New Carlisle to expand welcome packet, add city map and seek sponsorships for newsletter

City staff told the New Carlisle City Council on Aug. 4 that they are expanding the city’s welcome packet for new residents to include additional inserts, a city map and a mayor’s or council welcome letter.

City staff reported the current packet is provided at the utilities counter when someone turns on water service; the packet already includes a tool‑lending brochure, online water‑pay instructions, Rumpke service information, a HyperReach sign‑up form, the water‑and‑sewer application, income‑tax materials and lead‑status paperwork. Staff said nine new residents have recently turned on utilities in two developments.

Staff said they plan to add a printed city map — being designed by a local vendor — and a printed welcome letter from the mayor or council. The administration will print interim packets locally and prepare professionally printed packets in January 2026. Staff proposed asking local businesses for donations or gift certificates to include in a commemorative packet and said councilman Mr. Moore is working on outreach to establish a chamber of commerce.

City Attorney Mr. Jeffreys confirmed staff researched legal limits and advised the city to solicit commercial sponsorships while following counsel’s guidance; council said solicitations should focus on local businesses but be open to any interested advertiser. Staff also said they will include inserts for the no‑knock registry and finance/service‑department details. Expansions beyond the current packet would be discussed in the 2026 budget process.

Council members suggested recruiting college journalism students to write articles and soliciting in‑kind donations from local businesses to limit city costs. No funding commitment was made at the Aug. 4 meeting.