag in front of the community building is in disrepair and needs to be replaced. The flag is fairly new, but because of its proximity to the building, it hits against the bricks and tears. The board will look into what to do.

The delinquent sewer bill problem was brought up by Judy Powers. Attorney Ertel voiced several ways to go about the problem. The board will have to look at all the options and see what is best for Holton.
Ron Rayburn gave a report of the town’s finances. The general fund has $76,532.21. The sewer fund has $25,671.76. The sewer bond fund has $148,187.78. There are two CDs in the sewer fund totaling $100,000. There is one CD in the general fund for $10,000.

The next meeting of the Holton Town Board will be February 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holton Community Building.

CATHY MAY PHOTO Seated from left are: Ron Rayburn, Clerk-Treasurer Krista Bartosz, new town board members: Angi Farrell, Ryan Lauber, Paul Hughes, and new attorney, John Ertel. The board held the first public meeting of the year at the Holton Community Center before a crowd of about 40.