City taking steps to prepare for coming of interstate

By Andrea McCann Washington Times-Herald

WASHINGTON — The Washington City Council decided Monday night to move forward with paperwork for a bond issue that would fund necessary infrastructure work ahead of I-69’s arrival. Once the paperwork is complete, it will allow them to evaluate the details. Ron Arnold, Daviess County Economic Development Corporation executive director, presented the bond issue option to the council. He explained that it would be paid with Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds at a rate of $70,000 a year for a 15-year period. The Daviess County Economic Development Foundation would do the bond issue, according to Mayor Larry Haag, and make $1 million available to the city for creating the infrastructure, such as water and wastewater conduit, needed under I-69 prior to its construction when such development would be less expensive. Originally, it was thought the county had eight to 12 years before the interstate would arrive, but the timetable has been moved up, and it’s now expected to be here in 2012. “I’m sure by now everyone is aware of I-69 coming through and the furious pace it’s coming,” Haag said. “The city has to have the proper infrastructure. We’ve looked at many creative ways to fund the infrastructure under I-69.” He pointed out that there will be “a nice stream of traffic” coming by Washington when the interstate is complete that will bring in revenue, and a lease bond with the county offers an opportunity to use interest-free funds to jump start the city’s growth to accommodate that. “It will stimulate growth,” he said. “Without it, we’re stymied. We need to show we mean business and want business.” Arnold said infrastructure development also will build assessed value, which will then increase EDIT funds, because it’s based on assessed value. In other business Fire Department Dwayne Murphy with the Washington Fire Department addressed the council to request another firefighter to get the staff back up to the normal 16-plus-chief. He explained that if the personnel level remains at the current 15, plus the chief, the department’s Insurance Services Office rating could drop, resulting in higher insurance premiums for businesses and eventually residences. He also pointed out that with I-69 coming through and potential growth, public protection will have to be expanded, as well. Murphy also asked for an extra personal day for firefighters, who get only one personal day per year compared to three for city employees. In light of tough economic times, the firefighters are not asking for a pay increase this year. Council members said they’d take the requests under advisement. Electric Department Dustin Smith with the Electric Department requested a 6-percent wage increase for all city employees, one vacation day for every year after 25 years of service to the city, two additional personal days per year for each employee, and the ability to build up to 80 hours maximum in compensation time. Haag told Smith that the Board of Public Works sets the salaries and compensation for the Electric Department, but that the department’s hard work and resourcefulness in conserving funds has not gone unnoticed. He said the requests would be taken under consideration. An ordinance was approved repealing the peak management credit for customers, because the Indiana Municipal Power Association has discontinued the program. Personal Fireworks Fire Chief Dave Rhoads reported that the state has set a time frame when citizens can use fireworks. He said during the Fourth of July week, they may be used between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. On July 4, that time is extended from 9 a.m. to midnight. “Be respectful and cordial in consideration of your neighbors,” Haag added. Board of Public Works Graber Post Buildings Inc. was recommended and approved to receive the contract for the Neighborhood Stabilization Project. A “Children Playing” sign was approved for Knollwood Drive. The Daviess County Chamber of Commerce received permission to have N.E. Second Street closed at Main Street and halfway to VanTrees Street for a children’s activity area during a Wine, Cheese and Art Festival at Meredith Plaza Sept. 3. The board approved a resolution for the use of CMI software and financial forms used by the Washington Municipal Utility Department.

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