Clermont Delays Signing Fire Contract

(posted Dec 12)

The Clermont Town Council delayed passing the 2009 fire contract with Wayne Township for a second time until the provision concerning false alarm fines are thoroughly defined. Currently the contract states false alarms will be covered as per "Indiana law."

Council President Bob Hinshaw wants the fine amount to be specified and the number of false alarms allowed before being fined. He wanted to know exactly what the township policy is on false alarms.

Attorney Robert Lutz also recommended language be inserted to make sure the alarm owner is fined, and not the town.

The 2009 proposed fire contract is $337,918, down from the 2008 contract of $358,000.

Lutz said the amount is lower this year because last year the township tried to recoup its cost from not including financial institution, auto excise and aircraft taxes into the 2007 contract. He said the town should be receiving a larger portion of County Option Income Tax that can be directed to fire and police use. Lutz thinks there will be sufficient funds to cover the 2009 contract.

Hinshaw said the town will have a meeting December 29 at 6:30 pm to transfer funds. The council also needs to pass a salary ordinance so employees can be paid in 2009. The town has not been able to pay for the 2008 fire contract because of late distributions from the tax reassessment.