Public Hearing held for approximately $750,000 stormwater project for Oolitic

OOLITIC – A public hearing for a grant application for a proposed $750,000 stormwater project was conducted Monday evening at the Oolitic Fire Station.

Michelle Carrico, program manager of Southern Indiana Development Commission explained the project to attendees.

Two areas in Oolitic are being considered for this grant. The two areas include Hall and Mathis avenues, as well as 6th and Oak streets.

According to Carrico, the total cost for the project is $750,000 of that $600,000 will be paid for from the grant. The remaining $150,000 will be paid by the Town of Oolitic.

In order for the Town of Oolitic to pay for their portion, town officials will seek a State Revolving Loan.

According to officials, no one will be displaced by the project, however, some easements will be needed.

Following the public hearing Town Council President Tangie Jenkins proposed a new stormwater fee of $9.00 to help pay for the loan.

Resident Jim Jenkins stated ” I am opposed to starting low and have to increase again in the future and proposed the fee to be $10.”

Those who attended agreed and the motion was made to propose the fee at $10.00 a month. The town council voted to raise the fee to $10.