Cardington Village Council, whose members analyzed the previous year’s (2016) income and expenses for the water department, approved a 3 percent increase in the water user rates and a base rate increase of 84 cents.
During the February 6 meeting, council also determined that no modifications will be necessary for the sewer base rates or the sewer user rates for 2017.
The water and base rate increases will be effective beginning with the first regular billing cycle after February 1, 2017. The base rate is now $32 and the metered rate is $6.37 per 1000 gallons for the first 10,000 and $6.37 per 1000 gallons above 10,000.
Council also determined there will be a $50 charge to restore service if the water or sewer service is terminated.
Mayor Susie Peyton and Village Administrator Danny Wood, noted these new rates are still lower than those in 2014.
Council adopted a job description for the position of a temporary part time summer street department employee. The general function of this employee is to work under the general supervision of the village administrator or the mayor to plant and maintain the landscaping within the village. The employee will work from April 1 until October 1.
Also agreed to was a resolution recommending the village administrator enter into a contract with OHM advisors for completion of the 2017 paving project, which includes paving of North Fourth Street and West Reichelderfer Streets. The amount of the contract with OHM Advisors is $20,000.
Bidding has begun on this project The administrator and the fiscal officer were authorized to enter into a contract with FC bank for a business credit card. Deb Fry, Fiscal officer, said the card can only be signed by the village administrator and there will be no interest charged because payment would come directly from the account.
Council approved several measures related to finance, including a first reading of a permanent budget for 2017 and first reading of an ordinance to make permanent appropriation and other expenses for the village for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31. This ordinance is needed to meet the deadline set by the county auditor of March 31, 2017.
Reviewing the summary of revenue report for January 1, to January 31, 2017. she noted revenues were down compared to January 2016, by $71,058.72 and said the majority of the difference comes from less RITA income taxes received.
Council approved payment of bills totaling $93,584.41 and included the final payment on the fire engine loan in the amount of $25.450.18 and payment to Mathews Ford for a 2017 Ford F550 specialized bed design for the fire department in the amount of $41,905.00.
Fire Chief Gary Goodman, said work has begun on installing the bed design in the new truck.
Police Chief James Wallace said his department had taken 77 calls in January, three more than this same time last year. He added that he and Officer Winkler had attended training at the Springfield Township Fire Department in Ontario. He said the Morrow County Sheriff’s office and the Mount Gilead Police Department will be receiving a share of the money that was forfeited to the local department.
Fire Chief Goodman said they had received 24 calls thus far this year and that several department members were working the pop shack at a Cardington-Lincoln girls basketball game.
Addressing council on zoning issues was Linda Mermann of Boundary Street. Her complaint is being studied by council and its legal counsel. Council will meet next on Feb. 20.
