Public Meetings

Bluffton's 2013 budget of $4.3 million received council's okay on Monday. The budget is required to be passed by law in July. It is an approximate figure used in determining actual village appropriations, which must be passed by Dec. 31.

According to Nancy Kindle, village fiscal officer, the estimated 2013 budget is very close to the 2012 budget.

She told council that she does not expect much change in revenue from 2012 to 2013, nor expense changes during the period.

Bluffton's most ambitious infrastructure projects in several years will begin place soon. On Monday evening Bluffton council will act on accepting two water main replacement projects. The two projects total nearly three-quarters of a million dollars.

They involve Lawn Avenue-Jackson Street-Grove streets, and Mound-Cherry streets water main replacements.

Two teachers were offered contracts during a special meeting of the Bluffton school board on July 5.

Kevin King, Bluffton, was hired as Spanish teacher at Bluffton High School. He received a one-year contract (MA step 6), $44,383. He replaces Julie Heckman who resigned.

Ashley Steveley, Wapakoneta, was hired as BHS intervention specialist. She received a one-year contract (MA step 4), $41,302. She replaces Karen Kussmaul, who retired.

According to Greg Denecker, Bluffton superintendent, these two hiring complete the vacancies at Bluffton for 2012-13.

South Main Street and North Dixie Highway's water and sewer projects are "99 percent complete," according to Jamie Mehaffie, village administrator.

He announced that in his report to Bluffton council on June 25. He added that property owners will soon receive notice that their sanitary sewer is ready to be tapped into.

"We will work with the Allen County Health Department on coordinating inspections as properties abandon their existing septic systems and connect to the sanitary sewer's main line," he said.

The yearly evaluation of the superintendent and treasurer, several new teacher hirings, lunch prices and a long list of substitute contracts are on the June 21 school board agenda.

The board will act upon the following new certified employees:

Janelle Bogart - Teacher
1 Year Contract, MA - Step 6, $44,383.00

Kelly Yarnell - Teacher
1 Year Contract, BA - Step 6, $39,409.00

Linda Sycks - Teacher
1 Year Contract, MA - Step 6, $44,383.00

Brigette Hoff - Teacher
1 Year Contract, MA - Step 12, $53,626.00

The Apollo board of education will meet on Monday, June 25. One of the points of action is to consider administrative salaries.

To read the entire board agenda, open the attachment at the bottom of this story.

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