When it was time to read the proposed 2009 city budget for approval on one of three readings, Delphi City Council President Carolyn Pearson said she was "not comfortable" with one item which was debated at the work session when the budget was developed. Pearson told other city council members and mayor Randy Strasser at the Monday night meeting she had concern about the need for one of the administrative assistant positions created when police dispatch funding was eliminated.

Council member Danny Sterrett said he had the same concerns and was in favor of further discussion about the matter. Council members decided to table the first reading to allow them time to further discuss the need and feasibility of the position. The council will meet in special session Aug. 18 at 5 p.m., after the board of works meeting, to address the issue.

During the public hearing for the budget one resident expressed concern about being forced to pay a user fee for garbage collection and one resident praised council members for the work needed to develop the proposed 2009 budget.

Delphi resident Max Sullivan expressed objection to a user fee for garbage collection. He said the benefit of living in the city was that the service was provided.

Calling it "the hand we've been dealt" due to state-imposed budget reductions, Strasser explained the city would bill the residents on their water bills for the collection of trash. The range for fees being considered is between $12 and $15 per month for residents currently being served by the city. He said residents should expect to pay lower property taxes that would off-set the user fees.

"If the money isn't there, you have to find it somewhere," Pearson added.

In a follow-up interview, council member Kyle Germond said plans for garbage collection services are being finalized to present to residents.

"I want residents to understand that the mayor and the city council are working toward finishing a plan for garbage collection," he said. "Residents' thoughts will be taken into consideration."

Other business

An employee salary ordinance was approved on first reading. The policy and procedure manual ordinance was tabled. An unoccupied structures ordinance was approved on second reading and an additional appropriation resolution for $43,600 for asphalt work was approved unanimously. It was noted the additional would not be deducted from the general fund.

Strasser reported he handdelivered a proposal for consolidated dispatch services to Carroll County Sheriff Tony Burns, E-911 coordinator Jay Dee Cree and each of the three county commissioners earlier that day.

Market, Franklin and Washington streets will be closed around the courthouse Aug. 30 for Carroll Car Club's car show.

Grants coordinator Jean Howell reported there were four facade grant projects approved and three more are pending.

Police chief Justin Darling reported the number of traffic summons were down from both last month and last year in June, however the number of misdemeanor arrests, warrants served, felony reports and the number of calls to assist other agencies increased. He said the new black and white squad car is on the road with lights and stripes.

Parks department superintendent Richard Farrer announced that from results of a recent survey it was clear park users wanted water activities offered. Seventy-three out of 111 respondents indicated a swimming pool was a desirable addition to the parks department and 59 said they wanted a water playground with fountains. Seventy-nine respondents said they would like for the department to offer year-round activities.

The next meeting will be Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.