Camden to re-apply for CDBG grant
Comet staff report

Amy Miller of Cornerstone Grants Management said at the Dec. 11 meeting of the Camden Town Council that Camden did not score high enough to secure a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the latest round of awards announced last month. She said the town narrowly missed getting funding to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant.

Council President Pete Wagoner explained that to meet state requirements, the town has no choice but to upgrade its plant. "We'll have a modest increase in fees if we secure a grant, but without one, there will be a significant increase in fees," he said.

The town's wastewater permit runs out in 2008 and after that the town will not be in compliance with state regulations.

To fund the wastewater project, the town is seeking a CDBG grant for $500,000 and a loan of $250,000 from Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs.

Miller encouraged Camden residents to submit letters in support of the wastewater project to be included in the next grant proposal that will be submitted in the spring. Sample letters are available at the town office.

The natural gas generator has been installed and tested by Charles Wolf Company in the Community Building. The generator can also be powered with propane gas. The generator is part of Camden's plan to make the community building a community shelter.

Eight local residents are being trained by the American Red Cross to man the emergency shelter.

"We'll be ready now for an emergency that we hope never comes," said Wagoner.

It was announced that the Ralph Rohrabaugh Scholarship to attend Leadership Carroll County was awarded to Dr. Tom Anderson. He will attend the 2008 class which begins on Jan. 23.

Outgoing council members Andy Robinson, who has served since 1994, and Michelle Everett, who has served since 2004, were recognized and thanked for their contributions to the town.

The town office will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for New Year's.

Newly elected town council and clerk-treasurer will be sworn-in at 6:30 p .m. tonight at the town office.

The council will hold a yearend meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 27.

Beginning in January, the council meetings will be held the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting will be Jan. 10.