Published: December 02, 2008 10:52 am         

Council hears report on tax caps

By DENISE FEDEROW

Correspondent



NAPPANEE — City financial issues consumed most of the agenda at the Nappanee City Council meeting Monday night.

Council members approved additional appropriations for two funds. The aviation rotary fund will receive a transfer of $18,000 for gasoline and $700 will be transferred to the Camp Explore Day Camp fund for staffing.

Clerk-Treasurer Kim Ingle told the council she would have a transfer ordinance prepared for the next meeting to clean up accounts at the last council meeting of the year. She also said she would begin meeting with department heads next week to help them meet end of year needs.

In a related matter, Ingle reported that she attended a meeting last week in Elkhart regarding the property tax caps and the impact that will have on the taxing units.

“It’s a little scary...we’re going to lose more than we thought,” she said. “But it will be manageable because it has to be.”

Mayor Larry Thompson agreed.

“We’re going to make it work. We’re going to be positive and somehow it will work,” he said.

Departmental reports

Emergency Medical Services Director Jim Sumpter Jr. said the department’s new ambulance was put into service last week. Council member Todd Nunemaker asked if the ambulance had any new upgrades. Sumpter said the ambulance actually had some items taken off, particularly concerning lighting.

“We went with the LED lights, which are tremendously brighter,” Sumpter said.

Sumpter said the new ambulance is otherwise just like the current ones, with the same colors, chassis and compartments, which will help the staff know where everything is. Sumpter’s written report recorded 58 calls for November and 585 year-to-date calls.

The fire department responded to six calls in November. The Street department performed maintenance on sewer lines on Reed Street, John Street and Nappanee Street and continues to pick up leaves despite the snow.

Zoning Administrator Don Lehman reported that renewals for rental properties are in the mail. The November monthly report showed 880 units registered and 82 rental inspections were completed.

The Elder Haus senior center had 319 visits in November with 474 taxi calls and 363 Real Services meals served.