Camden formally endorses SR 75 extension
Susan Scholl Editor

The Camden Town Council approved Resolution 2008-A voicing the town's support of the SR 75 extension project at its February meeting.

Council president Pete Wagoner said the resolution has been sent to the Indiana Department of Transportation and others involved with the Hoosier Heartland Highway. He said the town's support is contingent on economic site development around the intersection of that road with the HHH.

"We do not want more truck traffic," said Wagoner.

Camden will have a voice on the Hoosier Heartland Highway Coalition with Wagoner being recently appointed to that board.

Carroll County Economic Development Director Daryl Smith commended Camden for its support of a SR 75 extension project. He said it added significance to the proposal that Camden has offered water and sewage to the area.

The Hoosier Heartland Coalition is supporting the project, said Smith. And support is being sought from Congressman Joe Donnelly.

Smith was present to briefly explain the Strategic Directions marketing study which the Town of Camden helped support.

The purpose of the study, he explained, is to jump start the county economically.

The study was prepared by Dick Heupel, who is with the Center for Economic and Community Development at Ball State University, Muncie, and Bob St. Claire, president of the St. Claire Group, an Indianapolis consulting firm.

They identified three imperatives which they believe Carroll County must act on if it is to get ahead: 1) Build on the county's leadership in agriculture, tackle controversy and build alliances; 2) have shovel ready building sites available; and 3) raise money to develop a real estate plan, suggesting that the county's Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) be raised from .1% to .25%, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.

The EDIT has been around for 10 to 12 years, raising approximately $300,000 a year for economic development, said Smith. Of that total, the county receives about 60% with the rest going to the incorporated city and towns.

Smith said that they are not requesting that the tax be raised without putting together 10 to 15 projects that could benefit from the funds.

If the EDIT increase is approved, it will go into effect in 2009, he added.

"We're at a crossroads in this county," said Smith. "We're being left behind very quickly."

Carroll County has the same amount of residents today that it had in 1890, around 20,000, said Smith. "We need a broader tax base."

Smith specifically requested that the town support the increase in the EDIT.

Wagoner replied that the town's support will be dependent on how those extra dollars will be spent. Unless they are dedicated to economic development projects, the town will not be in favor of the increase.

"The days of us being a bedroom community are over," said Wagoner. "If Carroll County doesn't create jobs, we're going to wither. EDIT has to be used on meaningful projects to create jobs."

Other business

Mr. and Mrs. Mario Sacco complained about safety issues with a vacant house located next to their property. They said insulation and singles are blowing in their yard, not to mention unwanted animals frequenting the property.

The Saccos were assured that the town will do what it can to help them. Wagoner said they will initiate the steps provided for in the town's nuisance ordinance to get the property cleaned up.

The town is starting to see an increasing number of complaints regarding stray dogs and cats.

"We're starting to see the effects of the county pulling the plug on animal control," said Wagoner. "The program was de-activated the end of the year."

He went on the say that there is not much the town can do about the problem without financial resources.

Wagoner announced that the future of the Camden Fall Festival depends on one or more people in the community stepping forward to lead the organizing of the festival. This is not a town-sponsored event, he said, but the town supports it.

Funds are available through the Indiana Housing Grant to rehabilitate more houses. According to Star Development, the grant administrator, to qualify for grant specifications, contractors must be certified to handle lead-based paint. Star Development will provide training.

The council approved adding terrorism coverage to its Indiana Worker's Compensation Insurance for a cost of $9 per year.

A follow-up meeting for the emergency shelter was held with the Red Cross and the community volunteers.

The town is working to put up "No Engine Braking" and welcome signs.

Public hearing

A public hearing was held for the town's wastewater project re-application to the Office of Rural Affairs. The town's lift station is over 30 years old and needs to be replaced.

The grant has been re-written, plus new pictures have been taken with attention to detail. The formal application will be submitted by March 14 and winners will be announced in May.

The grant application will be enhanced with letters of support from town residents. Those interested in helping are asked to contact clerk-treasurer Pat Casserly.

The next council meeting will be March 13 at 7 p.m.