Linton annexation set for public hearing May 11

The subject of annexation was brought up during the Monday meeting of the Linton City Council.

Mayor Tom Jones explained that the first public hearing on the matter will be conducted at 7 p.m. on May 11 at Linton City Hall.

Financial advisors and legal counsel will also be in attendance, he noted.

The public hearing will be followed by an informal meeting at 7 p.m. May 14 at city hall for people to bring up concerns and ask questions, he added.

"We think it's very important that those who are interested attend," he said.

An updated map should be available to the public during the meeting on May 14.

"There have been properties removed from the original map," Jones added.

State law allows for the process to begin but it cannot take effect until January 2010, he noted.

Last December, the council agreed to begin the annexation of sections 18 and 19 in Grant Township -- which is located just east of Linton.

In other business, the council agreed to purchase a trash truck totaling $136,469.22.

"It's not really something I wanted to do...but it's simple we're going to spend now or spend later," Jones added, noting a great need for the truck.

In other business, the council granted authority to the park board to move forward with bids for new playground equipment.

The playground equipment at Humphreys Park is in "poor condition," Jones said.

One bid totaling $13,452 -- which includes a swing, turbo tower, slide and rock climbing wall as well as delivery -- has already been received.

The council also passed an ordinance establishing a garbage rate increase -- which will not affect residential or commercial rates but will raise the dumpster rates.

In other business, the council approved the nomination of David Sisk as a member of the Greene County Economic Development Commission.