By LINDA HOSKINS
for The Post & Mail
   Whitley County Economic Development Corp. President Alan Tio attended Tuesday’s meeting of the South Whitley town board and appointed South Whitley resident Joe Kessie to the economic development board as the town’s representative.
   “Kessie knows the community well and hopefully he can develop new business growth,” Tio said.
   Kessie is senior vice president and region manager of community banking with Lake City Bank in Warsaw. Kessie and his wife Darci have two children, Taylor and Kaitlin, who both attend Hope College in Holland, Mich.
   “I’m looking forward to working more with the town,” said Kessie.
   In other business, judging for the annual Christmas lighting contest, which is sponsored by South Whitley Utilities and the South Whitley Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 19. The council will re-visit sponsorship for next year.
   Clerk-Treasurer Mitch Winger reported on the town’s budget for the new year, stating there are minor adjustments and very little change in the tax rate.
   “The budget looks really good for next year, with our rainy day fund being $67,697,” Winger said.
   With the upcoming rate increase and hoping to save on expenses, Winger has concerns on delinquent notices, which are sent out monthly. The town has approximately 990 customers, and 170 to 190 of these customers receive notices every month.
   “Some customers think these delinquent notices are bills, and they don’t pay until they get the notice,” said Winger. “Maybe we should charge a late fee in hopes they will get caught up.”
   Council President Tonya Porter suggested raising the delinquent fee. Town attorney Greg Hockemeyer will research the legalities on this issue and come up with options at the next meeting.
   In old business, Winger reported on the police department having sufficient funds to justify two new rifles and one additional Taser for the officers. With the total cost estimated between $4,000 to $5,000, the board approved the purchase.
   “Crime is up, (so) each officer needs their own rifle, plus the federal government is pushing this issue,” said Sgt. Michael Vandevender.
   Utilities manager Dennis Eberhart reported on the storm water separation project. Bids will be accepted beginning the end of January with construction to start in the spring.
   The next board meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22.