Town forced to cut funds

RUSSELLVILLE -- The town of Russellville has to tighten its financial belt since the Department of Local Government Finance is requiring a large cut in the 2010 budget. Town council members voted to accept a resolution making reductions in appropriations as ordered by DLGF.

A breakdown of those cuts is as follows:

* General fund -- Supplies will be reduced by $3,300; other services and charges will be reduced by $24,223; and capital outlays will be reduced by $10,050 for a total reduction of $37,573

* Motor vehicle fund -- Supplies will be reduced by $500; other services and charges will be reduced by $20,096 for a total reduction of $20,596

* LR&S fund -- a reduction of $3,500 in other services and charges

* CCI fund -- a reduction of $6,738 in other services and charges

* EDIT fund -- a reduction of $43 in capital outlays

"We don't have a choice," said president Don Reddish about the cuts during Wednesday town council's meeting. "It has to be done."

Clerk-treasurer Sally McAfee requested all three members, Reddish, Jean Gross and Jim Rodgers, must agree on anything requiring money be spent.

"We can't spend any money," she reiterated.

One Russellville resident went before the council with a problem with stray dogs in her yard. The dogs, she noted, don't have collars and go to the bathroom in her yard.

"I have flowers and a vegetable garden," she said.

Reddish inquired whether the town could impose a fee for dog owners who don't keep the animals on their property. McAfee suggested the town contact its attorney Jim Ensely about drafting a new ordinance to enforce fees, since such matters are left up to individual municipalities.

Water superintendent Mike Varvel told council members the town has new chlorine equipment, which meets Indiana Department of Environmental Management requirements.

"IDEM should be tinkled pink," he said.

The equipment is a dual system with two tanks; one as standby should the chlorine run low before it is checked.

Varvel also presented his new contract to the council.

"My contract is up May 31," he said. "Everything is pretty much the same."

He did add 50 cents per day in the new contract, which runs from June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011. The council unanimously voted to accept his contract. Reddish gave Varvel accolades for his work in the water department.

The town had a clean-up day scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 1. Volunteers are still needed. Anyone wishing to volunteer can either show up at the community center around 9 a.m. or call Rhonda McBride at 765-435-2441.