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Middletown council approves 2026 budget and several local measures, denies a resident damage claim
Summary
At its Oct. 21 meeting the Middletown Town Council approved the 2026 budget and a set of local measures including a year-round flat sewer rate for a commercial greenhouse, a police leave arrangement with health-insurance payment, and an appointment to the Fall Creek Fire Territory committee; the council reimbursed an excavator invoice but declined a homeowner's damage claim.
The Middletown Town Council on Oct. 21 approved the town's 2026 budget and a string of local measures, including a flat sewer rate for a commercial greenhouse property and a personnel arrangement for a police officer.
Council member Jake Smith chaired the meeting in the absence of Council President Dave Wagner. On a motion by council member Dan Fountain, seconded by Gary Kendal, the council voted unanimously to approve the 2026 budget. Four members were present for the vote.
The council also approved placing the property known as the Garman house at 643 Central on a flat sewer rate of $129.00 per year because the property operates a commercial greenhouse. That motion was moved by Dan Fountain, seconded by Gary Kendal, and carried by unanimous vote.
Police matters featured twice on the agenda. Police Chief Landon Dean introduced Officer Ronnie Patrick, who was sworn in and welcomed to the department. Separately, Chief Dean requested a status change for Officer Simon Garman; the council approved a leave of absence that permits Garman to work remotely on designated daily duties, and the town agreed to pay his health insurance at $105.00 per pay period in lieu of hourly pay. The leave motion was moved by Dan Fountain, seconded by Gary Kendal, and recorded as unanimous.
A reimbursement dispute surfaced when resident Lisa Hawk submitted invoices seeking payment for damage she says occurred after the town failed to locate and mark underground electric lines on her property. The council voted to reimburse Chandler Excavating $450.00 for extra work but declined to reimburse the damage claim Hawk submitted. Dan Fountain moved the action, Gary Kendal seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Other items the council took up included a demolition at 907 Locust Street that was reported ready to proceed, pavement coordination problems in the Honnald Addition, quotes for a stump grinder, and progress on Civic Center window repairs. Police Chief Dean asked the council to consider a "No Parking" designation for the apartments at 348 Locust Street between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. and during snow emergencies; Joel Harvey was assigned to prepare an amendment to the parking ordinance for that change.
The council also approved placing Dan Fountain on the Fall Creek Fire Territory committee on a motion by Gary Kendal, seconded by Teresa Dennis; all members voted in favor. The stump-removal item raised by MEC representative Dan Fountain was discussed at length and then tabled without final action.
Votes at a glance - 2026 Budget: motion by Dan Fountain; second Gary Kendal; outcome: approved (unanimous, four members present). - Flat sewer rate for 643 Central (Garman house): motion by Dan Fountain; second Gary Kendal; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Officer Simon Garman leave of absence and town-paid health insurance ($105.00 per pay period): motion by Dan Fountain; second Gary Kendal; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Reimburse Chandler Excavating $450.00; deny homeowner damage reimbursement: motion by Dan Fountain; second Gary Kendal; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Appointment of Dan Fountain to Fall Creek Fire Territory committee: motion by Gary Kendal; second Teresa Dennis; outcome: approved (unanimous).
The meeting adjourned after the listed business. The council noted leaf pickup will start soon and that the demolition at 907 Locust Street is ready to move forward.
