From the Bloomington Herald-Times
...
The most recent Benton Township issue centers on a 2011 Ford 4x4 firetruck, Model No. 550, purchased Dec. 28 with a loan secured from Peoples State Bank.
But there was a problem.
While Cohee properly advertised for bids, she did not advertise or follow through with public notice of a remonstrance period, required when a purchase is made that requires a tax increase. If more than 10 taxpayers in a township object, they have a right to attend a public hearing so their concerns can be heard.
“We were not able to find evidence that the process was followed,” said Indianapolis attorney Steve Buschmann, who is helping the township sort out the mess.
Since there was no remonstrance time or hearing, the state Department of Local Government Finance would not approve the tax increase. And that meant there was no money to make the first of two $40,000 payments for 2012, which was due June 30.
The loan repayment schedule was $80,000 per year for five years. In comparison, the township’s total debt appropriation in 2011 was $33,400.
“That is a large increase, especially for our taxpayers,” said Michelle Bright, who was selected to take over after Cohee’s resignation.
She and Buschmann are working with the bank to try to find a resolution.
“We are in discussions with them, but I cannot tell you where we will end up,” Buschmann said.
For now, the fully equipped truck is parked inside a bay at the fire station. “At this point, I do not believe the township is out any money,” Buschmann said. “It is sitting in the fire station, not being used. It is a much better one than they ever had.”
...
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2012/07/17/news.benton-firetruck-caught-in-financial-mess.sto
