The Rushville Common City Council passed both the first and second reading of the City’s utility budget Tuesday evening.

The utility budget was delayed due to the hiring of Les Day as the new superintendent. Day had formerly worked for EMC, the company that held the management contract for the city’s utilities. Beginning January 2010, the city will manage the facilities itself with Day remaining at the helm.

The utility budget, which included no raises for employees in 2010, passed on first reading with a motion by Councilman Mike Buckley and a second by Councilman Allen Shelton. Rules were suspended allowing for a second reading of the budget to pass with a motion by Council president Bill Goins and a second by Shelton.

The Utility Department will come back before the Council to discuss an increase in customer deposits from $50 to $75.

Mayor Bostic introduced Mark Nickel, the new Animal Control officer, to members of the Council. His wife, Sherri, also has been assisting in cleaning up the animal shelter.

“It’s unbelievable the change they’ve made down there in seven days and I’m proud of them,” Bostic said. He also commended Assistant Animal Control officer Stephanie Dennis for her recent efforts.

Bostic announced that work continues to appraise properties for the city to acquire right of ways needed for the 16th Street Project.

Police chief Ron Cameron thanked the many local clubs, organizations and individuals who assisted with funding to both the local police and sheriff’s departments that led to the recent arrests in Rush County on drug and stolen property charges. While grant monies provide much of the funding for investigations, private monies were needed to buy back stolen property and other expenditures which are not allowed under the grant.

“It was very successful and I’m thankful that no one got hurt,” Cameron said.

Fire chief Chuck Jenkins informed the Council that the department’s new mid-platform truck will be taken out of service briefly for repairs. The work to be done falls under the warranty.

Councilwoman Cindy Humphrey, reporting on follow-up she had done in the Lawton Circle area, made a motion to replace two yield signs with stop signs because of the numerous children now living and playing and riding bicycles in the area. The yield signs are on Sycamore and Lawton Circle. Shelton seconded the motion and the motion passed prior to the meeting being adjourned.

Melissa Conrad is a southern Rush County resident and freelance writer. Add a comment to this story at www.rushvillerepublican.com.