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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, March 19th, 2024.
Later in the program, WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull speaks with environmental advocate Marcia Veldman, founder of the South Central Indiana chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production of WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.
But first, your local headlines:
Ellettsville Town Council
At the Ellettsville Town Council meeting on March 11th, Fire Chief Kevin Patton presented an award to Firefighter and E-M-T Matthew Seibott for administering life saving first aid at the site of a car crash that occurred in February.
Later in the meeting, Town Attorney Darla Brown explained the water rate approval the town received from the Indiana Regulatory Committee, the rate the town requested was not approved, but a slight increase in rates was approved by the committee.
Town Manager Mike Farmer explained that this is phase one of the water rate increase. He walked through some examples of what their average customers’ bill will look like.
The council unanimously approved the water rate increase.
Next, the council discussed funding for Rural Transit.
Monroe County Council Member Trent Deckard spoke to the town council, asking them to approve the continuation of funding for the service.
Monroe County Commissioner Julie Thomas implored the council to assist with funding, even if the budget is tight.
Area 10 Agency on Aging Executive Director Chris Meyers outlined the cost of running the service in Ellettsville until the end of 2024.
During public comment, many Ellettsville Residents shared how they rely on Rural Transit.
Ellettsville Resident Mary Haik said she lives outside of the limits of Bloomington Transportation services, and explained that she would lose her independence if she lost access to Rural Transit.
Council Member Dan Swafford said that this decision is one of the most important he has ever made during his time on the council, and asked his fellow council members to approve its funding.
Council Member William Ellis said that he was hopeful funding for the service could come from E-D L-I-T revenue.
Council Member Scott Oldham said that it is difficult because the town has never run a bus service and doesn’t have a budget for it.
The council voted to amend their Memorandum of Understanding with Rural Transit to extend their services until the money they have already set aside is depleted. Oldham said they will revisit how to fund it further after they receive firm numbers on what they expect to receive from the Economic Development Local Income Tax. The council will revisit their funding strategy at the next meeting.
The Ellettsville Town Council will meet again on March 25th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull speaks with environmental advocate Marcia Veldman, founder of the South Central Indiana chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, the state’s first CCL chapter. Veldman discusses her activism, her background and how to best respond to the climate crisis. She also touches on a legislative effort to expand the boundaries of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area. This interview will be broadcast on Eco Report, our environmental affairs program airing each Friday at 5 p.m. on WFHB. We turn now to that interview.
Up next, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production of WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Robert Shull.
Lil Bub’s Lil Show is produced by Christine Brackenhoff and Stacy Bridavsky.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
