Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council approves $182,834 for DPW road and infrastructure work.
The funds will help pave streets not covered by a state grant and support in-house projects.
Highlights
Key Highlights
- 01Council approves $182,834 for DPW road and infrastructure work.
- 02Water rates will increase to reflect higher wholesale costs.
- 03Police Department receives $111,031 for overtime and an officer position.
- 04Fire Department receives $53,000 for overtime due to open positions.
- 05Council approves annexation of 47.86 acres on West Woodyard Road.
- 06Three-way stop added at South Ridge Lane, North Sycamore, and North Wallace Harmon Way.
Written for residents
Summary
The funds will help pave streets not covered by a state grant and support in-house projects.
The council approved $182,834 for the Department of Public Works (DPW). This money will help pave streets not covered by the Community Crossings matching grant, a state program for local roads. The funds come from the Motor Vehicle Highway (MVH) fund, the town's main road-money account.
The council approved an ordinance to change water rates. This wholesale water tracker cost ordinance will adjust rates to reflect increased costs from the City of Bloomington Utilities. The change is a pass-through to cover the higher per-thousand-gallon rate the town pays.
The Police Department received $111,031 for additional overtime. This covers shifts due to an unfilled officer position and upcoming events. These funds come from the Local Income Tax (LIT) Public Safety fund.
The Fire Department received $53,000 for additional overtime. This covers shifts due to two open full-time positions, injuries, illnesses, and an increase in calls for service. The funds come from the Local Economic Development fund.
The Clerk's Department received $59,000 for additional appropriation. This money will cover miscellaneous professional services, including work by Baker Tilly.
The Planning Department received $35,072 for two projects. This includes an update to the Heritage Trail plan due to a change in routing. It also covers work by Taylor Seaffort and Williams Design Group to update the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), comprehensive plan, and zoning map for the town reorganization, the proposed merger of the town and Richland Township.
The council approved the voluntary annexation of 47.86 acres. These parcels are located at 5326 and 5328 West Woodyard Road. The approval is conditional upon the township board also approving the annexation.
An ordinance was approved to add a three-way stop. This new stop intersection will be at South Ridge Lane, North Sycamore, and North Wallace Harmon Way.
The council transferred $29,566.82 from the MVH Restricted fund. This money will go to the Local Roads and Bridge Matching Fund. It represents the town's portion for a Community Crossings matching grant.
The Police Department moved $22,000 from its vehicles and equipment budget. These funds will be used for radar arms and equipment.
The council transferred $10,000 from property and liability and fleet insurance. These funds will be used for paving the approach to Fire Station 81 on Curry Pike. This is a temporary repair until a new building is planned.
The council approved a contract for Copic SLT LLC. Rick Copic provides engineering services to the town for $750 a month. This includes an hourly rate of $100 against the retainer for design and stormwater planning.
The council discussed upcoming budget meetings. They plan to approve a consolidated budget for the proposed reorganization. If the reorganization does not pass, the budget would be quickly scaled down. Council members requested the budget be sent to the township board for comment before their vote.
The Deputy Chief reported on the wastewater plant, built in 1995. The plant is experiencing age-related problems, including a clarifier that needs replacement. A full replacement could cost half a million dollars.
A tire amnesty day will be held on September 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Residents can bring passenger car or light truck tires. A council member expressed concern about the number of additional appropriations so far this year.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll Vouchers
Motion to approve the payment of accounts payable and payroll vouchers.
Resolution 13-2026 Transfer of Funds and Appropriations MVH Restricted to Local Roads and Bridge Matching Fund
Transfer of funds from MVH restricted to the local roads and bridge matching fund to cover the town's portion of the Community Crossings Matching Grant.
Resolution 14-2026 Clerk's Department Additional Appropriation
Additional appropriation for miscellaneous professionals (Baker Tilly - $59,000), Monroe County Animal Control contract increase ($9,142), Fields and Company communications contract ($27,300), and a server update ($6,325) split with DPW.
Resolution 15-2026 DPW Department Additional Appropriation
Additional appropriation to help pay for street paving work not covered by the Community Crossings grant and other additional work. The total appropriation for the resolution is $182,834.09, which includes $147,834.09 in grant money.
Resolution 16-2026 Fire Department Additional Appropriation
Additional appropriation to cover overtime costs due to open positions, injuries/illnesses, and increased calls for service.
Resolution 17-2026 Police Department Additional Appropriation
Additional appropriation for $55,000 for overtime due to an unfilled position and upcoming events, and an additional amount for an officer spot due to a recent retirement.
Resolution 18-2026 Planning Department Additional Appropriation
Additional appropriation for a Heritage Trail plan update ($35,072) and for Taylor Seaffort and Williams Design Group to update the UDO, comprehensive plan, and zoning map for town reorganization ($29,425).
Resolution 19-2026 Transfer of Funds and Appropriation for the Police Department
Transfers include $2,000 from uniforms and gear to physicals and testing, $22,000 from vehicles and equipment to radar arms and equipment, and $3,319.50 ($2,000 from police body armor and $1,319.50 from tasers and camera equipment) to building maintenance for an AC repair bill.
Resolution 20-2026 to Adopt a Resolution for Fiscal Plan Daniel Rary Revocable Trust
Adoption of the fiscal plan for the annexation petition of Daniel Rary's property.
Resolution 21-2026 Transfer Funds and Appropriation for Town Improvements
Transfer of $10,000 from property and liability and fleet insurance (surplus) to town improvements for paving the approach/parking area at Fire Station 81.
Ordinance 2026-11 Wholesale Water Tracker Cost Ordinance to Change Water Rates by Ellettsville Municipal Water Utility
Ordinance to change water rates to reflect increased wholesale water costs from the City of Bloomington Utilities, acting as a pass-through mechanism.
Contract Approval for Copic SLT LLC
Approval of a retainer contract for engineering services with Rick Copic, including stormwater planning, tech reviews, and design assistance.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Wastewater Plant Clarifier Replacement
Estimated: $500,000
The wastewater plant, built in 1995, is experiencing age problems. A clarifier recently failed and was repaired for $5,500, but a total replacement is estimated to cost $500,000 in the near future. Other original components like oxidation ditch rotors and valves are also showing age. The plant has approximately $1 million in a jointly funded bank account.