BATESVILLE, Ind. – Batesville City Council approved the transfer of $1 million in surplus funds from the Batesville Gas Utility to the City’s General Fund.
City officials say Monday’s move is to correctly follow a decades-old statute that governs the management of utility funds.
As part of the transfer, Water & Gas Utility Service Board member Hank Pictor asked the City to consider the purchase of aquifer property on the Whitewater River in Franklin County for approximately $500,000.
Pictor said the property could serve as a long-term solution for water supply.
“Water is the new gold, everybody is concerned about the water supply and we have looked at a lot of different options,” Pictor explained. “Batesville is going to grow and we want to be ready. We’re ready now but we also want to be ready ten years from now.”
Mayor Rick Fledderman reminded, “There is no water crisis, the board is looking ahead and coming up with a long term water plan.”
Fledderman added that further consideration and meetings will be held before the City would move forward with the purchase.
The additional 500-thousand dollars of the transfer is dedicated to a donation to Ivy Tech Community College.
Other news and notes from Monday’s meeting:
– Batesville Dog Park Committee member Amanda Garlock provided an update to council members on the current status of the dog park. Garlock said they are looking to obtain parking bumpers, water fountains and benches in the near future.
Garlock said, “It turns out we have a lot more dog lovers in Batesville than we expected!”
-City Council is supporting the sixth production of Batesville’s Got Talent by approving a $1,000 Belterra Fund request. Mayor’s Youth Council members Kira Hertel, Taylor Myers, and Maggie Schwettman said funds raised during the event will go toward the new Safe Passage playground that recently burnt down.
-Drones in Batesville? The topic was addressed at November’s board meeting. Batesville resident Jeff Scheel was in attendance Monday and explained he is responsible for the drones. He is a self-described hobbyist and uses the technology for aerial photo work for local businesses and event requests.
