Carroll County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Daryl Smith proposed the 2009 contract for increased Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funding from Camden at last Thursday's town council meeting.

"We are willing to be as open as we can be on salary," Smith explained. "There is no salary increase. Programming and professional fees are bumped up for TIF because legal fees eat half our budget."

Council president Pete Wagoner asked Smith to review distribution totals on the contract.

"In terms of EDIT distribution percentages, we are paying significantly more than Delphi," Wagoner said. "I don't have any problem with what we're contributing to EDC. We will contribute our share, but if you could get confirmation I would appreciate that."

The 2009 Camden EDIT amount for $215,000 was approved.

Healthcare facility

Council efforts to keep a medical facility in Unity Healthcare's vacant building were successful, according to the council president.

Wagoner said the council and Logansport Memorial Hospital Vice President of Operations Andy VanZee reached a "verbal agreement" for occupancy of the building.

A $650 per month lease for the facility was drafted by town attorney Anne Briggs and approved by the council.

"In the meantime, we feel it is our responsibility to get the building ready and start refurbishing," Wagoner said.

An estimate of $1,500 for painting and $900 for deep cleaning of the facility was approved.

Wagoner said while a date for possession cannot be approved until personnel are acquired, the health clinic intends to begin operation Sept. 1. Wagoner said a nurse practitioner who is "said to be medically qualified and also a good fit for the community" plans to visit the facility this week.

Police decal

Rather than purchase a $300 decal for the town's police car, council members decided to apply for federal stimulus money to purchase a new car. Wagoner said town marshal Steve Mullin made the recommendation.

Ken Smith of Municipal Civil Corporation was directed to prepare the $25,000 grant request for the car.

"With only 10 percent of the stimulus money being spent, we're just trying to help the cause," Wagoner said.

Town projects

Smith is overseeing the downtown Camden revitalization project. He said the final report would be ready this month.

Smith said the wastewater upgrade project was successful and the UV pad for purification will be installed this week. The council discussed plans for more fencing to prevent trespassers from drinking and littering in the area.

Smith said the project will be completed in September.

Appropriation reduction

The council approved an appropriation reduction ordinance to reduce the Rainy Day fund due to an additional appropriation in 2008. Local roads and streets funding was also reduced in n appropriation.

"Money just keeps getting tighter and tighter," concluded Wagoner.

Other business

The community garage sale will be July 25 in lieu of the fall festival.

Wagoner said because parts of SR25 are closed and more traffic is in the area, traffic regulations enforcement will become more vigilant by local law enforcement officers.

The Lion's Club Tractor Pull will be Aug. 15.

The first hearing for the council's 2010 budget will be Aug. 27.

The 4-H shooting range was given permission to relocate the building for use in 2010.

Wagoner advised residents to take hazardous waste materials to Carroll County Fairgrounds July 25 from 8 a.m. to noon for the 2009 Household Hazardous Waste and Tire Collection.

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