Russellville on the hunt for lost grant money

Friday, April 18, 2008

Russellville is in need of a new water filtration system, but first they must account for lost grant money.

When the Russellville Community Center was being renovated, the town had a grant for $1,124. This grant went unused on the center and was put into the town's general fund. From that point, there is no record of what happened to the money.

"We have gone through all of our papers and had the bank look as well. There is no record of this money being spent," said Don Reddish, Russellville Town Council president.

Before the town can ask for any more loans or have a budget approved, the money must be accounted for or repaid. The Department of Local Government Finance oversees both of these areas.

An initial motion to repay the funds was made. Before a second could be made, a man from the crowd spoke up and began trying to remember if the board had approved the spending of those funds in hopes of saving the town the need to repay such a large amount.

The issue was tabled upon the possibility that the funds had been spent. Further investigation by the council is being performed and a special meeting may be called to discuss this topic.

"We really need to get this figured out soon because we will probably need to ask for a grant for the water filtration system," Reddish said.

In the most recent report by the water superintendent Mike Varvel, who was not present at the meeting, the town received excellent marks. The only issue was the water filtration system. It was simply reported they will need to replace the one they have. They are looking to buy a used one if one is available for purchase.

In other business:

* The Clerk/Treasurer Sally Spencer-McAfee reported that water collections have gone quite well. A total of 105 out of 140 residents paid their bills either in advance or on time.

* An audit by the Indiana Department of Revenue will be conducted. The audit is for the years 2004-2006. No date is set yet for this audit.

* The board approved to forego the $477 yearly dues to the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. "They really can't do much for a town the size of Russellville," Reddish reported.

* An ordinance was found at the request of a resident that says dogs that bark, howl or yelp after dark to the extent that it disturbs the peace is in violation of the noise ordinance. The owner will be ticketed. Also, garbage can't be burned and no burning is allowed after dark.

The Russellville Town Council meets regularly the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Russellville Town Council building. The next scheduled meeting is May 21.

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