Bainbridge to receive $160,000 in COVID-19 grant money

Bainbridge will be receiving $160,000 over two years, said Brandy Ault, deputy clerk treasurer, at Thursday’s meeting of the town council.

The Federal COVID-19 Phase III grant will be split into two parts, one half received this year and one half in 2022. Ault said she learned of the plan at a recent meeting with state officials but there is no indication when the first $80,000 payment will be received or how it will be used.

The Independence Day celebration in Bainbridge will be on June 26.

On Thursday, the town council voted 2-0 to donate $3,745 for fireworks. The $245 was due to a 7 percent tax on the fireworks.

The Town Council also voted 2-0 to make a two-year total donation of $1,500 to the county Humane Shelter.

Other items were discussed but not voted upon:

• Ault said the Utility Board voted to hire a third utility employee.

• Town Marshal Ronnie Campbell was instructed to pursue the idea of hiring a second full time officer.

• Ault received a $2 per hour raise by the Town Council to match the raise given by the Utility Board. Her time is split between business for the two groups.

• New water meters may be purchased to replace meters that are not accurately measuring water usage. Eric Gibson, utility superintendent and street commissioner, said the town can purchase 200 new meters at $165 each. The COVID-19 Phase III grant can be used to pay for the replacement meters.

Town Councilmen Jeff Kiger, president, and Brent Foltz were present. Robert Hensley participated in the meeting via speaker phone but was not allowed to vote.

Attorney Jim Ensley said that due to COVID-19 the Indiana General Assembly has made it possible for local governments to allow absent members to vote by telephone in some circumstances.

Hensley was on the last day of being quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID-19.

The town council meets on Thursday after the second Wednesday. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., June 10, in the Bainbridge Community Center.