Readstown board approves lines of credit for streambank project, implements PFP billing and OKs multiple contracts

The Village of Readstown Board unanimously approved multiple financial and operational actions at its July 16 meeting, including authorizing two $100,000 lines of credit, implementing the village's Public Fire Protection (PFP) billing as part of Docket #4950-WR-103, and awarding a three-year contract to Worth Services.

In the most significant finance vote of the evening, the board authorized the clerk to pursue two lines of credit with Farmers State Bank—$100,000 for immediate use and a second $100,000 designated for an upcoming streambank stabilization project. The motion was made by Trustee Swenson and seconded by Trustee Nash; a roll call was taken and the board voted unanimously in favor.

The board also moved to adopt the method and structure for PFP billing, approving full implementation at once while keeping the PFP tariff unchanged and billing non-general customers under Docket #4950-WR-103. Trustee Howell made the motion and Trustee Nash seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Other business approved without opposition included a three-year contract with Worth Services (moved by Trustee Payne, seconded by Trustee Clark), termination of a contract with Davy Labs and replacement with Community Testing Lab to reduce annual costs (moved by Trustee Howell, seconded by Trustee Payne), and routine operational items such as payment of June bills and approval of June meeting minutes.

Licensing and permits approved included an operator license for Alexis Finster at Joe Blow’s (moved by Trustee Nash, seconded by Trustee Howell) and a Fire Department fireworks permit for Labor Day (moved by Trustee Swenson, seconded by Trustee Nash). The board also approved an $800 annual payment to Lisa Larson-Coder to purchase a new backstop for the village ball diamond (motion by Trustee Nash, seconded by Trustee Swenson).

Votes at a glance: Clark’s motion to approve horse arena upgrades with donated materials—approved. Nash’s $800 annual payment for the ball diamond—approved (roll call: all in favor). Nash’s approval of the Veteran’s Care of Graves submittal for 2025–26—approved. Ordinance enforcement—tabled (no action). Payne’s motion to approve an ordinance amendment to Title 2, Section 2.14—approved. Swenson’s motion to approve Fire Department fireworks permit for Labor Day—approved. Howell’s PFP billing motion tied to Docket #4950-WR-103—approved. Payne’s motion to approve Worth Services three-year contract—approved. Nash’s motion to approve Alexis Finster operator license—approved. Swenson’s motion to request two $100,000 lines of credit—approved. Howell’s motion to replace Davy Labs with Community Testing Lab—approved. Nash’s motion to pay June bills—approved. Howell’s motion to approve June minutes—approved. Howell’s motion to set the next regular meeting for Aug. 14, 2025, at 5 p.m.—approved. Howell’s motion to adjourn—approved.

The board took routine reports earlier in the meeting: Scott (EMS) reported 59 patient calls year-to-date and noted the EMS roof is leaking; Charlie (Fire Department) reported 35 calls year-to-date and highlighted assistance at a benefit for Chad Crook; Monica (Library) described community-garden activities, grant-funded audio equipment and an upcoming Amish event; and public works reported storm damage to McCarty Road and a sewer plant generator part expected the second week of August. Clerk Chelsey Hoffman announced she will be out for surgery and recovery starting July 22 for two weeks and distributed materials including a DOR equalized value handout.

The board set Gander and Nash as its representatives to the Plan Commission and indicated it will recruit three additional residents to serve. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

Next steps: the board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.