Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council raises sewer deposit fee for renters to $150.
The new fee aims to cover unpaid bills and reduce issues for landlords.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council raises sewer deposit fee for renters to $150.
- 02Town awards $57,830 bid for septic receiving station.
- 03Council introduces pilot agreement for Richland Senior Citizens Housing expansion.
- 04Redevelopment Commission members reappointed.
- 05Council acknowledges 2025 TIF Management Report.
Written for residents
Summary
The new fee aims to cover unpaid bills and reduce issues for landlords.
The Council voted 4-1 to raise the sewer deposit fee for renters from $100 to $150. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained that the deposit cannot exceed the estimated average payment for a three-month period, which staff estimated at $180. Wastewater Supervisor Jeff Farmer noted that tenants often pay water bills but let sewer bills go into arrears, as sewer service cannot be shut off. Council member William Ellis voted against the increase.
The Town awarded a $57,830 bid to Eric Maston for the septic receiving station. Jeff Farmer, Wastewater Supervisor, stated that Maston was the lowest bidder.
Council introduced an ordinance for a pilot agreement with Richland Senior Citizens Housing, Inc. Carson Hayes, representing the organization, explained plans to build 55 new one-bedroom income-based apartments for residents 62 and older. The $6 to $6.5 million project aims to address a two-year waiting list. The organization requested a property tax exemption through a tax-increment financing district (TIF), noting that as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the property is currently tax-exempt. This first reading means a vote to adopt the ordinance will occur at a later meeting.
Council unanimously reappointed Andrew Henry, Carl Thurman, William Ellis, and Trevor Sager to the Redevelopment Commission. The terms were backdated to January 1, 2026, and one vacancy remains on the commission.
Council unanimously acknowledged the 2025 TIF Management Report. Town Attorney Darla Brown stated that Baker Tilly prepared the report for filing with the Department of Local Government Finance by April 15.
A resident thanked the Street Department for quickly plowing a road for a church event and commended the Council for its forward-thinking approach.
Town Manager Michael Farmer announced a reorganization committee meeting on February 18, followed by a Fire Territory hearing. Town Marshal Jimmie Durnil reported on the swearing-in of the new K9, Frank. Planning Director Denise Line announced a Planning and Zoning sub-committee meeting on February 17. Clerk-Treasurer Noelle Conyer reported that the State Board of Accounts is auditing 2022-2024 financial records and that the annual financial report is due February 28. Council President Scott Oldham reminded residents of upcoming Fire Territory meetings on February 18, February 25, March 11, and March 25.
Check the sources
Where the video and the documents differ
The meeting video and the official documents state different things on the points below. The summary uses the documents' figure, except where a point says the documents' figure could not be read.
Average Sewer Bill Amount
The documents say: $60.00
The video says: $62
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Award Bid for Septic Receiving Station
The bid for the Septic Receiving Station was awarded to Eric Maston as the lowest bidder.
Pay Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
A motion was made and approved to pay Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll.
Approve Acknowledgement of TIF Management Report for 2025
A motion was approved to acknowledge the TIF Management Report for 2025, which is required to be filed with the DLGF by April 15th. The Redevelopment Commission board had previously acknowledged the report.
Ordinance 2026-02 Amending the Sewer Deposit Fee
Ordinance 2026-02 was approved on its second reading, amending the sewer deposit fee for renters from $100 to $150. This was a compromise from an initial proposal of $250, considering the average three-month bill of $180.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Pilot Agreement for Richland Senior Citizens Housing expansion
Estimated: $6,500,000?
Discussion regarding Ordinance 2026-3, which proposes the construction of 55 new one-bedroom income-based apartments for seniors (62 and older). The project is estimated to cost between $6 million and $6.5 million. The request is for property tax exemption through the TIF, which would maintain the current tax-exempt status of the 501c3 non-profit entity, allowing it to receive tax credits. This was the first reading of the ordinance, with approval expected at a subsequent meeting.