MEMORANDA
SHIPSHEWANA TOWN COUNCIL
FINANCIAL PLANNING WORKSHOP
JANUARY 22, 2020 2:00 P.M.
SHIPSHEWANA TOWN HALL
Roger D. Yoder Council Room
345 N. Morton Street
Shipshewana, IN 46565
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Tad T. Hite
Council Members were provided with a packet from the LaGrange County Community Foundation, a presentation will be made by the foundation at the February 13, 2020 Council meeting. Council Members also received a December 31, 2019 Fund Report, a 2020 Action Plan from Financial Solutions Group, Inc. and an e-mail from the Council President regarding the LaGrange County Community Foundation. The purpose of the meeting is to establish goals, assignments, and accountability as we work together to develop a plan for the creation of the 2021 Budget.
There was consensus to reauthorize the CCD Fund at the maximum rate of 5%, to further research paying off the Storm Water Bonds or transferring money to cover the Bond payments for 2021. The implementation of a Fire Territory is currently on hold and will be at least 1 year down the road. Discussion followed regarding new hires, the growth quotient and what funds have a tax rate. The need to meet with the Department Heads to update the CIP as it feeds into the sustainability analysis and to receive input from Department Heads for the 2021 Budget. Council Members were asked to have 5 ideas regarding the use of monies in the Unrestricted Gift Fund by March 1st. There was discussion regarding transparency to the public, operating and capital expenses along with special projects. The need to have revenue available for matching grants for roads and other infrastructure projects along with economic development and the effect establishment of a Fire Territory would have on tax rates. There is a moratorium on natural gas that could affect area growth. The need for a parcel by parcel review for non-residential property to update storm water rates was pointed out. The unique wastewater rate structure was discussed along with the multi-million-dollar cost for future plant improvements. Annexation possibilities and contiguity requirements were discussed along with the need to revisit the possibility of a 1% regional sales tax, living wage jobs, commercial development and tax abatements.
MOTION: A motion passed to adjourn the meeting.
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Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Council Vice-President C. Arlene Lazzaro, Council Member
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Elmer J. Mast, Council Member Joshua A. Weimer, Council Member
ATTEST:
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Ruth Ann Downey, Clerk-Treasurer
