County considers new town

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

A group of VanBibber Lake Estates residents wanting to have their neighborhood incorporated into a town have been given 90 days more to organize their efforts.

Appearing before the Putnam County Commissioners Monday, the group presented a plan that shows the boundary of the VanBibber Lake Conservancy District as the boundaries of the new town, named Walnut Glen.

Attorney David Peebles, representing those trying to incorporate the town, told commissioners Kristina Warren, Gene Beck and Dennis O'Hair he was continuing the effort presented in February, but rejected due to residents objections.

Peebles said the boundaries for the town no longer take in surrounding farmland as possible expansion area for the town. It also does not take in neighboring Glenn Flint Lake or the Walnut Creek Conservancy District.

Resident Marie Kalen said she feels incorporating the residential area will allow for improved street and utility maintenance due to the collection of property taxes as a town. Resident Bill Jennings agreed that the dues collected by the property owners association are not enough to maintain the area as needed.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone," Jennings said.

While no one opposed the town plans, as occurred in February, at least one resident attending Monday's meeting noted there are people living at VanBibber Lake who are against the town concept.

Kalen said all residents of the area were notified of Monday's appearance before the commissioners.

Peebles requested that if the commissioners had any additional concerns about incorporating the town, the issues should be continued to a later meeting, rather than having the effort voted down. The commissioners agreed to allow the group to keep adjusting their plans, including contacting the state's Department of Local Government Finance to come up with a more accurate tax rate estimate.

Peebles was also directed to have a draft ordinance prepared for commissioner review.

The commissioners voted to table the matter for 90 days.

In other business, the commissioners:

-- Heard that some leaky pipes have been causing problems on the second floor of the courthouse.

The commissioners regularly meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. in the courthouse annex. The meetings are open to the public.

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