Maryville council approves ordinance to appropriate additional fire-equipment funds

The Maryville Town Council on Sept. 9 approved Ordinance 25-25, appropriating additional money to the fire territory operating and cumulative fire equipment fund for 2025 after a public hearing and a roll-call vote. The council opened and closed the public hearing before taking the vote.

The ordinance was introduced during the council's special orders and followed the attorney's confirmation that proofs of publication were proper under Indiana law. After no public comment, Councilwoman Uzelak moved approval and Councilman Pettit seconded. During the roll call, Councilwoman Uzelak, Councilman Pettit and Councilwoman Hardaway voted yes; President Bello indicated his presence. The clerk recorded four votes in favor and the ordinance passed.

The measure reallocates funds that were not included in the current budget to the fire equipment fund for the fire territory for 2025. No dollar amount was stated during the hearing on record. Attorney Svetnoff confirmed the publication met Indiana statutory notice requirements before the hearing opened. The council said the public comment portion would be closed and the item left open for discussion later in the agenda, but then proceeded to vote on the ordinance at the same meeting.

The council did not take additional action at the time to specify how the newly appropriated dollars would be spent; staff and the fire territory remain responsible for detailed procurement and implementation.