Fillmore to start cracking down on abandoned vehicles

FILLMORE -- Directed by the town council to do so at a recent meeting, the Fillmore Police Department has been taking care of abandoned vehicles in town.

Marshal Darrel Bunten reported during the Thursday council meeting that 11 people have been cited in the last month for abandoned and immobile vehicles.

The marshal added that most of these have since been cleaned up or moved.

Bunten went on to ask about a new hire that was discussed during the May and June meetings.

The money is available to hire the part-time deputy marshal and the council has been generally positive in the discussions. However, Clerk-Treasurer Tom Gilson had some questions about additional costs such as a car and a weapon for the new officer.

Bunten said no new car will be needed and there are extra weapons.

The marshal added that he wants the new hire to work about 15 hours a week, about the same as he and Deputy Marshal Nick Eastham work, primarily from 5-11 p.m.

The matter was tabled for further discussion.

Utility Manager Joe Cash reported that recent problems with the town's pump house are nearly repaired. All has been repaired except for one part that has yet to arrive.

Cash also reported that a number of holes have been patched in streets.

Council president Curt Leonard also reported settling a recent utility rate issue regarding unoccupied houses not hooked up to the town's water or wastewater system.

Such buildings had previously had to pay the town's flat-rate fee of $82.90.

After some discussion, the council agreed to cut this rate in half to $41.45 for buildings that are unhooked from the town system and not currently being used for human occupancy.

If the home becomes livable again, the rate will rise to the normal rate.