Sellersburg looking to cut costs

Clark County

Discussion

June 23, 2009

Consolidation of offices could save money, but create problems

BY BRADEN LAMMERS The News and Tribune Tue Jun 23, 2009, 10:51 AM EDT

The Sellersburg Town Council will look to other local models and wait for a workshop presentation before determining whether or not it will consolidate its utilities billing office into the clerk’s office.

The move to consolidate instead of hiring a new employee — ordinance 2009-019 — would likely save the town council money.

“We’re going to have start figuring out how to cut some corners,” said Councilman James LaMaster. “It’s coming. We’re going to have to cut corners someplace.”

Saving money by consolidation may not meet the approval of the council.

“I just like the idea of keeping it separate,” said council member Paul Rhodes. “Why I like them separate is because it gives me clear oversight and understanding of what goes on in the clerk’s office. By not combining them, we can continue to provide a streamlined, efficient service.”

Included in the council’s discussion, was the fact that the council has tried to consolidate billing in the clerk’s office in the past, but it was unsuccessful. Flaws in the previous administration were cited as the main cause of the failure.

To reduce costs, cuts already have been made, said town utilities manager Ken Alexander .

“For the work force’s point of view, we have been cutting back and going to as thin as a group as we can, in order to meet those goals ” he said. “We believe that we have done more to [help] the problem than what is required of us. We used to have 26 [employees]; we’re down to 18.”

Alexander warned the council that eventually — if billing is handed over the clerk’s office — there will be little to no control and oversight of the process.

“Once he becomes the person in charge, you give up every right as council members to dictate how that office is run,” Alexander said. “Dave [Kinder, town clerk] will not be like that, but will he be here in 10 or 15 years?

“You’ve got an office that is directly responsible to the people and is also directly representative to five council members. This kind of change will change that.”

The clerk’s office and the public works office — which runs the billing office — will present proposals and figures to the town council before its next meeting July 13.

In other business

• Police Chief Russ Whelan brought up complaints restricting live entertainment to perform at two local establishments. The businesses in question are zoned as B1 businesses and must receive special exemptions — through a request to the town council — to be able to have live acts. Both establishments planned live entertainment this past weekend and were informed they were not properly zoned. If either business allows live entertainment without a proper exemption, it is subject to a misdemeanor charge and a fine of no less than $100.

• Properties that may be annexed into Sellersburg could qualify for special tax abatements, according to town attorney, William “Perry” McCall III. The abatements will be approved if the territories meet several, specific requirements. The areas up for annexation include Covered Bridge, Sterling Oaks and the Willows. The areas that are approved for annexation will be divided, so that the population for one district will not be substantially disproportionate to another.

• A proposal to create a commission to regulate adult entertainment businesses was discussed, but dismissed in favor of the town council and police left to regulate said businesses.

“I want, as a council, to say we don’t want that in the Councilman Michael Lockhart.

• An amendment to Ordinance 2009-018 was approved allowing for Nolan Fieldhouse to hire additional seasonal employees, as required, so long as it does not exceed its outlined budget.

• A requested donation for Sellersburg Celebrates! was approved by the town council in the amount of $5,000. The money will come from the council’s promotions fund.