Roachdale Town Council discusses gas price reduction

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Roachdale Town Council members Jack Jones, Bill Long and Barbara Scott discussed a reduction in gas prices, the upcoming 2010 census and the Indiana Street project at their Tuesday evening meeting.

"The GCA factor determines gas prices," explained Town Clerk Martha Louk. "We expect a 14 percent decrease for the months of March, April and May."

"Bills were high over the last few months partly because usage was up. This will be a nice change," added Louk.

Town Board President Bill Long discussed the importance of all residents filling out the 2010 Census information they will receive soon.

"We really want to stress the importance of this. Filling out the forms means more money will come to the town. Grants are also judged by population," said Long.

The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Participation in the census is required by law and the personal information shared in the census is protected by Federal law.

Census data is used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.

Long also mentioned that some part-time jobs may be available from the Census Bureau. They may not be in the Roachdale area. He provided information on applying for the jobs by going to the Web site 2010.census.gov and look under the "jobs" tab. Information is also available by calling 812-334-9773.

Jones talked about the Indiana Street project, which should begin in mid-April. It is slated to be completed by Sept. 25.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) awarded the Roachdale Town Council $676,000 in Local Public Agency (LPA) Group IV funds last August. It will be used in road construction of Indiana Street from Railroad Street to S.R. 236.

The LPA award will be used in road construction includes full depth asphalt pavement replacement, new sidewalks, plus curbs, gutters and a new storm sewer system.

The town has agreed to pay for 20 percent of the total project cost.

Part of the project is supposed to include replacing storm sewers that will help solve an ongoing flooding problem experienced by some residents.

Town Employee Greg Poole told the council that the fire hydrants will be flushed on March 18 during the day.

"You won't want to do your laundry that day because rust could be in the lines," said Poole. "Some areas could see some change in water pressure. Mainly the west-end."

The Roachdale Town Council meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at town hall.

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