Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Director Sana Booker explained that a lot of "good things are happening with the Chamber" at last Thursday night's town council meeting.

She explained the Chamber's new Business Partner Program and the extra marketing and resources it provides. To date, 11 businesses are participating.

"We hope businesses will be drawn to our program by the great services that we provide," she said.

She also reported that attendance at the second annual Legislative Dinner was 150 with U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly, State Senator Brandt Hershman and Steve Representative Rich McCain speaking.

Upcoming Chamber events include a golf outing on Sept. 10, the annual meeting Oct. 23 and a men's celebration dinner in November.

Economic development

Council President Pete Wagoner stated that the county council raised the Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) from .1% to .15%.

"Our support for the increase is not because we think anyone wants to pay more taxes, but we support the tax because the county needs to focus on attracting companies that will pay sustainable wages.

"The county has not adequately funded economic development, he said. Camden is seeing people move out of town because their jobs are in other counties and the price of fuel is causing a hardship.

"The county has to get serious about creating decent jobs in Carroll County," Wagoner said.

He agreed with the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation's original priority list of projects and said he would not support changes in the rankings of those projects which include the extension of county road 75 north of Camden.

The Indiana Department of Transportation recently awarded the county a $1.2 million grant for a study of the county road 75 extension.

"This is definitely good news for Carroll County," said Wagoner, "but it does not guarantee that the project will be completed."

The Hoosier Heartland Highway, rail connection and utilities to the site will make the area north of Camden a good location for new companies.

Ken Smith is looking for possible grants to extend Camden's utilities north.

Grants

Work has begun on 13 Camden residences that qualified for improvements through an Indiana Housing Grant. This is the second year for the program in Camden and there are already seven homeowners interested in the town pursuing a third grant next year.

Smith reported on the status and timetable for the wastewater upgrade project. He said a pre-bid meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 28 in the town office. Bids will be let on Sept. 11.

Smith also asked if council members would be willing to take NIMS training as an eligibility requirement for applying for a particular grant to help fund restrooms for the community building.

'09 budget

Clerk-Treasurer Pat Casserly reported that the town's 2009 general fund budget will remain the same as this year. "We only shifted some funds to make some adjustments," she said.

Adoption of the '09 budget will be held at the September meeting.

"We are solvent, but things are tight," said Wagoner. "Property tax reform will continue to make things challenging if we are to continue to provide all the services that we do.

"It's nice to have things but it may get harder and harder to come by as time goes on," he added. Making cuts may become necessary.

Other business

Sam Zook of Perfective Web Design presented a statistical usage report for the town's website. He said the report indicates a steady growth pattern. Most popular with viewers are the home page, business listing, celebration and archives and calendar.

Council member Andy Kelly reported that there has been no progress on animal control. He said the towns are continuing to work together to come up with a solution.

A contract for trash service with Waste Management was signed. The new rates will go into effect 30 days after the Ordinance reflecting the new fees with properly advertised.

Residents were encouraged to report suspicious behavior to the marshals following numerous instances of vandalism at the park and around town.

A new rate schedule was adopted for use of the community building and a lease agreement will now be required.

Council member Richard Fite presented two estimates for replacing town entrance signs - $700 per sign from Vital Signs and $800 per sign from Signs by Jerry. The lower estimate was approved. The town's slogan, "A Great Place to Call Home" is to be included on the signs.

Fall Festival chairman Michael Gurnick reported on plans for the festival which is being expanded to two days.

The next meeting will be Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Reading Room a the Camden library.