Past due sewer bills amount to $27,000 for the town of Holton

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

The Town of Holton is getting tough on those who are behind on their sewer bills. There is now more than $27,000 in past due bills. Some have already been taken to small claims court. Liens will be placed on some of their properties. The cost of their back payments will be put on their property taxes. Sewer rates may have to double for citizens who do pay their sewer bills to make up for those who do not pay.

The top ten worst offenders are: Daniel Beach $3,697.30; John Clark $955.99; Melanie Fields $881.12; Mark Pickett $755.60; Greg Pickett $704.53; Steve Reathford $650.99; Melissa Grigsby $585.52; John Loughan $530.37; Andy Stirn $517.30 and Norma George $512.62.

At the regular meeting of the Holton Town Board Tuesday, October 9, it was noted that the town park will be closing for the winter on October 22. So those who want to enjoy the park have two more weeks to do so. The basketball goal has been fixed and new park benches have been installed. The town is waiting on a state permit before they can start on the new shelter house.

Some ditching has been completed and more is to be done. Town employee, Billey Moore, asked if he could buy a transit to help set the grade for ditching.

The board will permit a benefit to be held for Billy Buchanan at the community center. The regular fees have been waived as a donation.

The financial report listed $130,002 in the town account; $33,766 in the sewer account, and $38,993 in the sewer bond account.

In other business:
• Three new park benches will be installed in front of the community building.
• A Meet and Greet the Holton Candidates Night will be held at the community center on Tuesday, October 23 from 6-8 p.m.
• The painting of the Otter Creek Bridge by Toby Hunter inside the community building has been completed.
• Leaf collection will begin October 23. Citizens are asked to rake their leaves to the road for pick up.
• Holton Holly Days will be held at the community building on November 4 from 1-6 p.m. It is $10 to rent a space.
• Trick or Treat is set for October 31 from 5-7 p.m. The parade will start at 7:30 p.m. at the community building.

All three town board members were present at the meeting: Robert Furst, Wilma Myers, and Ron Palmer. Peggy Furst and Larry Eaton were present to advise the board. The next regular meeting of the Holton Town Board will be Tuesday, November 13 at 9:00 a.m. at the Holton Community Building.


Mural completed in community bldg.
CATHY MAY PHOTO
This mural of the Otter Creek Covered Bridge has now been painted on a wall inside the Holton Community Building as a permanent reminder of the town's rich history. The painting was created by Toby Hunter from Batesville.