Brookville (IN) Town Council, August 30, 2023 Budget Workshop

Town Board – Budget Workshop The Town council met for their budget workshop and discussed things like salary and other capital projects. They budgeted for a 3% raise, with no increase going to elected officials. They seemed to like doing a flat raise amongst all full-time employees, like what the county did. For 23 full time employees, they would each get $1,528 if based on a 3% flat rate increase. A final decision was not made. The board discussed the construction of the salt dome. There is $120K budgeted in 2024 for the construction, but they do not have a final figure for it. As for the new police department and new town hall, the board looked at budgeting an extra $100K to complete the project due to adding the 4 rooms for the new town hall to the initial project. The board also discussed an Asset Management Plan for the water department to submit for a grant from the State Revolving Fund in April of next year. It would be taken out of the Water Fund. Councilman John Estridge will check to see if the Brookville Redevelopment Commission can help with any of the pending projects. Chief Mark Shires, Fire Department, asked to increase his operating fund from $25K to $30K. The town is making payments on a rescue tool contract for the next 3 years and is paying $50K for the ladder truck until 2036. In 2023, the council increased the manhour payment from $5 to $10. The county did fund the BVFD $100K from ARPA funds in 2023. Main Street Brookville was approved to put up a banner for the Chicken Fest on Sept 16, contingent on insurance and INDOT. They were also approved for $24,000 cash in this year’s budget in addition to $5,400 in-kind for rent/electricity. Some of this may be funded by the Redevelopment Commission. Tim Ripperger, Utilities Superintendent, discussed the importance of the Asset Management Plan and lead and copper grants. These projects do not affect the overall budget because they are only funded if we have the funds in our cash reserves. Ripperger said the SCADA system, which controls the network, is not yet up and running, but anticipate it to be functioning by October. There is a quote for the painting of the high school water tank for $400,000 that must be done every 10 years. The town is working on a 2nd quote. They also have a Ford Ranger truck they plan to use until it dies, but the water/wastewater will need a truck that runs. Street Department Rocky Sparks discussed the need for a new leaf machine, but will do more research into it for possible purchase next year. Currently it is a 3-man operation with an old machine that requires constant repairs and can be used to suck out storm drains. He also talked about a $25K garage lift that will drastically improve maintenance operations. Both pieces will be tabled until next year. Council voted to put $120K in the budget for the salt dome, despite not knowing the final figure. $7,400 for mulch out of EDIT was also approved. $2,500 cemetery stone repair was approved. Police additional request total $116,000. Police Chief Mitchum’s number one priority for the 2024 budget is the $65K for a new car for the Assistant Chief and new weapons. Mitchum explained Assistant Chief Strait’s car is called the Chicago car and he wants to use is as a pool car so officers can use it when their car is in the shop for repairs. Councilman Moore asked why he needs an SUV when Brookville is all paved roads. Mitchum said it’s needed due to responding to county calls and because of the bad weather in Brookville. Mitchum said the Chicago car is not worth the money we are dumping into it. Mitchum said they have put about $15K in maintenance into the car in the past 2-3 years. Mitchum said his second priority is to purchase new guns. He said guns should be traded in every 8-10 years and they got a very good deal right now. A big concern for the council is equipment and furniture for the new building. Hayes asked about plexiglass between the seats and Mitchum said there was never enough money to request for that. Hayes believes the police car should be marked since it goes on patrol and Mitchum listed the advantages of having unmarked cars, especially when going undercover and when gathering intelligence in the valley. She said she would not approve it if it was going to be another unmarked car. Capital asset requests for the golf course include the lease of 30 carts for $50K/year for 5 years, renovation of the satellite building, partial replacement of the clubhouse deck and simulators to start a winter league. Ron Brune also asked for a raise from $39,500 to no less than $50,000. He said he’d been underpaid for a year and half and that he’s proven his worth and will continue to do that. Council discussed funding the repair of Hole #11 and Hole #14 earlier in the meeting. No decisions were made on the police department, golf course or salary increases.