Logansport council approves stormwater rate changes and a slate of resolutions including tree purchases and paving funding

The Logansport Common Council on July 6 approved a set of budget and operational measures, including a first reading to restructure stormwater rates and several resolutions moving forward city purchases and transfers.

Stormwater rates: Harold explained the proposed ordinance (2026‑21) to revise the stormwater district rate structure. He said the city identified 723 commercial and industrial nonresidential customers and proposed expanding size categories to provide more equitable charges — adding a 0–4,000 square‑foot category and using residential‑unit multipliers for nonresidential tiers. Harold said the city will mail notices to the 723 customers, show their measured impervious area and allow 90 days for questions or third‑party measurements. The ordinance passed on its first reading and a public hearing will be advertised.

Resolutions and votes: The council adopted multiple resolutions: 2026‑121 (process for acquiring golf carts for 2027) passed 6–1; 2026‑122 (transfer appropriations for Board of Works) was amended to reallocate a hospitalization line and add $21,455 for workers’ compensation and then adopted; 2026‑123 (non‑reverting golf course budget transfer) passed after brief questions about remaining irrigation funds; 2026‑124 (amend GEO bond fund appropriations to cover higher paving bids) passed 6–1 after council debate about a low bid exceeding the budgeted amount; 2026‑125 (allocate funds for sidewalk stencils) and 2026‑126 (purchase boulevard trees from Spring Creek) passed unanimously.

Paving debate: On Resolution 2026‑124 council members discussed a recent low bid that exceeded the budgeted paving appropriation (budgeted $150,000; low bid reported around $159,000). Councilman Dave Morris described consulting Jeff Smith of the county highway department about a chip‑and‑seal alternative that could be substantially cheaper (rough estimate discussed ~ $45,000 for certain work); councilors asked staff to seek county estimates and consider longevity and traffic suitability before changing the procurement approach. Despite the discussion, the amended GEO bond fund appropriation passed.

Administration and closing: The council approved prior minutes, heard brief committee and parks updates (including boulevard trees purchased through the infrastructure miscellaneous fund), received no additional public comments, and adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2026‑18 first reading — passed 6–1; Ordinance 2026‑9 first reading — passed 4–3; Ordinance 2026‑20 first reading — passed 5–2; Ordinance 2026‑21 first reading — passed (unanimous roll call recorded); Resolutions 2026‑121 through 2026‑126 — all adopted (see meeting record for individual tallies).