Homer May
County Reporter
In early session Monday eve, the Warsaw City Council heard Auditor Jon Cummings, with KPM, CPAS & Advisors discuss his recently completed audit of the city's 2022 financial operations. He commented that it's overall revenues were up, but so were expenditures, which nonetheless produced a net surplus for the city exceeding $500,000. He issued a "clean opinion" on the city's overall operations, while noting that inflation may be driving some of its
increased revenues. He ended his presentation with a word of caution on the city's future operations.
The meeting opened at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 26, with Aldermen Eric Flores, Lou Breshears, Reba Slavens, Adam Howe present. Aldermen Doug Hedrick and Rob Coskey were absent. Mayor Eddie Simons presided; City Clerk Jessica Kendall recorded.
First actions by the group were to approve the eve's agenda and minutes of it's June 5 meeting, then agree to pay bills presented. Police Chief Sean McCannon then introduced new police officer Ashley Taylor, whom he said was just out of the police academy and was performing well.
In new business, Aldermen approved two similar ordinances: one adopting the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code for new structures within the city; the second adopting the 2015 International Existing Building Code for structures within the city. Cited as an example of the first code was the recent fire at the Dam Restaurant, which apparently damaged it's electrical system so heavily that its replacement will be treated as a new construction.
Adopted as a resolution was the 2023 2nd quarter financial report for the city. Administrator Randy Pogue noted that the city's sales tax revenues increased better than inflation, and indicated its finances were in very good shape. He also indicated the city has funds to match a $500,000 grant for improvements on South Main St. He suggested a review of the city's building fees, considered low by comparison with such fees charged by some other cities. In conclusion, he spoke of the Pat Peters building project, which is comprised of a vacant lot and the building adjacent to the Yellow Deli. He seemed favorable to Peters' plans.
In late session, the group discussed possible fluoridation of the city water system but decided that further study was needed, then moved into a closed session about 6:50 PM.
Visitors are invited to the open sessions, which are usually held on 1st and 3rd Monday eves.
