The Washington City Council had just a few items on the agenda for Monday night’s meeting. The main item on the agenda, the consideration of the city’s budget for 2024, was tabled, so the Council members considered issuing a general obligation bond to fund capital improvement projects, such as the Old Highway 50 project, a new sanitation plant, or other projects, without using the general fund or raising the city’s tax rate. Chris Janak of McKinney and Evans and Jason Semler of Baker-Tilley explained the advantages of short-term general obligation bonds in funding capital projects. Semler told the Council they could bond $2.1 million while holding the tax rate at its current level. The funds could then be used for needed city projects without taking money from the general fund. The council did not make a final decision but voted to look further into the possibility before making any decisions on the city budget.
In other business, the Council agreed to a request to allocate the city’s share of restricted funds from Indiana’s Opiate Settlement Funds to Peer Recovery Services. The funds are restricted in how they can be used, and Peer Recovery Services meets those requirements. Brian Peek told the council members they would receive regular accounting reports for the funds.
The council also set the time for trick-or-treating in the city. Mayor Rhoads gave this report.
The City Park Superintendent said he expects 40 to 50 organizations to participate in the Halloween Safe Stop at Eastside Park.
Due to the Columbus Day holiday falling on the next regular meeting date, the council’s next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10.
