Washington’s City Council approved two ordinances and a resolution authorizing a transfer of economic development funds for the city’s support of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation. The first ordinance allowed a revision of the plat of the Gateway Crossing Subdivision. The ordinance was requested to allow the expansion of Huck’s on Washington’s far east side. The Council unanimously approved the re-plat. The second ordinance approved revised the city’s 2026 payroll ordinance to reflect changes in employee certification. The Council also voted to keep fees for the local swimming pool the same for next summer.
In other business, the Council discussed a “will to serve letter” requested by a prospective industry. The Council members all voiced concerns about issuing a letter without the industry answering questions concerning the impact on Washington’s utility grid.
Mayor David Rhoads told the Council he had received a complaint concerning parking problems on South Street near the intersection with East 7th Street. Rhoads said he and the City Street Commissioner would look into the situation.
At the end of the meeting, Mark Myers addressed the council in regard to a problem with one of his rental properties. The tenant had the utilities of the residence in his name and had a problem that resulted in an excessive use of water. Myers admitted that the Utility Department had contacted the renter, but Myers said the renter’s English was not good and he did not understand. Myers said the situation continued, unknown to him, for four months, resulting in a $2,500 unpaid bill. Myers said he was not informed and did not know of the problem until he was notified of potential delinquency proceedings against the property. Stacie Anderson, the Utilities Office Manager, explained that laws prohibited the city from sharing a customer’s bill, in this case the renter, with anyone, including landlords, without legal authorization. The city attorney is looking at state statutes to see what recourse Myers has in this situation.
Following the council meeting, the Board of Works and Safety met, with the main item on the agenda being the opening of bids for the Storm Sewer Improvement Project on Morningside Drive. The city received eight bids ranging from $343,370 to a low bid of $141,981 from Don Gress Construction. The Board voted to award the contract to the low bid. The Board also approved position changes in the Utility Department due to a retirement. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23.
