Merrillville council restores $45,000 to capital fund to cover prior transit contract payment

The Town of Merrillville council on March 10 approved Ordinance 26-01 to restore $45,000 to the Municipal Cumulative Capital Development Fund to cover a final payment on an older contract with the Gary Public Transportation Corporation.

Town Manager Michael Griffin told the council the appropriation is intended to “satisfy essentially the last payment we had on our old agreement with the Gary Public Transportation Corporation,” and said negotiations over a renewal remain for a future time. “But this is necessary to restore an expenditure that was necessary on that old contract,” he said.

Councilor Pettit moved to approve the ordinance; Councilor Yuzlak seconded. A roll-call vote recorded seven ayes and the motion carried.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 26-01 (restore $45,000 to Municipal Cumulative Capital Development Fund to cover a final payment on a prior transit contract with the Gary Public Transportation Corporation): motion carried, roll-call vote 7–0. - Resolution 26-07 (court department intra-fund transfer, decrease $3,111 / increase $3,111; net effect zero): approved by voice vote. - Resolution 26-08 (interfund transfer: decrease $70,300 from fund 3378; increase $70,300 to fund 3377; net effect zero): approved by voice vote.

Why it matters The ordinance covers a one-time funding need tied to a previously executed contract for transit services; council approval restores the town’s cash balance that paid that obligation while officials continue discussions about renewing a contract with Gary Public Transportation Corporation.

Next steps Council records show the contract renewal remains under discussion; finance staff will record the appropriation and the town will continue dialogue with the transit provider on future service agreements.