Council adopts three ordinances on fund transfers, tow fees and fingerprinting charges

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — The Town Council on Tuesday approved on first reading three ordinances covering dormant fund transfers, tow-release fees and fingerprinting charges.

Ordinance 25-13 authorizes transfers of dormant fund balances not raised by a general or special levy and cites Indiana Code as the statutory authority for such transfers. Town Manager Michael Griffin described the measure as cleanup work for the Clerk-Treasurer. The council voted 6-0 to approve the ordinance on first reading.

Ordinance 25-15 amends town code section 12-41 governing tow release services fees. Police Chief Noussus told the council the change will “help us out” operationally. The council approved the ordinance on first reading by a 6-0 roll call.

Ordinance 25-16 amends town code section 16-3 regarding fingerprinting fees. Griffin clarified that fingerprinting for arrests remains at no extra charge; the new fees apply to non-arrest fingerprinting services such as employment checks. Clerk-Treasurer Eric January also reported the town is on budget and provided a cash balance figure during departmental reports.

Nut graf: The votes were unanimous on first reading; each ordinance will return in subsequent proceedings for final adoption as required by local procedure.

Clerk-Treasurer Eric January told the council the town’s cash position was strong, reporting total cash of $42,204,939.30 and that the town had spent about a third of its budget through April. January also said he will deliver a fiscal state-of-the-town address on June 26.

Ending: The council scheduled follow-up finance and committee meetings where the ordinances will move through the remaining adoption steps.