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Middlebury council approves water-tower payments, equipment purchases and hires; waives small connection fee if hookup completed by Dec. 31
Summary
The council approved two pay applications for a water tower replacement, authorized an $11,190 GPS purchase and a $45,039 roof replacement, ratified the hiring of a public-works employee and set a Dec. 31, 2026 hookup deadline for waiving a wastewater connection fee.
The Middlebury Town Council approved a package of infrastructure payments, equipment purchases and personnel actions at its May 4 meeting.
Unfinished-business votes: the council approved Pay Application No. 8 to Phoenix Fabricators for Water Tower No. 1 replacement for $22,921.83 (work Dec. 16, 2025–Feb. 16, 2026) and Pay Application No. 9 for $98,704.66 (work Feb. 16–Apr. 15, 2026). Town staff noted both pay applications must be submitted to the Indiana Finance Authority for SRF funding.
Equipment and maintenance approvals: council approved purchase of an EOS/Scotty Gold GPS unit at an estimated $11,190 (to eliminate a recurring $3,000–$4,000 annual subscription and to capture accurate pipe elevations and locations) with costs split 50/50 between sewer and water funds. The council also approved hiring Mike Neeley Roofing to replace roof shingles at the water department for $45,039 after receiving three quotes.
Personnel and appointments: the council ratified the hiring of Dylan Wood for a public-works position and approved parks summer staff wages consistent with budgeted rates, including an hourly increase for a long‑term employee. The council also appointed Steve Hahn and Stacy Bontrager to the sign review board and designated a council member to serve on the board.
Wastewater connection fee decision: the council approved waiving a $21.84 connection fee in lieu of penalties already paid for a property at 607 Westlake if the owner completes hookup to the system by Dec. 31, 2026; penalties will continue to accrue until the hookup is completed. Council members said the waiver is intended to incentivize connection while preserving the penalty mechanism until hookup.
Why it matters: The payments and purchases support an underway water tower replacement, utility mapping and facility upkeep; hiring and appointments restore operational capacity in public works and parks. The connection-fee waiver sets a clear, calendared incentive for a resident to connect while preserving the town’s enforcement authority.
Votes at a glance: minutes and routine approvals passed by voice vote. Pay applications and purchases were approved; the front-end loader purchase was tabled pending further evaluation. The motion to waive the connection fee conditioned on hookup by Dec. 31, 2026, passed.
