PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TAXING QUESTIONS … Resident John Doyle questions Delta Village Council members during a public hearing at the body’s most recent meeting regarding the village’s proposed annual bulk trash pickup levy, which will appear on the November ballot.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
A levy appearing on the ballot next month to cover the approximately $20,000 per year cost for annual bulk trash pickup drew several comments during a public hearing on the matter at the Delta Village Council’s last meeting.
According to a recent letter issued by Village Administrator Chris Frazer, the 0.25-mil levy would cost residents $9 per $100,000 valuation.
Several residents asked questions about the service, including resident John Doyle, who questioned why the council chose to renew the service on an annual basis rather than locking in higher prices.
Councilman Robert Shirer explained the village had only been running the program for a handful of years, and with fewer residents using the service over time, it gave them the option of canceling the program for one or more years if it was deemed unnecessary.
Shirer also said that was part of the reason behind putting a levy on the ballot for the service, to give residents an opportunity to vote on whether they wanted to keep the service or not.
He said the cost of the service could have been added as a fee on residents’ water bills without the village having to seek any approval from anyone, but that this gave them the opportunity to help make the decision.
Another pair of residents argued against the service, while two more shared their support, leaving the attendees who spoke roughly split on the subject.
Shirer added when questioned that the village is still pursuing a grant that could cover the cost of the program, but he noted that it only covered one year compared to the five years of the levy, and that there was no guarantee they would be awarded the funds.
VACTOR TRUCK REPLACEMENT
Council members discussed their options for the replacement of the village’s vacuum truck, which is nearing the end of its lifespan.
The 25-year-old truck was purchased from the county five years ago as a “band-aid” option until a new truck could be bought. It is now expected to fail at any time.
According to village estimates, it would cost between $65,000 and $75,000 to replace the motor, about $5,500 per month to rent a replacement, and $500,000 or more to purchase a new vehicle.
Public Utilities Department head Jammie Flores said she is seeking official estimates on the cost to rent, buy new, or buy a near-new truck. She said the current plan is to use the truck until it dies and then rent a truck until a new one can be obtained.
Frazer said he did not know if there were any vehicle purchase funds available in the current year’s budget. He said he was meeting with a representative from an Indiana firm that rents the trucks the morning after the council meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Council members approved on first reading an annual contract with the Public Defenders Commission of Fulton County to represent indigent defendants in “ordinance only” cases filed by the village.
Council members approved on an emergency basis several supplemental appropriations for the current fiscal year.
Council members approved the waiving of certain sewer fees for a village resident who suffered an issue that resulted in a large amount of water flowing into their backyard and not into the wastewater system.
Council members approved the October 6 meeting’s minutes after being informed by an attendee that the minutes they had voted to approve at the beginning of the meeting were actually from the September 15 meeting due to a typographical error in the agenda.
Council members nominated and voted to approve new council member Sean Griewahn as the finance committee chair.
The committee had previously been chaired by Lynn Frank, whose term Griewahn was appointed to complete.
Council members approved a new wage scale for the Public Utilities Department to separate it from the pay scales of other departments and to officially remove the old pay scale.
Council members, having previously approved a 7 percent raise for Public Utilities Department employees due to them operating both the water and wastewater facilities, approved the implementation of the raise via a bonus covering back pay from when they began their dual duties in February until the date of the meeting, and for their raise to become effective on all subsequent paychecks. Councilman Tony Dawson cast the sole dissenting vote.
Council members briefly discussed repairs to the skate park, which has been fenced off since a resident reported damage to the ramps, creating a risk to users and liability for the village.
Police Chief Samuel Chappell reported there has been a rash of drivers found to be operating vehicles with license plates from other vehicles not owned by the drivers.
Law Director Kevin Heban reported he would be bringing proposed ordinances on electric vehicles, fire hydrants, and food trucks to be voted on at the next council meeting.
A resident of Taylor Street reported cracks in the road he requested be sealed before the winter to avoid further damage to the road.
Council members held an executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss employee compensation, but no action was taken after the session related to the discussion.
The next regular meeting of the Delta Village Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at 401 Main Street in Delta.