OurWeek
The Grant County Record
in Grant County · Regular meeting · 2025-11-18 · full transcript
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaSq_-P0TyI
Exported Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:39:59 GMT

Source: YouTube automatic captions. Copied into the combined index from the marion-city-council-indexed report; same text, key prefixed by body.
These transcripts are machine-generated. They garble proper nouns badly —
company and personal names especially. Watch the recording before repeating
any name, number, or quotation. The video is the record.

==============================================================================

Indexed at https://ourweek.in/grant-county/reports/grant-county-record

    0:33  Good evening and welcome to the Marian City Council meeting. Today is November 18th, 2025 at 7 o'clock in the Marian City Council chambers at city hall.
    0:44  Welcome everybody. Hey, I'm going to call this meeting to order. And first, we're going to begin with a prayer from Councilman David Kaine.
    0:52  Please join with me in prayer, please.
    0:54  Dear heavenly father, we thank you for this day. Thank you for uh everyone that's here tonight. Uh we ask that you
    1:02  be with us as we talk about and make decisions for the city's behalf. We ask that you continue
    1:09  to bless this city, bless this administration as we move forward. In your name we pray. Amen. Thank you. If you could stay standing.
    1:18  Uh the Maran High School JOTC proudly presents the color showcasing the honor, discipline, and commitment that defined
    1:26  their program. As they step forward, they carry not only the flags of our nation and state, but also the tradition
    1:33  of service, respect, and leadership. So, please join us in recognizing their dedication as they open today's event
    1:40  with a distinguished ceremony. Following the presentation of colors will be the pledge of allegiance by Councilman Jim Brunner, the singing of God Bless
    1:49  America by Rita Falner, and the singing of the national anthem by Leila Price Bodkin.
    2:22  nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. This time I'd like to welcome Rita Falner and Leila Price Bodkin up to the front.
    2:40  Come all the way up here. Yep. Even one here, one here. Perfect.
    2:53  God bless. [singing]
    3:06  Stand beside her and guide her through the night
    3:15  with [singing] the mountains [singing] to the praless.
    3:27  [singing]
    3:32  [screaming]
    3:35  That bless my home sweet home.
    3:46  God bless. God bless America.
    3:54  Our home sweet home.
    4:10  [singing]
    4:14  So proudly [singing] we twilight
    4:26  [singing] stars through the
    4:35  [singing]
    4:35  Hearts were so gallentave [singing]
    4:49  [singing]
    4:54  proof through [singing] the night
    5:04  Oh, say [singing]
    5:14  [singing]
    5:17  for the land of the free and the home [singing] of the brave.
    5:34  [applause]
    5:34  If you could please remain standing while the color guard exits.
    6:04  All right. Thank you so much. Round of applause, Rita, Leila, the Marian High School at JRTC.
    6:13  Phenomenal job. Thank you so much, everybody.
    6:16  um kind of a Veterans Day tribute since we couldn't have a meeting last week and uh we're also going to recognize some of our city employee veterans for Veterans
    6:24  Day as well. So, uh moving on, we're going to go ahead and move on to roll call. Madame Clerk, roll call.
    6:35  Kain here.
    6:37  Marshall here.
    6:38  Ford Eis here.
    6:39  Brunner here.
    6:40  Klene Divine here. Whitten here. Calgill here.
    6:45  McKinley here. All right, we're going to move into tonight's community spotlight. It's the YMC workforce development interns.
    6:54  Thanks to Councilwoman Divine for setting this up and uh I'm going to go ahead and hand it off to her.
    7:00  Okay, if we want to go ahead and have them come up and then I'm going to say a little bit and then they're going to um do kind of a little presentation for you.
    7:33  Keep going. Yep. Welcome.
    7:46  So, I am pleased to introduce the YMCA's workforce development program, which is a career development program. It's an Indiana statewide initiative designed to
    7:55  expand and diversify the wise talent pipeline by exposing young people to careers within the YMCA. The WA the WDP
    8:04  utilizes a research-driven workforce development strategy that provides high school students with paid career readiness, employability skills
    8:12  training, hands-on work experience, and professional mentorship. Um, it targets specifically 11th and 12th grade high
    8:18  school students with a GPA of of 2.0 or higher. And although open to all youth, there is an intentional recruitment focus on youth from historically
    8:27  excluded communities and under reppresented populations.
    8:31  The main points are to do mindsets, learn skills of lifelong learning and self-confidence, helping to understand
    8:38  how uh mental approach to work can impact their ability to succeed. The learning strategies, learn much needed communications and critical thinking
    8:46  strategies that help effectively move through work. Social and emotional skill, learning how to work alongside others healthfully and successfully. and
    8:55  work ethic, learning the skills to be self-aware, honest when evaluating current methods, tools, behaviors, and
    9:02  helping job performance. Um, we have the two coordinators here today, Sierra Wrangle and Ally Denton. Um, and I
    9:10  believe Ally had a few more words and then we'll let the interns introduce themselves and I think two of them were going to talk about their experience.
    9:19  Yeah. So, our program is really cool.
    9:22  I'm getting the opportunity to work alongside with these amazing students who are all from different schools in the area. I go
    9:30  to Indiana University there and it's pleasure to watch them grow in skills that just mentioned specifically kind of
    9:40  how our program works at the YMCA is we have three different sections where they go during the day of work which include
    9:49  a fitness center and do other tasks which will And then also the front desk where they
    9:57  learn computer skills and communication skills along with customer service. Um and then we have our child watch area
   10:04  where they are exposed to taking care of children and communicating with their parents as well. These kind of give
   10:12  skills that we work on during our Tuesday night classes which is where we practice customer service and learn about how employability skills are import.
   10:25  with development. So, I'm gonna have them introduce themselves and what school they attend and then we'll have a few talk about their experience.
   10:42  I'm high school. I'm
   10:50  high school. My name is
   11:02  Ethan and I would talk about just a little bit of
   11:12  your experience at the Aiden and Joe are going to talk to us about how they've been impacted by the
   11:18  program and some
   11:31  like I said I'm Joe and I'm currently in fitness right now so I was working from this fitness and it's
   11:40  just it's my first job so I guess I don't really have nothing to compare it to but it is really it's just a great opportunity to be able to make the
   11:47  relationships and just experience like they were talking about about you know learning stuff that we need and it just sets you up for stuff
   11:55  and yeah I mean stuff that we can put on our resume the things that they've offered us with the modules that we can
   12:02  take and all that and yeah like I said the relationships and experiences we build have just been nice
   12:13  I worked in the child section of it and that's really build a lot of the relationships.
   12:20  So, you get to just bond with a bunch of kids and all that. It's just pretty fun to hang out there. We get to learn a lot of stuff. We've been offered a decent amount of like certifications and stuff.
   12:31  So, right now they offered us a life certification that some of us work towards and couple other stuff. It's been cool for
   12:41  us to be able to meet each other program like the interns and all that.
   12:49  I'll go ahead and
   12:57  internship program. Um it just feels like it's a need for these students because the diploma track in high school has changed since we graduated
   13:08  to graduate now with their diploma track. So this gives them an opportunity to check that box um to graduate. This
   13:16  semester we actually had a lot more juniors than we did seniors. So our first group we had a lot of seniors that we're getting them a little bit earlier
   13:24  in this group. Um we were approached by Anthony Williams
   13:32  elementary school director at the [snorts] YMCA. Um, so the workforce development program in
   13:40  Indiana has been backed pretty heavily by the Lily Foundation and a part of that third year growth program was to outsource to a different community. So
   13:48  that's how we got involved in the workforce program. But it's been really cool to see these kids grow. Um, we've given them different opportunities. They
   13:57  get certifications with customer service, um, CPR, first aid. Some of them have gone
   14:04  through all the modules for by the state to work in childare which is really neat
   14:10  to move forward with some chose to do these things where they get to be out
   14:18  as well. So we're very thankful and it's they're getting paid as an internship as a high school some of their first jobs.
   14:25  So that's huge and it's been a blessing.
   14:28  We're learning through it all of us are but it's really neat to be a part of. So thank you guys for having us here to
   14:35  share All right, thank you so much. Appreciate all of you. I'm sure you're going to do phenomenal when you get out on your own
   14:43  and um hopefully this program has really helped launch you guys into being more prepared. So, give it up for our uh workforce development interns.
   14:52  [applause]
   14:54  And so, we'd like to get a quick picture as well if everyone wants to come up.
   14:59  You guys want to like squeeze in somehow in the back?
   15:14  I don't know. This is weird.
   15:17  Yeah. I'm trying to figure out how not
   15:37  Perfect.
   15:39  [applause]
   15:44  You guys, thank you. Appreciate you. Thank you.
   15:58  I mean, I can Thank you, Councilwoman for Divine, for setting that up.
   16:14  Okay. All right. And moving on to tonight's city employee spotlight. Um, it's a little bit different. Um, but
   16:21  different's okay sometimes. As I said, last Tuesday was Veterans Day. Uh we didn't have a council meeting on Veterans Day, nor do we ever, but um I
   16:30  really wanted to find a way to honor our city employee veterans through the city employee spotlight. And uh over the last week, week and a half been emailing the
   16:38  city, everyone in the city trying to find out who are all of our veterans that uh work for the city. And so the list behind me is a list that I've
   16:47  comprised uh from those responses to the email. So, if you're on this list or you are a city employee that's a veteran,
   16:54  I'd really like you all to come up to the front. I know there's some out there. It's okay. Come together so that way you're not by yourself.
   17:12  Come all the way up behind here. Wow. Representing the Coast Guard there.
   17:16  I like that. Yeah. [laughter] It's proper education. The the Navy directions.
   17:22  Yeah. No fighting up here. I know there's different branches up here. No inside jokes, none of that.
   17:29  Oh, yeah. [laughter] You got better weapons than I do. Anyways, um anyway, so thank you gentlemen all for being up here. I just wanted to read off for the
   17:37  record all of the city employees spotlight um armed forces veteran. So we'll just uh start at the top. So Colton Compton with the Army, if I say your name, please raise your hand. Okay.
   17:48  Colton Compton with the Army. Joe Smith, Army. Billy Cole with the Marines. Aaron Shipley with the Army. Nick McPike,
   17:57  Army. Uh, Cliff Cessums, Marines. Joshua Price, Army National Guard. And Marines.
   18:05  Oh, I didn't see that in there. Oh, it was in there.
   18:07  It was in there. Oh, man. I typed it exactly. So, hey, and Marines. My bad. Uh, I will correct that for the record. So, I appreciate
   18:16  that. Uh, I know you the I definitely deserve credit for the Marines as well.
   18:20  So, apologize for overlooking that. Um, Mike Graph, Coast Guard rep, the sole representative from our Coast Guard. Yep.
   18:29  Uh, Roger Harbor Jr. from the Army. Randy Hyatt, Army. Scott Fletcher, Army.
   18:35  Joe Chitwood, Army and Army National Guard. Cody, I don't if it's Wiggle or Wigle.
   18:42  Wiggle. Cody [clears throat] Wigle, Army National Guard.
   18:46  Oh, he is on deployment. Okay. So, he's currently serving right now. So, uh Quinn Luton's Marines, Max Fischer,
   18:53  Marines. Eddie Overmmy, Navy. George Kilgrren, Army. Chris Mcannish, uh
   19:00  Marines. And Nick Burkheimimer, Army National Guard. Can everyone please give a round for our veterans?
   19:08  [applause]
   19:14  [applause]
   19:16  So, I just want to say thank you to all of our City of Marion employees who are veterans. Your service to our nation represents the highest level of courage,
   19:24  dedication, and selflessness. And we are profoundly grateful for the sacrifices you and your families have made. The
   19:32  qualities you developed while serving, which is integrity, leadership, discipline, resilience, and a deep commitment to others, continue to shine
   19:41  through you in the work you do for our community on a daily basis. Our city is truly strengthened by your presence.
   19:47  Whether you serve in public safety, public works administration, or any other department. The experience and
   19:54  values you bring shape a safer, more efficient, and more compassionate Marion. You're you understand what it means to put others first, to work
   20:02  toward a mission larger than yourself, and to do so with pride and professionalism. Uh and that spirit enriches our entire city organization.
   20:11  As a city, we are honored to work alongside individuals like you who have defended our freedoms and now continue serving in a new capacity, supporting
   20:19  our residents, improving our services, and contributing to the growth and success of Marion. So today and every day, we extend our deepest appreciation
   20:27  for your service, your leadership, and the example you set for all of us. You make Marian better. So thank you so much. Appreciate it.
   20:38  [applause]
   20:41  All of you have been to a meeting, so I know you got to get a photo.
   20:46  Hey, Nick, I just want to say something real quick. Go ahead. I I want to thank every one of you guys and even the ones that aren't here. Um, nobody has more respect for our veterans
   20:54  than I do. I I I was able to raise six kids in this wonderful country because of you guys and your fellow people that
   21:03  that gave us our freedom to to raise our children and be in a country that we were not fearful of things like a lot of
   21:10  other ours and I know that all comes because of your sacrifice and then the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice which is what the red on the flag stands
   21:18  for is the blood that that you guys had had spilled and from the bottom of my heart thank you so much for your service. I appreciate you guys.
   21:25  Thank you. That'd be me.
   21:33  I wasn't trying to call you by I'm used to it. Always get to be front and center.
   21:40  That's There you go.
   21:45  [snorts]
   21:58  Great gentlemen. Thank you for your service. Appreciate you for your service.
   22:08  For your service, thank you for your service. Thank you for your service.
   22:14  I mean, I learned great.
   22:36  Okay. It was an honor and a pleasure to do that and appreciate council members for being patient. Took a little longer, but I think it was well worth it. Uh,
   22:44  moving into the consent agenda for the approval of minutes of the regular meeting November Was it the sixth?
   22:55  Um, yeah, the November 4th, 2025 consideration of pre-approved claims and consideration of claims. So, any questions? If not, I entertain a motion.
   23:06  Mr. President, like to make a motion that we accept the consent agenda in its entirety.
   23:12  Second. Motion by Councilman Calgill to accept and approve the consent agenda.
   23:17  Second by Councilman Kaine. Any discussion, madame clerk? Roll call.
   23:25  Kain I. Marshall. I. Ford. Eyes. I. Brunner. I. Divine. Yes. Whitten.
   23:33  Yes. Calgill. I. McKinley. Yes. Consent agenda has been passed.
   23:38  Moving on to committee reports. Any committee reports? Councilwoman Divine.
   23:46  Um the border works met yesterday um and they did a swearing in of three
   23:53  new uh fire department privates uh Payton Bowen Xavier Fuller and Timothy um Lavell I think is how you pronounce
   24:03  it. Um so that was a nice that's always a nice ceremony if you guys haven't been to Border Works meetings to see those.
   24:10  Those are always a nice thing to see.
   24:12  Um, and then the parks department requested some updated vehicles and um a
   24:19  new uh trailer to replace some of the older equipment and with the split of the two departments to get them back up
   24:27  to the vehicle level they needed to be and those were approved as well. And then the Marin utilities met. Um they
   24:35  talked about finalizing some of the SRF projects, some of the new projects going forward. And then um
   24:43  talked about what'll be on the agenda later with uh looking at doing the utility um rate review by the state so
   24:51  that we can look at that and see where we're going over the next few years. So that'll be further discussion later in the agenda.
   24:59  Perfect. Thank you so much. Any other committee reports?
   25:05  Okay, we'll move on to unfinished business. General Ordinance 28-2025 adding no parking zone. Second reading and public hearing.
   25:16  an ordinance establishing a no parking zone on the east side of Washington Street from 7th Street to 10th Street.
   25:24  With the construction of the walking path and parking bumpouts along the west side of Washington Street from 7th Street to 9inth Street, it reduces the
   25:33  overall travel lane width of Washington Street. This reduction prompted an engineering recommendation to create a
   25:41  no parking section on the east side of Washington Street to enhance traffic movement and overall public safety from 7th Street all the way to 10th Street.
   25:52  Speaking administrative project manager Mike Graf, welcome Mike.
   25:59  Good evening. Um just for your um awareness, we did send
   26:06  out a letter to uh uh all the abuing uh property owners. Uh we we did not get any response uh from anybody. There
   26:14  might be somebody here this evening might want to speak upon it, but uh it's pretty self-explanatory. Uh if you
   26:21  approve um that we will we'll put up the signage and then I I doubt there's going to be much enforcement. There's hardly ever any parking along there because there's plenty of parking to be used.
   26:32  So, if you have any questions, be glad to entertain those questions. And if not, we'll I'll step aside and let every if anybody wants to have a conversation, that'd be great.
   26:42  Great. Any council members questions for Mike? Council member Brunner.
   26:50  Jim, can you turn your mic on?
   26:53  We I'm going to hear from our church because we are in that um four block area. Is there any way you
   27:01  can make a no parking zone on the other side of the street rather than the side of the street in front of the church?
   27:09  No. If you see the um the aerial view, the reason that is the bump there's
   27:16  bumpouts on that the other side of the road that causes you to move into that the other traffic lane. So, it's there
   27:24  will be traffic. It will be parking over there. So, if they want to park there and and walk across the road, literally that that's the that's one of the one
   27:32  that has the largest parking and we've hardly ever seen anybody parking on the street. Well, that's for one hour on a Sunday.
   27:40  So, I I will tell them they got to park on the other side of the street. Yeah. Thank you. Yep.
   27:46  Any other council members questions?
   27:51  All right. Thanks, Mike. We'll go ahead and move into the public hearing portion. So, if you'd like to speak on this ordinance, please make your way to the microphone.
   28:06  Not seeing anyone come to the microphone. So, with that being said, we'll close the public hearing. Any other questions from council members?
   28:18  If not, I would entertain a motion.
   28:20  Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion that we suspend the rules on general ordinance 28205. Second.
   28:28  Motion to suspend the rules by Councilman Calgill. A second by Councilman Brunner. Any discussion? Madam Clerk, roll call.
   28:37  Kaine, I.
   28:38  Marshall, I force. Hi. Brunner. I. Divine. Yes. Whitten. Yes. Calgill. I.
   28:46  McKinley.
   28:47  Yes. Rules have been suspended. I'd entertain another motion. Mr. President, now I'd like to make a motion that we pass general ordinance 28 20225.
   28:57  Second motion to pass general ordinance 28 2025 by Councilman Calgill. Second by Councilman Kaine. Any other discussion?
   29:07  Madame Clerk, roll call.
   29:09  Kain, I.
   29:11  Marshall, I. Ford Eyes. I. Brunner. I. Divine. Yes. Whitten. Yes.
   29:18  Calgill. I McKinley.
   29:21  Yes. General Ordinance 28-2025 has passed. Moving into general ordinance 29-2025
   29:29  reszoning ordinance. Second reading and public hearing.
   29:34  An ordinance of the common council of the city of Marian amending Marian city code chapter 153 zoning ordinance at the
   29:43  regular monthly meeting of the city of Marian advisory plan commission on October 28th 2025. The main agenda item
   29:51  was a public hearing for the resoning of lots 78 and 79 in Grey Dodge first
   29:58  edition being a part of the family express development at 301 South Baldwin
   30:03  Avenue from R4 medium density single and multifamily residential to GB
   30:11  general business which is the same zoning as the remainder of the property in this development.
   30:18  The proposal aligns with the comprehensive plans criteria and received a positive staff recommendation.
   30:25  The motion to approve the resoning was made, seconded, seconded, and passed unanimously and subsequently passed on to the city council.
   30:36  Speaking Mike Graf or Brian Stump. Good evening and welcome back.
   30:43  Good evening. Uh Brian Stump, interum director, interim planning director. And as the inter introduction mentioned, this is these are two lots that are
   30:50  being reszoned. Currently, they're used for residential purposes. The homes are have been damaged by fire and actually are slated for demolition. They are
   30:58  being incor these two lots are being incorporated into the uh larger group of lots that Family Express has pulled
   31:05  assembled for their project. As was mentioned, this went to the plan commission on October 28th where it received a unanimous favorable
   31:13  recommendation and here tonight I'll be happy to answer any questions you have as and Patrick Lip with Family Express is also here for any questions. Thank you.
   31:23  Great. Thank you you so much. Any questions for any of them before we go to public hearing?
   31:32  Great. Thank you so much.
   31:36  This time we'll open it up for the public hearing. If you'd like to speak on this general ordinance 29-2025, please make your way to the microphone.
   31:51  All right, I'm not seeing anyone make their way to the microphone, so we'll close the public hearing. Any
   31:59  council members have any other questions, comments, concerns they'd like to address?
   32:08  Not I'd entertain a motion. Oh, council vice president.
   32:12  I'd just like to uh thank Family Express for their uh investment into the the city of Marian and the development of
   32:20  their new family express. And uh we're very appreciative that you picked uh Marian Indiana and and hopefully it will
   32:28  progress into more stores down the down the road in the future. And if there's anything that the council can do for you, please don't hesitate to get a hold of us. Thank you very much.
   32:38  Thank you, Vice President Ford. Any other council members?
   32:45  I'd entertain a motion.
   32:49  Mr. President, I'd like to uh make a motion that we suspend the rules on general ordinance 29205. Second.
   32:57  Motion to suspend the rules by Councilman Calgill. Second by Councilman Whitten. Any discussion?
   33:05  Madame Clerk, roll call. Kain. I. Marshall. I. For ice. I. Brunner. I.
   33:12  Divine. Yes. Whitten. Yes. Calgill. Hi. McKinley. Yes.
   33:20  Rules have been suspended. I entertain another motion.
   33:23  Mr. President, now like to make a motion that we pass general ordinance 292025. Second.
   33:30  Motion to excuse me. [clears throat] Motion to pass ordinance 29-2025 by Councilman Calgill. Second by Councilman Whitten. Any other discussion?
   33:41  Madam clerk, roll call. Kain. Abstain. Marshall. Hi. Ford. Eis.
   33:48  I. Broner I Divine yes Whitten yes Calgill I McKenley
   33:56  yes general ordinance 29-2025 has passed yeah go ahead apologize my name is Patrick on behalf
   34:04  of families for us I want to thank you all uh for your help I mentioned last time I want to mention again how appreciative we are of city staff um
   34:12  some communities look for ways to not have you invest in their community uh you guys are beyond open arms very appreciative of Mike Brian uh of Lisa
   34:22  Todd in the planning director planning department as well there and we look forward to breaking ground and hopefully some point later um in 2026 have our
   34:29  business open for uh the residents of Marian. So thank you very much.
   34:33  Thank you. Appreciate you so much. Thank you for coming tonight.
   34:35  How appreciative are you? Will gas be a dollar a gallon or how about 25 cents?
   34:41  Good. [laughter] Thank you very much. A drill, baby drill. How about that? There you go.
   34:47  All right. Thank you so much. All right, we're going to move into tonight's new business. General Ordinance 30-2025
   34:54  amending monthly water rate water user rates. First reading.
   34:59  An ordinance amending the monthly water user rates and charges for the city of Marian, Indiana.
   35:05  introducing an ordinance to adopt water rates and charges sufficient to support the utilities ongoing revenue requirements and obligations under Indiana Code 8-1.5-3-8.
   35:19  Speaking Robin Schrader, director of Maring Utilities. Good evening and welcome.
   35:28  Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be here this evening. Um, I'm going to talk for just a couple minutes and then, uh, Jennifer Wilson from Crow, who is
   35:36  our financial adviser for the utility, has a a little a short presentation for us virtually here. So, a few years ago,
   35:44  Marian Utilities approached the city council with a request to petition the IURC for a water rate increase. Given
   35:50  that it had been 17 years since the RA rates had been adjusted, the case was relatively easy ma easy to make. The
   35:58  result, as you know, was to gradually raise the rate over a period of five phases while simultaneously changing the
   36:05  rate structure from one that made water considerably cheaper for our largest users to one that leveled the playing field. In fact, our most frugal
   36:14  customers likely saw a decrease at the beginning of this process. But despite these efforts, our financial situation within the water utility has not
   36:23  effectively improved. It's true that our revenue has increased somewhat, but not enough to keep pace with our operating
   36:30  expenses and debt service. And as yet, we have still not been able to even consider rebuilding our depreciation reserve for capital improvements.
   36:40  Earlier this fall, the wastewater utility loaned the water utility $1.8 million in order to continue meeting our minimum monthly operating balance.
   36:49  However, this is very much a temporary solution as those funds will soon be needed to continue pursuing our long-term control plan mandates as
   36:57  prescribed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
   37:01  So, once again, we turn to our financial consultants at Crow to re-evaluate our circumstances and provide us with conclusions and recommendations.
   37:10  Additionally, we're in a situation where we run the risk of being penalized with a rate decrease by the IURC for our failure to secure additional bond
   37:20  funding by the end of this year, which we cannot currently afford. This was a stipulation of the rate agreement in 2023.
   37:28  Given that we showed a deficit of 1.6 million for the 12-month period ending June of 2025, we're left in a bit of an
   37:35  impossible position. For these reasons, we would ask that the city council consider approving an ordinance that would allow us to petition the IURC for
   37:44  a rate increase of approximately 44.24% above the pre-approved 2026 rates.
   37:54  As I said, Jennifer is going to share a little bit with us uh here shortly about the financial evaluation process, what
   38:01  the IURC is going to look at, and the precise numbers for these things. But I just want to highlight three things uh
   38:08  and then I'll I'll let her talk. Um this proposal does include consideration for pilot which would result in the
   38:17  utilities ability to contribute just shy of $265,000 annually to the city's budget.
   38:26  Second thing, our need for a rate increase is completely independent of any type of economic prospects or any other things going on uh that may be looming on the horizon.
   38:36  Essentially, we've been drawing down on our reserves for about 10 years now and we have a long way to go to get caught back up. And then third, and this is if
   38:45  there's good news to this, this is hopefully a little bit of good news.
   38:49  Most of our residential customers use between three and four units of water each month. That results in a bill of
   38:56  between 20 and $25 according to the 2026 rate that's coming soon.
   39:03  The proposed change would mean an increase of about $6 to8 per month for most of our customers. So the equivalent
   39:11  of a gourmet coffee drink or an extra value meal. So it's it's it sounds bad to say the 44.24% 24%, but when you look
   39:20  at that across a monthly average um for the typical customer, it's it's a lot more manageable perhaps than than you
   39:29  might think. So, that said, I will turn this over to Jennifer virtually and then we'll be happy to take some questions.
   39:37  Great. Thank you so much. And before we start here, Jennifer, can you hear me? I I just so people watching at home, I
   39:45  have it on the screen behind us. Can you hear me? Are you okay, Jennifer? I can hear you. Can you hear me?
   39:51  Yes. I'm just trying to make sure everyone can hear you on the microphone.
   39:54  Very good. Another test. Can everyone hear me out there? Okay. Yes.
   39:58  Okay. Wonderful. My apologies. Uh this traffic wasn't letting me to get up there, so I my apologies. I'll be at the next meeting. But we are here to talk
   40:07  about the water utility. So, thank you, Robin, for that introduction.
   40:13  How we uh prepared our rate report is that we take a look for historical financials for the past two and a half
   40:19  years. We create a test year ending June 30th of 2025 and we make adjustments for fixed known and measurable items. And
   40:28  then we create revenue requirements. And those revenue requirements include the operation of maintenance expenses, debt payments, and debt service reserve
   40:37  funding, building up the operating fund to where it needs to be, repaying that loan to from the sewage works, and also
   40:45  funding capital improvements with ongoing cash.
   40:53  So this is going to be accomplished in two parts. So you did a rate K previously that had five phases of rate
   41:00  increase and you've already implemented phase one in October of 2023 and the second phase went into effect earlier
   41:08  this year in January 1st of 2025. The next phase will go into effect January 1st, 2026. And what we're going to be
   41:17  requesting from the IURC is that they accelerate the next two phases because your last case was a cost of service
   41:24  study and it accomplished the goal of reducing you down to one rate block and one base charge and a fire protection
   41:33  charge. So we want to keep what the previous case had of a cost of service study and then we want to have an
   41:40  incremental increase to raise another $1.6 6 million over and above what the prior case had allowed.
   41:51  You can see here from the income statement looking back at 2023 24 and the test year ending June 30th at 25. So
   42:00  December 23 uh that year 2023 you can see that there was some re you have
   42:06  sorry your revenue increase occurred in October. So you had three months worth of new revenues in there.
   42:13  But your expenses for that year out uh was about $5 million for operation and maintenance and debt service. So you had
   42:21  a deficiency of $832,000 that you drew down from your current balances.
   42:28  In 2024, you remained at that first phase rate increase and you narrowed the gap of the variance down to $261,000,
   42:37  but you still your revenues were not meeting your operation and maintenance and your debt service. And as of our test year, which is a combination of six
   42:45  months of 24 and six months of 25, you are increasing that that divide and it's increased to about $400,000 negative.
   42:56  So, as Robin said, you're bu you are drawing down on your balances and you've gotten to this point where you've now
   43:03  written uh needed a loan and necessitated a loan from the sewage works and has u brought down that uh a
   43:11  loan from the sewage works of about $1.8 million.
   43:20  What we do is we take a look at that test year of their operation and maintenance expenses and we up for what we see that's going to happen in the
   43:28  next coming year. So, there is a difference between our test year of of
   43:35  uh $5.2 million and we're going to we have anticipated increases in those expenses of about $800,000 which would
   43:43  bring it slightly above $6 million. As Robin said, we are implementing the pilot so that we'll have $265,000
   43:52  for the water utility to give to the sew uh to the to the city as a payment lie of taxes. And then we'll have also an
   44:01  increase. The other large increases of that 800,000 include increases in salaries and wages and benefits. We're putting in bad debts. You have an
   44:09  increase in contractual services of $160,000.
   44:13  Rate case expenses of 70,000. Purchase power is going up by 40,000. And the insurance is going up by 50,000.
   44:22  Now, how does this adjusted test year of $6 million compare to our prior uh approved rate increase? So, our what we're projecting for 2026 is $6 million.
   44:35  In the last order, operation and maintenance was approved at $4 million.
   44:40  So there's this deficiency of $2 million just in operation and maintenance.
   44:46  Again, a lot of those expenses has to do uh different has to do with increases in salaries and wages and including the
   44:53  pilot and as I said insurance, bad debt and rate case and also chemical expense has gone up by about $130,000.
   45:04  When we take a look at overall staying on operation and maintenance for our projected test year of the $6 million, your employee costs are about 47% of
   45:13  that cost. The second largest expense is contractual expenses, which is 16% and chemicals is 12%. And that's the gray uh
   45:22  gray pie piece over there. And then we have other pie pieces in here that make up the rest of that 100%.
   45:32  You did benefit from getting low interest rate loan in 2024 and it was uh 11,70,000
   45:40  and you received uh approximately $3.5 million of that as uh a reduction in
   45:47  debt service. So you had a yield of 68 which is a artificially low yield. Had you received a normal SRF loan, it would
   45:56  have been closer to 2.5 mill uh 2.5% but instead they uh reduced the yield so
   46:03  your debt service would work out and you actually have a debt service uh after we fund the debt service reserve of about $672,000.
   46:15  Now in the last rate increase we requested $932,000.
   46:20  So you have had a savings here of a reduction in your actual debt service versus what was projected in the last rate increase. Unfortunately, when we
   46:30  were settling on that rate case, they don't allow us to use this reduction of $250,000
   46:37  against our additional operation and maintenance expenses. They expect us to reduce our overall revenue requirements by $250,000.
   46:46  So we don't get that benefit.
   46:51  So overall in our revenue requirements we are requesting or we are up to 8.2 million.
   46:59  When we accelerate the revenues we will uh have $6.5 million. So that's a
   47:06  deficiency of $1.6 million over and above accelerating the two rate increases. So
   47:14  when again back when I talk about accelerating the rate increases uh in our last order we were approved up to
   47:21  $6.5 million worth of revenues but that's not to occur till January of 2028. So in the year of 2028 we're
   47:29  asking for that to happen now in this rate increase and then allow for an additional almost 25% rate increase so
   47:36  that we we can raise the revenues by $1.6 million.
   47:43  wanted to show you your actual rate ordinance. So, the first the ones that are on the left of the gray line are
   47:50  what was actually approved by the IURC and the previous uh the council back in 2022. So, again, the phase one went into
   47:59  effect October of 23 and then you can see each year on January 1st, the next few phases go into effect. You can see
   48:07  these flow charges at the top through the cost of service study. You can see you had multiple declining block usage
   48:15  in the first phase. By the phase of January of 2028, it was just one charge per flow. And what we're projecting here
   48:25  is that that one charge per flow of $4.40 per 100 cubic feet will increase to $5.50
   48:33  per 100 cubic feet used. You add that to the charge of $745 and then you add the fire protection
   48:41  charge which will be $510 for a 58 inch user.
   48:48  Here's another way of looking at it for the typical monthly bill analysis. So as Robin said most of the users will use
   48:55  between three and four units. Your current charge here in 2025 is between between 20 and $23. Next year
   49:05  it this increase will go into effect because it's already approved. It will go up to 21 $20.68 to $25. And what
   49:15  we're projecting is that we're expecting the rates to be between $29 and $34 for a typical user.
   49:26  I'd open it up for any questions.
   49:28  Thanks so much, Jennifer. Appreciate that.
   49:33  Any council members with questions for Jennifer or Robin?
   49:43  Yeah, Robin, like you were saying before, you did have rate increases for like 15 years. So, prior to the all of
   49:51  this. So, I mean really in reality, you guys have been losing year after year after year up until this. Is that
   49:58  correct? Yeah, really since about 2015, uh we've we've seen a reduction of our
   50:04  um cash reserves and and so we're we're kind of making up for lost time at this point. And and Jennifer didn't mention
   50:11  this, but um nor did I in my original statement, but if you look at our rates compared to those across the state of
   50:18  Indiana, we're still um we're either below we're definitely below half and probably closer to twothirds of the
   50:27  state is going to still have a rate that's higher than than we have. So, you know, we're still in the ballpark of of
   50:34  those average costs if you look across the state and certainly to some of our neighbors. Any
   50:44  other council members? Councilwoman Divine.
   50:46  And then just to clarify to simplify it a little bit with that increase that I think you were putting out the 44.24% 15.41% of that is already approved.
   50:58  That is correct.
   50:59  Okay. So, we're only talking about that just shy of 25% difference for that that the study is being taken to the IRC
   51:09  and they're going to recommend whether that's the right rate or not.
   51:13  That's correct. Yeah. This whole process that we're going through this evening and in subsequent council meetings is permission to present this to the IURC.
   51:23  So after this decision is made here, then it goes to their hands and they really have the ability to drill down
   51:30  and we'll look at this also. So this would not be something that would go into effect immediately. Um January 1 of
   51:39  26, the pre-approved rates will go into place just like they had been. um the 15
   51:45  and change percent is speeding up that fourth and fifth phase and then correct
   51:52  the the 25% on top of that would be the new request.
   51:58  Thank you. And looks like Jennifer put something on the screen here. I don't know if you can see it. I'll zoom in.
   52:06  Sorry, Jennifer. Hold on. I'm gonna zoom in. Okay. on this.
   52:11  There we go. Okay. Robin was saying um we did a survey and this is as of everyone else's as of July of 2025, but
   52:20  I've shown here your Marian 2026 increase. So you can see that out of the 39 communities that have population over
   52:28  25,000 in January of 2026, you guys will be approximately 27, but there's other people that will have rate increases.
   52:36  It'll be 27 out of 39 with the $35.81.
   52:40  And this is for 5,000 gallons. And when we're what we're proposing is that you would be uh close uh after this
   52:48  additional increase of approximately 25% you would be $4929 which would move you up to 18th place.
   52:56  So right in the middle. So even after the um these rec rate increases, you'd be in the middle of comparison to other
   53:05  communities. Now, everyone with a two on the far right, they also had phased in rate increases or have rate increases
   53:12  pending at the IURC. And so those I I say you're approximately in that spot because come January 1st, some of them
   53:20  might also increase their rates and be higher.
   53:26  Thank you for that. Jennifer, I have a question on this um survey.
   53:36  I mean, that's a that's a wide difference between 1465 to 7248.
   53:43  I'm assuming the 7248's the max allowed by law. Maybe because it's all capped.
   53:49  Indiana. No, that's Indiana American and they all they serve. charge the same. Okay.
   53:55  And so there's a forprofit uh cost that's included in there.
   54:00  Okay. Well, outside of that forprofit 7248, why the the wide variety
   54:08  and excuse my lack of knowledge on how this works with the water treatment and
   54:14  all that. Um but I mean essentially, aren't most water treatment plant or
   54:22  water utilities set up the same way. Why the wide variety of charge from the 14 all the way to 49?
   54:33  Well, Jennifer may show them as combined. Well, what I can answer to mathematically, it's it's it's
   54:41  we should we show you them we show this as over 25,000 population thinking that
   54:48  you guys have economy of scale similar to other communities of approximately your size. So you are able of your fixed
   54:56  cost to spread them out across more users than someone who is a smaller uh smaller utility. So actually we include
   55:04  everyone that's over 25,000 but you really should be looking at how you compare to other communities in the
   55:11  range of you know 25 to 35,000 because Indianapolis or Fort Wayne they have
   55:17  more users to spread their fixed cost across. So that's actually pretty impressive that you guys at this point
   55:25  in time are right there with Fort Wayne who has more users. Um, but I should have put a two next to Fort Wayne because they just recently passed a rate
   55:33  increase as well and are taking a case in front of the IURC at this point in time too.
   55:40  And okay, there is another piece to that as well. Uh, not all water treatment is equal.
   55:47  Um, we are one of the few plants in Indiana who have lime softening as part of our water treatment. That's why our
   55:55  residents don't have to have a water softener in their home unless they choose to go further than what we provide. So, that is a cost savings
   56:03  that's added to that. Um, you know, there's back when RCA was here, that was something that they needed and as our
   56:11  largest user in the community, that was to our advantage collectively. And when they left, it's my understanding, I
   56:19  wasn't part of the Maran utilities bunch at that time, but it's my understanding that there was a question posed to the city. Do we want to continue doing that
   56:28  and maintain the level of quality that we had at that time? And apparently the answer was yes, we wanted to do that. So
   56:36  we are slightly unique in that. There are some other communities that do have lime softening. Um, but that is one small difference in our treatment process.
   56:46  Great. Thanks for reminding all of us.
   56:48  Uh we do have great water here. I will say and I will go on record to say I support continuing to soften that water
   56:55  as well. It is excellent quality. Um any other council members with questions? Vice President
   57:03  Ford. Thank you. Thanks Robin. I appreciate the uh explanation from uh
   57:09  Jennifer. Let's go on consumption and usage for the town of our size.
   57:16  Obviously, we've lost a lot of users in consumption. So, is that why we're having to make up for the rate since
   57:23  we've lost Dana and we've lost Active Products and we've lost Foster Forbes and we've lost RCA and obviously you're
   57:30  not getting the usage that we were before we had to start raising rates to keep up with our expenditures. Correct.
   57:40  That's certainly had an impact on things. Um, years ago, honestly, the industrial customers that
   57:47  we had and the volume of water that they were consuming on a regular basis was essentially floating the rest of the system. Sure.
   57:54  And that was the primary basis for making the adjustment to the rate structure that we proposed with the rate increase that went through in 2023.
   58:04  Sure. So when we lose all of that usage from our industrial, somebody's
   58:12  got to make it up to keep up the quality of water. And that's true because the infrastructure still exists. Sure. And it's still
   58:19  getting older and it still needs to be cared for. And despite the fact that we have lost some of those larger customers over the years, um everything else is
   58:28  still in place. And so to maintain that level of service and quality and with the economic situation that we've been facing, I mean, you guys have been part
   58:36  of that, you've seen it. Um, we felt it in so many other aspects, too. Cost continuing to go up and competitive market, that sort of thing. Um, trying
   58:45  to essentially keep up with the Joneses there.
   58:47  Sure. Hypothetically, what would happen if we would get more larger users that
   58:55  would come in to help on a say a commercial rate or something? Is that going to make a difference or an effect
   59:02  down the road if we keep growing as a community and start drawing more people
   59:09  and industry and users in there? Is is that going to help any way or Yeah, it certainly will be beneficial um
   59:17  for us uh to to recoup some of the uh cash reserves that we have been lacking and to be able to pursue some of the
   59:24  capital improvement projects that honestly we've put on pause for the last 10 years. Um once we get to that point, you know, I I think I've shared with
   59:33  with the majority of you guys already, but I think it's important for the utility to come before you guys more frequently. um perhaps a couple times a
   59:41  year and talk about the finances of the utility so that it's in front of everyone a little bit more clearly. I mean, we're an open book and we present
   59:48  those um anyone's free to look at them at any time, but sometimes they get overlooked if we're not highlighting them. And so, we would like to make a
   59:57  commitment to the city council to do that um and to make sure that you guys are more informed on a more regular basis.
 1:00:04  Sure. And I think that's important for the general public to hear the reasoning and why to keep up the quality of of
 1:00:12  water and service and expansion and upgrades that we need to do. But if there's a potential for bigger customers
 1:00:21  as we grow coming into Marian, maybe that'll help alleviate some of the rate
 1:00:27  hikes that we may see in the future if we've got a bigger customer coming in that uses more like I know RCA used
 1:00:36  millions of gallons and so did Foster Forbes and Active Products and Dana and etc etc. So, I just wanted to touch base
 1:00:45  on that because I think it's important for people and the and the general public to understand that we want to keep the service up. We want to keep the
 1:00:53  rates as low as we can keep them and keep the quality. But, you know, [clears throat] potentially as the community grows, hopefully we'll get
 1:01:02  some bigger users in the future and maybe that will help alleviate some of this uh in the future for us. And I
 1:01:09  understand this is just the water rate on this. That's correct. This is just the water rate. That's correct.
 1:01:16  Is is the service charge new? The $745 I see. Is that monthly service charge going to be a new service charge on this or?
 1:01:25  So that's part of the rate structure that changed with the 2023 situation because we previously had a minimum bill
 1:01:34  and this is where some of our most frugal customers actually saw the rate decrease because we had a minimum usage of like three units
 1:01:42  and instead of having that ch service charge we just made sure everybody paid for at least three units of water even if they didn't use them.
 1:01:48  Sure. Moving forward, that service charge is kind of like the admin overhead and then the cost per unit of water is exactly what you use.
 1:01:58  Sure.
 1:01:59  So, if you're using one unit, that's all you're going to get charged for. If you're using 15, you would get 15. Um, but that that's what that is.
 1:02:06  Okay. I appreciate that very much. Thank you, Robin.
 1:02:14  Great. Thank you. Any other council members?
 1:02:19  A couple more questions. Um, so this does not affect the wastewater. This is just purely water consumption.
 1:02:28  Correct. This is just the water rate. Correct.
 1:02:32  Do you anticipate anything in correlation with wastewater rates as well?
 1:02:38  The wastewater rates are contingent upon the long-term control plan mandates that we have. We are coming toward the end of
 1:02:48  that. Um just a few council meetings ago, you guys approved us uh for a bond to go out for that um our second to last
 1:02:58  project. And the rate increase on the wastewater side of things for the long-term control plan that was an
 1:03:05  incremental each year from 2010 through January 1 of this coming year. So, the last of those rate increases for
 1:03:13  wastewater will be January 1 of 26 as it currently stands. when we figure out uh
 1:03:20  within the next several months, which is our plan, um what that final project is going to entail and what the economic
 1:03:29  situation is in the city at that time, we will be able to determine whether we can afford additional debt service with
 1:03:36  the current rate structure or whether we may have to come and have another conversation with you guys about that.
 1:03:42  But that would be separate from from the drinking water.
 1:03:47  On the wastewater side, how are you guys doing financially on the wastewater side?
 1:03:51  Right now, if you look at our finances, they look pretty solid, but that's because of these long-term control plan increases that we've had and the fact
 1:03:59  that we are still paying off debt service. We currently have a loan from the 201516 project that we're working on
 1:04:06  paying off. Um, we also have a loan from the project that concluded in 22 or 23. Um and then the one that we
 1:04:16  just encountered uh this fall, we will accept that. It looks like it's going to be around 10 and a half million. Um and
 1:04:24  then this last project will be that. So that's what those it may look like there's extra money sitting in the bank
 1:04:31  right now for wastewater, and that's not untrue, but it's because it's spoken for with those long-term control plan mandates.
 1:04:42  any um we'll call it profits that wastewater would have are they legally allowed to give any of that money over for water?
 1:04:53  We can loan between the utilities as I had mentioned earlier wastewater uh earlier this fall loaned drinking water
 1:05:02  1.8 8 million. Um, and there are some, you know, interest exceptions that can be made with that, but for financial
 1:05:10  purposes, we really should make it a best practice to keep those things as separated as possible.
 1:05:18  But is it I've just I've done a little research and I I I'd have to dig a little deeper into Indiana code on it and speak with
 1:05:27  our council attorney, but I understand the loan portion of it, but can you share
 1:05:34  excess cash reserves without a loan between wastewater and water or any utilities?
 1:05:42  I might defer to Jennifer for a little bit of extra clarification on that.
 1:05:50  So when you uh when you issued bonds, it actually says it in the bond ordinances that any of the revenues that you
 1:05:58  collect for each water utility, sewage works, storm water or trash that needs to stay within that utility and be used
 1:06:05  only for that utility's projects, operation and maintenance and taxes.
 1:06:10  though you can make a payment to the city for payment in lie of taxes that is allowed and there's also sometimes
 1:06:18  allowed of shared services between um items but actually Marian utility splits their bills and they already prorrate
 1:06:25  any bills that are shared between the services they already make an allocation between the two utilities so the water utility revenue stay water sewage stays
 1:06:35  sewage there's not sharing of excess cash from one utility to the next it's not a combin bind utility.
 1:06:43  Okay. So, if there is not a bond, can then it be shared? Is it just because there's a bond?
 1:06:51  I'm I'm not an attorney, but my understanding is no, you cannot share it, but you are compounded by your bond
 1:06:59  ordinance that you've made pledges to your bond holders that you would not do that uh not share revenues between the
 1:07:06  two. So, uh, you have additional people to speak to about that. The bond holders don't want you to put excess cash. They
 1:07:16  want you to retain that and pay off the bonds, right? Okay. Just curious, just some research I've done trying to figure out
 1:07:23  if one has a bunch of excess, can we transfer it? So, um, and then the other
 1:07:30  one is does the how does the how do the pay increases work at utilities? Is it approved every year? Is it automatic?
 1:07:38  How does the the pay increase work?
 1:07:41  Yeah, so we have a uh pay structure for all of our employees. And several
 1:07:48  years ago, our board voted to um approve annually cost of living
 1:07:57  increases according to the national cola. And so like this year now that's that's still subject to approval at at
 1:08:06  budget time each year. So that is still a discussion that occurs but like this year the uh cola was 2.8% and so that's
 1:08:14  what we budgeted for that. Beyond that there are opportunities for merit increases but those are capped at eight
 1:08:22  steps. And so uh there's an opportunity for that annually, but when you hit that eighth year in that particular position, you have capped out at that pay.
 1:08:35  The question too is customer service, right? So you have customer service that handles all the utilities. If I call in for a trash bill, who pays the salaries of those shared employees?
 1:08:46  So those are split on percentages. when we look at the projected revenues for each of the four utilities at the
 1:08:54  beginning during the budget planning um we establish percentages and so wastewater always has the highest percentage and I don't know those
 1:09:02  numbers off the top of my head I'm happy to get them if you would like them um wastewater is usually the largest one and then drinking water is the second
 1:09:10  with solid waste and um storm water being third and fourth and anybody who
 1:09:17  is dedicated ated to multiple utilities then would be split out on those percentages based on the revenue projections.
 1:09:28  Is it possible that employees could be paid from utilities that have excess cash reserves and are doing better
 1:09:37  financially to alleiate say the water utility? Given the fact that my signature goes on those things,
 1:09:45  I'm not willing to risk my integrity to fudge between the utilities when the law says that I should keep those separate.
 1:09:52  Okay. I didn't know. That's why I asked those shared responsibilities. What does the law say? Are you required to split it a certain percentage? Are you allowed
 1:10:01  to pick the percentage? I'm just trying to think ways to like maybe one isn't performing as well. So, no. Absolutely.
 1:10:08  Salaries can be shifted if it's legal under the law.
 1:10:13  Yeah. And you know, if if that was something that was feasible that we could do um in good conscience, we we
 1:10:19  would do that. But I'm afraid my reputation, my integrity is not worth worth fudging those.
 1:10:27  Appreciate that. Um and then the last question I have is on the pilot. Uh back in
 1:10:36  2002, the city used to receive a pilot of about 368,000 that stopped in 2005. I know you weren't
 1:10:45  here at the time. I'm I but do you have any idea why that pilot stopped in 2005?
 1:10:53  Um I could venture to guess, but I don't know if you know why it stopped in 2005.
 1:10:57  And then that was a pretty I mean that was 2002 numbers two 368,000 and then now you guys are proposing like
 1:11:06  260ome thousand for that pilot. Do you have any idea why that ever stopped in 2005?
 1:11:13  I I would have to get back to you on that because honestly like you said I was not around at that time or part of the utility at that time. Um I'd be
 1:11:20  happy to do that research and see what I could come up with. Um but Jennifer could speak to how pilot is calculated and and tell you those parameters.
 1:11:32  That's okay. Yeah, you can you can speak to that if you want.
 1:11:35  Okay. Very good. So how a pilot is calculated is that we estimate what the market value is of the water utility.
 1:11:43  And how we do that is taking the utility, plant and service, the assets of the utility less the the depreciation
 1:11:49  and that is equal to what the market value estimate is. We multiply that by the corporate tax rate and that's how we
 1:11:58  calculate what the pilot is. This is the generally accepted way that the IURC um seizure uh how that pilot is calculated.
 1:12:07  And as Robin said, we would have to do some research to see why it might have been higher. um at that point in time it may have been that you had more assets
 1:12:15  and or your tax rate was higher. So we'd have to look into that on why it was at 365,000 back in 2002.
 1:12:26  Great. Thank you. And kind of along that pilot lines is in the event that just say we did get a business in town that's a large water consumer.
 1:12:36  Um, is it possible that that pilot is set to a percentage? So, let's just say you get
 1:12:44  a corporation or business comes in town that uses a massive amount of water.
 1:12:50  Would our pilot be able to increase based on a percentage because of that or is it a set number?
 1:12:59  It's based on your corporate tax rate.
 1:13:01  So, if you're if that large uh user or large is paying a lot of taxes or and your tax rate can decrease because they
 1:13:10  brought in additional assessed valuation but that's affecting everything on the tax side and I I I try to stay in the
 1:13:18  utility lane instead of of the tax side so it be only if your corporate tax rate goes down.
 1:13:26  Great. Thank you. Those are all the questions that I had. Thank you. Any other council members?
 1:13:36  Yeah. Go ahead, Marty.
 1:13:38  Are there any time deadlines that you're under uh to adopt this ordinance?
 1:13:47  It's just a matter of uh money running out. Um but the al the other part of
 1:13:53  that is the 2025 uh deadline for adding additional
 1:14:00  uh debt service which again we can't do that. Um, but if we don't approach the
 1:14:07  IURC with a proposal before the end of 2025, we would run the risk of actually getting the rates reduced as a penalty for that.
 1:14:23  You're saying if you don't ask for an increase and they're going to decrease the rates essentially. Yes.
 1:14:31  Okay. Gotta love it.
 1:14:41  Okay. Any other council members?
 1:14:47  I will just say I'm going to vote for this today, but I'll I'll definitely have probably some more questions um before the next meeting. I'll get a
 1:14:54  hold of you on that. So, or I encourage other council members, you have further questions, just contact Robin. Yeah, go ahead.
 1:15:01  And and point well taken uh Mr.
 1:15:03  President, that's I I don't certainly don't uh we want to pass this on to second reading and public hearing, but I
 1:15:11  think at the same time that motion should include that we put this in committee that we can bring it out then at the next meeting.
 1:15:20  uh we want to expedite this if at all possible, but um put this in committee and then have a have a meeting and then
 1:15:28  bring it out of committee at the next next meeting. Can we do that?
 1:15:35  Yeah, we we certainly could. Um trying to see which committee probably would be the public works committee.
 1:15:44  Um I don't know what's the rest of the council feel on that. Anybody else?
 1:15:52  You know, then we could we could hear your your questions and and any other questions publicly public publicly and
 1:15:59  and then that might spur other questions and so forth.
 1:16:06  We do have a meeting scheduled for next council meeting at six o'clock before, but I don't know if that would give us enough time.
 1:16:17  We might have to roll it.
 1:16:19  I don't think we'd have enough forward.
 1:16:21  It'd have to be a separate uh meeting and we've already uh published what the purpose of that is. So, I'm not sure we can. And well, we could amend it, but we
 1:16:30  won't have enough time anyways. I mean, six o'clock, we got 45 minutes. There's no way.
 1:16:37  I I wouldn't I [clears throat] wouldn't have a problem with that as long as it's back on the agenda next council meeting.
 1:16:44  I don't have a problem with taking it to committee and getting that out of committee and and uh as long as it we get it done before the next council meeting.
 1:16:57  Yeah, I think it gives an opportunity to just kind of dig a little deeper, truly understand this.
 1:17:02  Sure. Especially if Jennifer could be available and and and Robin could be available. If anybody else has got any more questions or uh anything about it,
 1:17:11  then I think it deserves that much scrutiny to go before committee.
 1:17:21  Okay.
 1:17:23  The only issue I see with that is we have Thanksgiving next week, so it's a short week. Um,
 1:17:32  well, we just have to call it, you know, before that. I mean, there's December 1st. It's only Tuesday.
 1:17:39  Yeah, there's a December 1st, which is the day before the next council meeting. You can call it call call it tomorrow.
 1:17:44  You just need 48 hours to advertise it and have a committee meeting.
 1:17:49  Well, I understand that, but I also have to call it on the day that I'm available to have the meeting. Sure.
 1:17:54  So, I need to look at my calendar and I'll send something out and get with Robin. Um, so that way we I mean I'm assuming we
 1:18:04  want a little more information about the financials and which I've got the most recent report. I can forward that to everybody.
 1:18:11  So the another option too, I mean really I'm looking at the calendar and with the holidays and everything. Uh, you know, December 1st probably looks the best.
 1:18:19  The other option too is it goes to the next meeting public hearing. uh if it passes out of that go to committee
 1:18:27  before it comes back to the third reading as well just just an option just in case there are no available dates
 1:18:34  um because the end of the day we have until well third reading would be the last meeting of December
 1:18:43  if it were to get passed on the third reading Robin does that still give you enough time I don't know what procedures you have after if we were to pass it
 1:18:51  would give you enough time to get in by the end of the I believe so. Uh, Jennifer may have a little extra commentary.
 1:19:07  My testimony and Robin's testimony that will be prepared and submitted to the IURC. Uh so we can begin starting on
 1:19:16  that so that we can be ready once if the rates get passed. We'll be ready to file shortly thereafter.
 1:19:24  Yeah. The the last meeting we have of the year is December 16th. So if it were to get passed, you'd have two weeks essentially before the end of the year.
 1:19:32  So I just want to make sure we're on the same page timing wise. And in case of Councilwoman Divine, the schedule doesn't line up with the
 1:19:39  holidays here, it could potentially go to committee after the second reading.
 1:19:44  My preference is before that um before we go to a public reading and it gives public an opportunity to hear that discussion as well in committee. Uh
 1:19:52  maybe answer questions if somebody has them um that might answer questions ahead of time if we go to committee. So,
 1:20:01  um, one other question to clarify. I believe you also said that this going to IURC is
 1:20:10  as an ordinance, yes, you're asking for this, right? And if we pass the ordinance, we're saying we approve up to that amount. The IURC may come back with
 1:20:19  a lesser amount or they may come back and say, "Yes, you can approve up to this amount, but we as council do not have to approve. we could come back into
 1:20:29  another ordinance and change the amount or do you have to approve what the IURC approves? So, the first part of that is spot on.
 1:20:37  Um, this is a request to the IURC not to exceed the number that we shared with you. Um but as for and then it would
 1:20:46  require that we come back after the IURC concludes their investigation come back to the council uh for the true up of hey
 1:20:55  this is what it the final recommendation was. Um and Jennifer may be able to speak to that final decision from from you guys after that.
 1:21:09  Regulatory council or attorneys on that but typically what I do is that afterwards the council does approve uh
 1:21:17  what we've gone to the IURC with um fighting that case. Uh it it takes a
 1:21:25  seven to eightmonth time period. So u typically we do see uh the rates being
 1:21:32  basically codified by what the IRC has approved. So while you do have the opportunity I guess it's just
 1:21:40  historically I haven't seen usual to any adjustments to that at that point.
 1:21:48  Okay. But we don't we just know what we're requesting. We don't know what they're going to come back to us. They may look at your numbers differently and come up with a different number as well.
 1:21:58  They would not go higher though. Correct. Okay.
 1:22:07  Oh, there's no other discussion, then I would take a motion to send this to committee to the public works committee.
 1:22:15  And I will make that motion. Second.
 1:22:21  Motion uh from Council McCain to send this to public works committee. Second by Councilwoman Divine.
 1:22:29  Any other discussion? Go ahead.
 1:22:33  So, we're not going to pass this to second reading. put in committee now.
 1:22:36  Mhm. [clears throat] Okay.
 1:22:41  So, essentially what I'm sorry. So, it won't be public hearing next meeting.
 1:22:51  Clarify for my own self.
 1:22:54  So, personally, I I I think we need to I I'd like to put in committee. That was my suggestion. But I think we also need
 1:23:02  to move it to second reading of public hearing to keep it on track.
 1:23:06  That's that was my point is that don't we need to pass this and then put it in committee. Yes.
 1:23:11  Because if not is throwing everything out of your time frame by the end of the year. Okay.
 1:23:17  Unless it was rule suspended. But yeah. No, we don't have to suspend the rules on second reading. We can go ahead and pass this to second reading public
 1:23:26  hearing and then take it to So let me amend my amend my motion to
 1:23:33  move this to second reading and public hearing and in the same token put this in committee.
 1:23:44  Correct. That would be my motion. Marty, is that uh we good with that? Should be. I think so. Right, D.
 1:23:53  Okay.
 1:23:55  Okay. So, I have a motion by Councilman Kaine to second it to second reading public hearing, but have a committee meeting prior to that meeting.
 1:24:04  Correct. Correct. Yes, sir. And who who second that?
 1:24:08  Uh, all right. So, Councilman Calgill has second that. Okay. Any other questions? Thank you for clarifying that.
 1:24:20  Okay, madame clerk, roll call.
 1:24:22  Kane, I Marshall.
 1:24:26  I forise.
 1:24:28  I Brunner, I Divine. Yes. Whitten. Yes. Calgill. Hi. McKinley.
 1:24:36  Yes.
 1:24:38  General ordinance 30-2025 will go to second reading public hearing at the next council meeting, but also there will be a committee meeting and Councilwoman Divine will notify us.
 1:24:49  Could you just because of holiday scheduling, could you uh figure that out in the next 24 to 48 hours so we can get
 1:24:57  it on our calendars? And I believe the other um Kenny committee members are Councilman Klein and Councilman um Marshall.
 1:25:06  Of course, the rest of the council is invited. It is committee meetings are always open to the public as well. Uh and we will post that. The city will
 1:25:14  post it. I'll post it on my Facebook page as well. if you're interested in coming to that, we will definitely work with Robin to make sure that it coordinates with her schedule and
 1:25:21  Jennifer as well so that way we can have everybody in the same room hopefully.
 1:25:26  Okay, thank you for that good discussion. Uh moving into announcements, we have the Miracle on
 1:25:33  Third and Fourth Street, November 22nd, 2025 from noon to 8. Um always a great time. I know they have a lot of great
 1:25:41  things planned for that. Please go out there um and support that event downtown Marian. Then the Walkway of Lights
 1:25:48  parade is that same night u 7 PM downtown Marian. It's going to be a great time. And then Walkway of Lights
 1:25:56  family night, December 12th, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. One other announcement on there I didn't put on the agenda. Um
 1:26:05  it's my bad I didn't put on there, but it will be on the next agenda. However, uh this is the time of the year that we do always open up the uh council city
 1:26:13  council attorney position. Uh and so I'm having the clerk's office advertise that
 1:26:20  again. And we'll have four four publish publishments in the newspaper. We'll share it online as well
 1:26:28  as usual. And because uh Marty's uh our current council's contract is an annual contract, so it's one year at a time.
 1:26:36  Uh, I've had a couple couple of questions today. Is Marty, did Marty resign? Nope. We post this every single year. It's an annual posting that we
 1:26:45  open it up to the public. So, u just want to say thank you to Marty for your service, but he is welcome to reapply again for next year as well. So, you can
 1:26:55  submit your resumes to the city clerk's office. Uh you can email um Debbie or Aisha
 1:27:05  or bring it down to the city clerk's office. The deadline is December 5th at noon. So, December 5th at noon and then
 1:27:14  uh resumeumés will be dispersed to council members and then we will have our interviews like we normally do, the
 1:27:21  two-minute interview and uh and then we'll choose the candidate for council attorney for next year on the December
 1:27:29  16th meeting. So, the final council meeting of the year. And any everybody good with that?
 1:27:38  Okay, sounds good. I'll have it on the next agenda. I just want to make sure that's out there. Make sure the public knows that it's open now. You can start
 1:27:45  submitting resumes. Okay. Any other council members with announcements?
 1:27:49  Yes, sir. Mr. President, while uh while your announcements were were important to the city of Marian, there's one that
 1:27:58  you certainly missed and and these are pale in comparison to what happens on Friday because Mr. Brunner has a
 1:28:06  birthday on Friday. So that's very important. Yeah. Well, thank you. Yeah. Happy birthday.
 1:28:14  Well, we So 47, 48, 67.
 1:28:21  You would be quite interested to hear that at the arbitrage golf course last weekend,
 1:28:30  I am currently of the age of 76 and I shot a 76.
 1:28:37  But on the next day with my birthday on the way, which I'll be turning 77, I shot 77. So I covered both birthday
 1:28:47  dates uh quite well. And uh the uh the golfers I was playing with, especially Jerry Patale,
 1:28:55  uh flowered me with a number of uh candy bars. So I was quite happy for a early birthday gift.
 1:29:04  So, you're 76, not 67. 76 right now and I'll be 77 on Friday. Okay, just clarifying that.
 1:29:13  It's for the kids in the audience. They get the joke. So, anyways, uh I have kids and anyways, any other announcements?
 1:29:21  Did you have an announcement? I thought you had one.
 1:29:23  Uh just that the uh the Y is doing their Santa 5K, their annual. Um, and I know the city's one of the uh participants in it as well as several other businesses.
 1:29:33  It is at Matter Park there. If you want to run, you can run the 5K. If you want to walk, you can do a one mile. But through M Park and through the lights
 1:29:42  and it's a it's a it's a very nice night. It'll be on December 6th.
 1:29:49  Perfect. Sounds great. Thank you. If there's no other announcements, I would accept a motion to adjurnn. So moved.
 1:29:55  Second. Motion to adjurnn by Councilman Brunner, a second by Councilwoman Divine. Any discussion? Madame clerk, roll call.
 1:30:03  Kaine, I.
 1:30:04  Marshall, I.
 1:30:06  Forise, I. Brunner. I. Divine. Yes. Whitten. Yes. Calgill. I. Mckenley.
 1:30:12  Yes. Meetings adjourned. Thank you. And thank you, Debbie Goodman, our city clerk. So good to hear your voice back on the microphone again.