Flora Town Council will hold a work session to discuss specifications in the 2009 trash contract and to get public input on what type of program the community might want in anticipation of charging for trash pickup in 2010.

Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman said at Monday night's council meeting that the current contract with Clinton County Disposal is costing the town $98,000 plus. With the considerable increase this year in the cost of fuel, she anticipates a significant increase in the cost of the service.

"We should have enough in our 2009 budget to cover the increase," said Tinsman, "but with the one percent cap on property taxes there may not be enough money coming in to pay for all the services the town provides in the future."

Because there has been some discrepancies in what is and is not picked up, Tinsman said the council needs to set clearer expectations before advertising for trash pickup bids for 2009.

Pay options include a pay as you throw program or charging utilities customers a set charge on their monthly bill. Supplying trash totes for each residence is also being considered.

The work session will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Fireside Building.

County Chamber

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Director Sana Booker gave an update on new Chamber sponsored programs and events.

She said this week's golf outing fundraiser has attracted 70 participants and will be held at Angel Hill Golf Course, Rossville. Angel Hill was selected for the outing because it is a Chamber member. Planning for the event began last February/March.

The Business-to-Business luncheons have been renamed Informational Series Luncheons. Upcoming topics for the monthly gatherings will include billboard marketing, diversity training and conflict resolution.

Because a Women's Celebration Luncheon was held in April, Booker said plans are underway to celebrate men with a similar event in November.

Booker explained the Chamber's Business Partnership Program and said there are currently 10 members.

"These are businesses that want to move their business to the next level of marketing," she explained.

Brenneco Fire Protection, a Business Partnership member from Flora, recently sponsored the Chamber's Legislative Dinner. Legislators who make decisions about Carroll County were invited and attendees had the opportunity to ask them questions. U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly, State Senator Brandt Hershman and State Representative Rich McCain attended.

"Interest is growing," said Booker. "Attendance was up from last year."

Other business

Sgt. James Bishop presented the police department's report for August which included 7 arrests/misdemeanors, 3 felonies, 30 citations, 73 warnings, 113 calls for service, 5 accidents and one warrant.

The Plan Commission approved two building permits in August: Nancy Fowler for a fence and Curt Hufty for an addition.

Council President Josh Ayres said the council has agreed to provide a natural screen for the residents to the west and north of the site for the new communication tower on East Elizabeth Street town property.

For the first time in four quarters, Indiana Municipal Power Agency's energy cost adjustment to its members is going down. The decrease will amount to $4.51 for every 1,000 kilowatt hours consumed during the last three months of the year.

Roadwork on Monroe Street has been completed at a cost of $4,700.

Final adoption for the 2009 budget was held. The Cum Sewer Ordinance 2008-4 was passed.

Utilities Superintendent Chuck Everett will attend the Indiana Municipal Electric Association Fall Conference Oct. 7-9 in Indianapolis.

Moonlight Madness will be held in downtown Flora on Oct. 4.

The next regular council meeting will be Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.