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By JERRY BATTISTE
Ossian Town Council unanimously approved the purchase of a new squad car Monday.
Police Chief David Rigney said it would be best to purchase a vehicle this year rather than wait a year when prices would likely be higher.
He did not state a preference for engine style, though he noted the mileage difference between the 6-cyclinder Dodge Charger and the 8-cylinder with it’s fuel saving multi-displacement system (using just 4-cylinders to save fuel) was only a mile or two.
“I’m happy with a V-6,” he said. “But it really doesn’t matter to me which one, just that we do it this year while we have the money for it.”
Council President Dick Witte said the goal was spending the least amount of money possible.
“My goal is to conitnue to take-home vehicle program for the officers by maintaining the lowest replacement costs,” he said.
Approval was given to spend $22,860 on a new Dodge Charge V-6 for the department. Delivery is expected within 90 days and some additions will likely be made, including a light bar.
The council also approved on second reading of an ordinance that will increase the town’s water rates by an estimated 70.9 percent over a three-phase period.
The reading was passed quickly with little discussion. The council plans to gain public input on the ordinance at its Oct. 13 meeting. A third and final reading and adoption will be held following that public hearing.
In other business the council approved preliminary plans for a change in the easement at a home being built for Jim and Cheryl Roller at 1823 Brook Court.
Public notice still must be given and final plans approved before any work can begin on a proposed deck at the property which would encroach on the current easement.
Wells County has informed the council it will pay for the work needed at the Mill Street Bridge which includes pothole and delamination repair. Council member Josh Barkley said he was told the work would take approximately three to five days at a cost to the county of around $10,000. The work is expected to be completed sometime next month.
The council also agreed to review what Witte called “gray areas” in Town policy. These included who was responsible for trees growing in utility easements and who was responsible for filling potholes which exist in questionable areas between private and public roadways.
The council also accepted a safety award from the Indiana Public Employee Plan (IPEP) for having a good workman’s compensation record.
jerryb@news-banner.com
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