Poseyville council approves large SRF payments, adopts salary ordinance and renews health plan

The Poseyville Town Council approved a series of funding and personnel measures at its Nov. 13, 2024 meeting, authorizing multiple payments tied to a water tower project, adopting the town’s 2025 salary ordinance and renewing the town’s health insurance plan.

Council President Justin Rutledge called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and the body moved quickly through routine business, approving minutes from Oct. 8, Oct. 22 and Nov. 7, as well as the Claims Docket, Payroll Allowance Docket and October bank reconciliations by roll call vote.

Theresa Bratcher of Heart of Poseyville Events presented a proposed layout for the town’s Nov. 30 “Christmas in Poseyville” event and asked the council to share event posts on Facebook. The layout was incorporated into the minutes and no Council action was required on the event.

Marshal Carter provided a police update, including a runs report and plans to deploy a speed trailer on Lockwood Street in response to speeding complaints. Marshal Carter and the Council also acknowledged an anonymous donation of $10,000 that the town said will support community outreach such as a toy drive for North Elementary and officer training.

Infrastructure payments: The Council approved separate State Revolving Fund (SRF) payment requests tied to the water tower project. Motions and roll call votes approved payments of $229,008.00 and $206,996.00 to G & L Tank Sandblasting and Coatings, LLC; $43,387.00 to Midwestern Engineers, Inc.; and $5,060.00 and $7,700.00 to the Town of Poseyville. All SRF payment motions passed by roll call vote with Council President Justin Rutledge, Council Member Michael Baehl and Council Member Randy Rankin voting yes.

Fire department allowance: Clerk-Treasurer Jodie Rankin presented a payment request from Fire Chief Mike Crawford showing both the budgeted clothing allowance and an additional request. The Council voted to issue the budgeted clothing allowance and approve a one-time additional $1,800 for volunteer firefighters for 2024, with the caveat that the funds were reallocated from the training line item and would leave no training funds for December.

Right-of-way permit and fees: Attorney William Bender recommended simplifying the town’s Right-of-Way permit form; the Council approved a condensed form and a fee schedule charging $500 per occurrence to cut or bore across a road/street and $1,000 per occurrence to cut or bore parallel to a road right-of-way (maximum 1,500 feet), with penalties for violations.

Salary ordinance and procedure: Clerk-Treasurer Jodie Rankin presented the 2025 Salary Ordinance (updated as Ordinance 2024-11-13-01). The Council voted unanimously to suspend the usual second-reading requirement to expedite implementation by January, and then voted to adopt Ordinance 2024-11-13-01 as presented. The roll call for adoption was Justin Rutledge (yes), Michael Baehl (yes) and Randy Rankin (abstain).

Health insurance: The council heard that the town’s broker reported a 25% increase on the current health plan. After providing employees with plan comparisons, the Council voted to renew coverage with Anthem under Plan ACA #8BJG for 2025 to keep insurance costs within the approved budget; the motion passed by roll call vote.

Other business and next steps: Council members noted that an agreement with HVG is under review by development counsel Mr. Schopmeyer. The Council scheduled its next meeting for Dec. 10, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

Actions at a glance: approved SRF payments totaling $492,151.00 to contractors and the town; approved a one-time $1,800 clothing allowance for volunteer firefighters; adopted Ordinance 2024-11-13-01; and renewed the town’s health insurance plan for 2025. The Council recorded vote tallies for each motion in the meeting minutes.