Compiled by Sophie Pappas
On the eve of Election Day, the Zionsville Town Council hosted its monthly meeting at town hall.
What happened: The council approved the two proposed 2015 budgets, in a vote of 5-to-1, with councilman Tim Haak not present and councilwoman Candace Ulmer voting ‘no.’
What it means: As requested by the Dept. of Local Government Finance, the town must submit a budget for the reorganization with Perry Township if it is passed and a budget for it if it is not passed.
What’s next: No further action is required from the council, however councilwoman Susana Suarez said to ease Ulmer’s concerns with the budget, the budget review committee should meet earlier next year to evaluate possible funding disputes, such as in the case of this year’s increase of funds for the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce.
What happened: The council approved a resolution for additional appropriation of funds totaling in $5,007.69 for the Police Operating Fund.
What it means: This comes as a result of a state audit.
What’s next: No further action is required, however these funds are available for appropriation via a September balance in the POF of $1,218,229.38.
What happened: The council approved an increase in the wastewater utility budget in the amount of $126,900. This is a 5.38 percent increase.
What it means: The wastewater utility department is a contracted, separate entity that the town pays yearly for maintaining wastewater services. According to town manager Ed Mitro, there are “pretty sizable increases in the projects needing to get done.”
What’s next: While there is an increase in the town’s contracted wastewater utility budget, council president Jeff Papa emphasized there is no need for any wastewater utility rate increases, which would request more money from the taxpayers. Suarez said the balanced budget for wastewater utility is “very impressive.”
