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Instead of holding a special meeting for the 2007 budget, the New Harmony Town Council discussed the proposed 2007 budget with line-by-line recommendations at Thursday’s meeting.
Also discussed at the meeting was the proper location of building or construction permits.
Resident Juanita Hyatt was concerned about the visibility of a permit at the home of her neighbor Roger Wade.
The town’s ordinance doesn’t specify where the permit must be placed, only that it be visible.
It was agreed that permits should be displayed in the front of a house or building so it may be seen from the street.
Another resident, Ken Krozel, spoke about building permits and how the wording was unclear in the town’s ordinance.
Krozel said it wasn’t clear when residents needed building permits and when they didn’t need them.
Krozel said he was supportive of building codes, inspections and permits, but he didn’t think the elective board should establish a series of regulations.
He said it needs to explain the difference between “repair” and “remodel.”
“The ordinance is the most confusing piece of paper,” said councilman Don Gibbs.
“We can revise it,” added council president David Campbell.
It was announced that the deadline for applications for an appointment to the Charles Ford Memorial Home Board of Trustees was September 15.
President Campbell announced that a Windmill Committee composed of Martha Raske, Ron Eimer, Ben Nicholson, Nathan Maudlin and Mick McConnell had been established to look into the possibility of constructing wind turbines to lower energy costs.
Bids were opened for street resurfacing. Low bidder was O’Daniels Trucking with a bid of $75 per ton, while David Enterprises bid $78 per ton and Rudolph’s bid was $78.50 per ton. The low bidder was selected for 396 ton for a total of $29,700.
Festival applications were approved for Kunstfest and Golden Raintree Car Show.
The budget recommendations included raising a few items and lowering others, but the budget should be similar to this year’s totals.
A three percent raise was approved for employees. There will be no increase in salaries of council members.
A public hearing on the budget will be held at a special meeting on September 8 and the budget will be adopted at the regular September meeting at 7 p.m. on the 21st.