City officials are expected to discuss the possible formation of a task force that would investigate the water utility.
The proposal was made by Councilman Roger Pennington during the Monday, March 11, meeting of the Salem Common Council.
Pennington said the task force’s aim would be to restore public confidence in the utility.
Pennington, reading from a prepared statement, proposed the adoption of an ordinance that would form the five-member “Task Force Clean Water” that would review the utility’s plant and water infrastructure.
The task force would be comprised of two council members and three community members: the community members would be city residents and could include residents who live within the two-mile fringe area. Residents must be water utility customers.
The task force would review personnel and their duties; infrastructure; water production costs; and rates, Pennington said. The task force would have at most three months to conduct the review before they report their findings and a proposal to the Council.
After reading the statement, Pennington made a motion to adopt the ordinance, which was seconded by Councilman Randy Lee Jr.
Mayor Justin Green said the proposed ordinance was unexpected as Jake Vissing, the city’s attorney, reviewed the language. Vissing said he wasn’t sure if the council – which does have investigatory power – is allowed under law to delegate investigatory power to a committee comprised of non-elected officials.
Of particular concern to Vissing was the proposed scope of the powers granted to non-elected officials to investigate personnel.
Pennington said he would like the Council to recess for 15 minutes to allow Vissing time to review state law. Vissing said he would need more time.
Vissing asked Pennington if he had consulted with legal counsel while drafting the proposal: Pennington said he himself had reviewed Indiana law. Vissing cautioned against making any quick moves without a full vetting of the proposal. Pennington said he remained confident in his research and reminded the council that his motion and Lee’s second meant they needed to vote.
Green said the ordinance contains several statements regarding personnel – which is under the purview of the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety, not the council. Pennington said the task force would focus on the employees’ duties, not make inquiries as to salaries. Green said again that more time was needed since Pennington’s proposal was unexpected.
Councilman Danny Libka said the proposal has merit, but added he would like to table the vote until Vissing could make sure it complies with Indiana law. Councilman Steve Crane said the council could consider it on Thursday, March 14, at a special called meeting that had already been scheduled.
Pennington refused to withdraw the motion to form the task force. A vote was held, with Pennington and Lee voting for it. Libka and Crane voted against it, so the motion failed.
Libka then made a motion to consider the proposal at the March 14 meeting. Crane seconded it. Pennington and Lee opposed it.
At the end of the meeting, it appeared the matter would be discussed against during the March 14 meeting.
Another Salem Common Council member has joined the opposition against obtaining a bond issue to pay for waterline upgrades.
The vote came during a special called meeting on Monday, Feb. 26, which was held before a packed meeting room of about 30 people.
It was the second vote against the proposed $3.3 million bond issue. The first was held during the Council’s regular meeting on Feb. 12 where three council members – Roger Pennington, Dylan Moore, and Randy Lee opposed it.
Prior to the Feb. 26 vote, Councilman Steve Crane said the city shouldn’t acquire more debt, which is a change from his positive bond vote earlier in February.
Crane urged the Council to hold off on the bond issue and instead seek grants to pay for the ongoing waterline replacement along Main Street. He said the city has “credibility and confidence issues” with its water utility customers.
“I think too much has happened too fast,” Crane concluded.
Pennington said although a revised rate study showed a difference of less than a dollar in needed rate increases without the bond, his concern remains adding to the city’s debt load. He added that the last water rate increase occurred in 2021 and it should have been apparent before now that the water utility was struggling to keep up with operational costs.
In addition to funding the waterline replacement project and helping with operational costs, the bond was going to provide a mandated cash reserve for the utility.
Moore said he shares the same concerns about adding debt and asked about the possibility of obtaining grants from the state. Mayor Justin Green said the city doesn’t qualify for those grants because water rates are too low: to qualify for grants, utility customers are required to shoulder more of a burden in supporting the utility.
Moore said he believes there is a “dire need” for the Main Street waterline replacement project, but he remains concerned about debt as well as the additional non-construction costs related to a bond issue.
When Pennington said the Main Street project only represents a small portion of the city’s waterlines, Green countered by saying the 80-year-old waterlines are main trunklines that deliver water to customers beyond those on Main Street.
Moore made a motion against pursuing the bond issue and a second was given by Crane. No council member opposed the motion.
No members of the public chose to comment.
The city currently carries a $4 million debt for its sewer utility and $14 million for its water utility.
There does seem to be a consensus among the Council’s members that water rate increases are needed and inevitable.
By: Becky Killian, Staff Writer
The longevity of The Dinner Bell Restaurant is outstanding!
The business has had several owners since its origin around 1908, and it goes on preparing good food to this day.
At one time, the establishment was called the Blues Cafeteria.
It received Reader’s Choice awards in 2016 and 2023 for the "Best Burger."
When asked what makes the burger so good, owner Jina Smedley replied,” It’s the seasoned grill. The gas grill is at least sixty years old.” The business has been in her family since August 2001.
The award-winning burger “the best seller” is $1.39 for a single.
Another favorite is the “The Mess,” a breakfast dish with two eggs served on top of shredded hashbrowns or home fries with onions, bacon and sausage, covered with country gravy. This is priced at $8.49.
The Dinner Bell is open 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
On Saturday morning, Feb. 24, a mid-sized Nissan SUV left the North Garrison Hollow Road and hit a tree. This sent the single male driver to University Hospital with non-life-threating injuries.
On the scene were Washington County Sheriff's officers Brad Naugle and Tory Hildreth. Also on the scene to transport the injured driver was Washington Co. EMS. Assisting was Franklin Township Fire Department.
No other information is available at this time.
It may be something you would like to have done by a certain age, not necessarily before you die. It can be your summer bucket list or goal by a certain time in your life. It’s that list in the back of your head that keeps popping out.
Remember the 2007 movie “The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman?
Surely you have thought of things you would like to do--Is it a trip to Hawaii, complete a skill or task? Write a letter or even a book?
Please share your bucket list items. Contact Leader Publishing Co. with your ideas and they will be posted on www.salemleader.com. Who has the most interesting item in their bucket? Are there several? Send your ideas to Jerry Curry at
By: Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
Emergency Responders & City Employees To Get Pay Raise
19 Sep 2024
Officials Review Loan, Rate Increase In Numbers
19 Sep 2024
ICJI: Proper Car Seat Use And Installation Can Make A Life-Saving Difference
18 Sep 2024
Washington County Relay For Life Seeking Volunteers
17 Sep 2024
INDOT To Host Winter Hiring Events
17 Sep 2024
YMCA Seeks Partners For Halloween Candy Trail
16 Sep 2024
Syria Christian Church Members Clean Up Paoli
16 Sep 2024
CAST Must Rely On Local Funding
16 Sep 2024
Governor Holcomb Issues Proclamation For Forensic Science Week
16 Sep 2024
Majority Vote Rezones East Meadow View
13 Sep 2024
NEW SalemLeader.com Goes Live This Weekend!
13 Sep 2024
Grain Truck Overturns On E. Miller Saw Mill Rd.
11 Sep 2024
10th Annual Historical Cemetery Walk This Friday & Saturday
10 Sep 2024
2024 Presidential Election Public Test Scheduled For September 19th
10 Sep 2024
Two Arrested For Drug Dealing Following Investigation
05 Sep 2024
CAST Offers Two Fund-Raising Events
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Parade To Be September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Town-Wide Yard Sale To Be September 20-21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Baking Contest September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Miss Country Girl Pageant On September 12th
05 Sep 2024
Salem Tractor Supply To Host Pet Treat Tasting Event September 7th
05 Sep 2024
Choices Offers Free Resources & Healthcare
05 Sep 2024
Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
04 Sep 2024
Paul Humphrey Benefit Ride September 28th
04 Sep 2024
Beer On The Bricks September 28th
03 Sep 2024
Washington County Farmers Market Held Saturday Mornings
03 Sep 2024
Friday Night On The Square Will Be September 20th
03 Sep 2024
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Friday Night on the Square on September 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. around the Courthouse.
Attendees can expect shop booths, food trucks, and various activities to keep the whole family entertained. Come out to show support for the community!
Beck's Mill Artist Series Session On September 22nd
03 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Will Be September 20-21st
03 Sep 2024
The 2024 Campbellsburg Country Festival is celebrating its 30th year this year! Join fellow community members at the Community Building, located at 21 W Oak St, Campbellsburg, for entertainment, music, a parade, craft & commercial vendors, food, and more. This two-day festival begins September 20th and ends on the 21st.
Southern Indiana Junior Rodeo Association To Host 5th Junior Rodeo September 14th
03 Sep 2024
John Hay Center To Host Author's Fair September 7th
03 Sep 2024
"Baby Box" Available In Salem
03 Sep 2024
He's Unmasked! Scotty Spears Is Batman!
03 Sep 2024
Lisa Krussow's Mission Is To Promote Patriotism
03 Sep 2024
Needs Info For School Song Project
30 Aug 2024
CASI's Festi-Fall Is Oct. 18 In Jeffersonville
30 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill 5K Run/Walk Is September 14
29 Aug 2024
Venison Processing Workshops
29 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill's 216th Birthday Photos
27 Aug 2024
Money And Energy Saving Tips From Duke Energy
27 Aug 2024
Hoosiers Can Dial 2-1-1 To Find Local Cooling Centers This Week
26 Aug 2024
Bad Apple: Walmart Recalls Apple Juice Due To High Arsenic Levels
23 Aug 2024
Drugs On The Streets
23 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Water Study Reveals Strong Supply, Need for Future Planning
21 Aug 2024
August Is Child Support Awareness Month
21 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For September
21 Aug 2024
Washington County Business Recognized by Governor Holcomb
20 Aug 2024
Robbie Henson Memorial Annual Golf Scramble
20 Aug 2024
Lincks To Give Out T-Shirts This Football Season
19 Aug 2024
Salem High School Turf Field Dedicated To Jim Ralston
19 Aug 2024
Ogle Center Announces 2024-25 Season
16 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Of Commerce To Hold Press Conference Regarding State Water Supply
16 Aug 2024
Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
16 Aug 2024
September Is Indiana Archaeology Month
16 Aug 2024
Historic Preservation Fund FY2025 Grant Applications
16 Aug 2024
Preserving Historic Places Conference 2024
16 Aug 2024
Hoosier Janitor "Cleans Up" On America's Got Talent
15 Aug 2024
Free Movie "Elemental" Rescheduled For Aug. 23
15 Aug 2024
DHPA Honors Historic Preservation And Archaeology Standouts
15 Aug 2024
County Supports Extensive Recycling Program
15 Aug 2024
Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Announces 3 New Board Of Directors Members
14 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathered At Fairgrounds
14 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
14 Aug 2024
Lincks Hosts "Educator Appreciation Night"
14 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio State Park Hosts Digging The Past Event
14 Aug 2024
Livonia Fire & Rescue Yard Sale This Saturday
14 Aug 2024
Salem Speedway Releases Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Event Logo
14 Aug 2024
Three Vehicle Crash With Minor Injuries
14 Aug 2024
INDOT Closure Planned On State Road 250 East
13 Aug 2024
Bridge Dedication For Veterans: Effort Underway
13 Aug 2024
Community Foundation Of Southern Indiana Scholarship Applications Now Available
12 Aug 2024
County Unemployment Rate is 4.1%
09 Aug 2024
The Washington County Economic Growth Partnership announced this week that the unemployment rate in the county is 4.1%, as of June.
For additional information, visit https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/INWSURN#
Over $41,500 Raised Locally For Children's Miracle Network
09 Aug 2024
Indiana To Expand Program For Expectant, New Mothers With Substance-Use Disorders
09 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio Foundation To Host Michael Cleveland & Others For Benefit Concert
08 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathering
08 Aug 2024
INDOT To Begin Bridge Projects In Washington County
07 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For August
07 Aug 2024
Judge Medlock Orders D. Anderson To Psychiatric Facility
07 Aug 2024
Fast Pace Health Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
07 Aug 2024
Plane Lands In Soybean Field
06 Aug 2024
Washington County Sheriff's Department Hosts Drive-Thru Drug Drop
06 Aug 2024
WCCF To Match Grant Donations 3:1
05 Aug 2024
CAST Seeks Sponsors For Fund-Raiser
05 Aug 2024
Please Submit Survey On Pekin July 4th Celebration
05 Aug 2024
$2 Million Provided To Indiana Food Banks Through State Department of Agriculture
05 Aug 2024
Digital Towns 2.0 Grant Applications Due Sept. 13
02 Aug 2024
Public Comments And Public Hearings On Proposed Rule Changes
01 Aug 2024
It’s Natural: Learn About Summer Fish Die-Offs
01 Aug 2024
Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month: Visit A Shooting Range Near You
01 Aug 2024
DNR Restricts Moving Live Wild Deer From Chronic Wasting Disease Positive Areas
01 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested For Impersonating A Public Servant
01 Aug 2024
Beck’s Mill 5K Run/Walk Grind XI Anderson-Goode Memorial Race Is Sept. 14
01 Aug 2024
Submit Your Observations To The 2024 Turkey Brood Count Through Aug. 1
31 Jul 2024
IN Dept. of Agriculture Features At State Fair
31 Jul 2024
Temple & Temple Donates To YMCA Building Campaign
31 Jul 2024
Homestretch Gives Students The Support They Need
30 Jul 2024
First Harrison Bank Pledges $50,000 to YMCA's Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign
25 Jul 2024
State Fire Marshall's Message To Fire Fighters/EMS
25 Jul 2024
WCCF Awards $2,500 To Junior Achievement
25 Jul 2024
Vehicle Pursuit Sends Three To Area Hospital And One To Jail
25 Jul 2024
Timber Cleghorn Gives Personal History And Experiences Appearing On "Alone"
25 Jul 2024
Permit Numbers Up 23% In 2024 For Indiana
25 Jul 2024
Hardinsburg Man Charged With Child Molestation And Related Crimes
22 Jul 2024
Delaney Creek Park Traffic Creates Frustration, Record Profit
22 Jul 2024
“The Wizard of Oz” Comes to Washington County
19 Jul 2024
IDHS Requesting Volunteers To Participate In PFAS Testing Pilot Program
18 Jul 2024
Plans Revealed For Monon South Trail
18 Jul 2024
Free Family Movie Night Planned Aug. 2
16 Jul 2024
NLRB Overrules Metal Powder Products' Election Objections, Affirming Workers' Union Victory
16 Jul 2024
Operation Back To School Helps Veteran Families
16 Jul 2024
Conservation Record Broken By Hoosier Farmers And Landowners For Third Year In A Row
16 Jul 2024
Free Movie Night This Friday At Community Park
11 Jul 2024
Washington County Family YMCA Awarded Grant to Continue Substance Free Alternative Events
11 Jul 2024
Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA) Grants Benefit State Parks
10 Jul 2024
SalemLeader.com
Leader Publishing Company of Salem, Inc.
P.O. Box 506
117-119 East Walnut Street
Salem, Indiana. 47167
Phone: 812-883-3281 | Fax: 812-883-4446
Business Hours:
Mondays through Fridays, 9:00am - 5:00pm
News:
news@salemleader.com
Office:
office@salemleader.com
Publisher:
publisher@salemleader.com
Business
- More Business News
- Go To Guide
- Business Directory
- Real Estate
- Auctions
Education
- More Education News
Opinion
- Editorials
- Letters to the Editor
- Columns
- Unsung Heroes
- Days Gone By
- In the Garden
- Guest Columns
- Reader's Poll
- Salem Leader Forum
- Questions and Answers
Church
- Bible Aerobics
- Church News
- Church Directory