Richmond Common Council members must decide whether the city’s police or fire department will be put under a microscope first. Those two public safety departments and the parks department — three large annual budgets — were identified for efficiency studies performed by Baker Tilly, the city’s municipal consultant. Ordinances for the parks study and the […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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County selects financial advisor for upcoming challenges
Wayne County Council selected C.L. Coonrod & Company to serve as its financial advisor amid the changing state financial landscape. Four companies had pitched their services to council, and during the joint council and commissioners workshop July 22, council unanimously voted to engage the Indianapolis-based Coonrod. The full proposal could cost $24,500 this year and […]
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County budget already ‘on the right track’
For about five hours July 22, Wayne County department heads and elected officials made modest budget requests to the county council members who control county finances. There were unavoidable increases, such as for dues, travel or increasing maintenance contracts, but requests for new positions were completely absent. By comparison, in 2022 council received 13 requests […]
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City advances TIF district for AP Development
Richmond continues on track toward helping AP Development use tax increment finance dollars to help finance its Legacy on Main redevelopment project. During its July 22 meeting, the Richmond Advisory Plan Commission approved a Richmond Redevelopment Commission declaratory resolution that would remove seven AP Development properties along East Main Street from the original downtown TIF […]
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Wetzel, Detroit dealer bid to provide RPD 6 vehicles
A Detroit, Michigan, dealer bid $20,000 less than Wetzel Ford to supply Richmond Police Department with six vehicles. The Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety opened the bids from Bob Maxey Ford and Wetzel Ford during its July 16 meeting. Bob Maxey bid $275,670, and Wetzel Ford bid $295,854. The bidding process includes a […]
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County explores new health records system
An improved electronic medical records system that also saves money could present a win-win situation for the Wayne County Department of Health. Dan Burk, director of the health department, has explored EMR systems, including the MyVisit system that the Indiana Department of Health uses. Jeremy Elias, founder and CEO of Kansas City-based TrackMy Solutions, presented […]
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RP&L proposes phased power bill surge
Anticipating future growth, Richmond Power & Light has proposed phased rate changes that would cost a 1,000-kilowatt-hour residential customer about $14 extra each month in 2029. The proposal follows a cost of service study by NextGen Strategies & Solutions that determined revenue necessary for RP&L to remain financially sound and prepare for its future. The […]
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Senior center will again welcome Girls Inc.
Richmond Senior Recreation Center will again see an infusion of youth once the new school year begins. Girls Inc. will use the senior center for after-school activities until its storm-damaged building is ready for use. During its July 9 meeting, the Richmond Parks and Recreation Board approved changing its facility use agreement so Girls Inc. […]
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Church’s renovation work to impact South E Street traffic
Renovation work at LifeSpring church will close a portion of South E Street through mid-September. During its July 9 meeting, the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved the closure of eastbound South E Street in front of the church, which is at South E and South Seventh streets. The closure was scheduled for […]
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Mobile home residents request council’s help
Some Mobile Manor residents fear they can’t afford rate hikes they expect from the mobile home park’s new owners. When addressing Richmond Common Council on July 6, Ron McFadden, president of the Richmond Mobile Manor Residents Association, advocated the city adopt an ordinance protecting mobile home park residents. At least 16 other residents from the […]