Council advances hydrant‑fee ordinance over objections, 4–3 vote to second reading

Staff presented an ordinance to move public fire‑protection costs — commonly called the hydrant fee — from the town general fund to customer billing via Indiana American Water. Staff said Clarksville currently pays more than $427,000 a year for public fire protection services to Indiana American Water, a cost that has been absorbed by the town previously but is now creating budget pressure.

Council debate focused on whether the town should pass the fee to customers or find internal savings first. One council member urged internal cuts and said she could not vote for another fee until staff demonstrated other savings; another member said the fee would relieve the town’s strained fire territory budget. Councilwoman Henderson moved the ordinance; Stotts seconded. After discussion, the motion to advance the ordinance to a second reading passed on a 4–3 voice vote. The clerk treasurer and staff indicated mechanics of billing and bank processing still needed finalization before implementation.

Provenance: discussion and motion begin SEG 1389 and vote recorded by SEG 1610.