Liberty Town Council reviewed and approved tap-ins for three homes on Treaty Line Road at its Aug. 15 meeting.

The board had discussed the request at its Aug. 1 meeting where both board members and town utility superintendent Matt Reuss had concerns about the town hooking up additional homes to an existing water line. The line was installed in the early 1970s with the intention of providing water to homes expected in the future, but the topography and pipe material put the town at risk of liability if problems occur. LTC requested the owner of the water line attend the Aug. 15 meeting.

While the owner was not present, an owner of one of the parcels requesting water service was in attendance and revealed he hoped to break ground on new construction soon and a lack of town water was a problem he did not anticipate.

Liberty clerk-treasurer Melissa Shepler explained to the board she had discussed their concerns with town legal counsel Jim Williams, who agreed the town could be held liable if the line was damaged. Shepler and Williams discussed getting together with the owner of the line to discuss it.

LTC vice-president Keith Bias noted the town does not have an easement for the line; board president Matt Barnhizer replied an easement will need to be written and reviewed by Williams. Barnhizer presented an alternate option he discussed with Reuss and Williams, which is to run a new line from the main on S.R. 44, although it would cost more due to the depth required. 

Barnhizer asked Shepler if Reuss had sought any prices to run it from the main. Shepler replied he had a bid, but she was not sure if the project would need to be bid out or if it could be done in house. Barnhizer suggested the board approve the three tap-ins and figure out whether to utilize the private line or run a new line from the main later. Bias suggested running a line from the main so they will know what they're dealing with. After some discussion, Bias made a motion to authorize the new taps utilizing a new line from the main, the board voted to approve.

Also discussed:
-LTC approved a street closure request by the Union County Historical Society for its upcoming Depot Days, pending submission of proof of insurance.

-Kennady Jenkins presented a request to close Union Street for Trick or Treat, to increase pedestrian safety, an idea that has gained support among local parents. Bias expressed concern about the insurance liability of such a street closure, as most street closures are sponsored by an organization that is responsible for holding event insurance, he is otherwise in favor of the closure. Shepler agreed to check with Williams.

-Shepler presented the board with the latest calculations for the 2023 budget with an eye on employee salaries. Council member Derrek Jenkins voiced his support for an eight percent raise, with which council member Dereck Tipton agreed. Tipton asked his peers what they thought about a $5,000 raise for Shepler on top of the eight percent. While LTC distributed raises for town employees earlier in the year, Shepler's pay can only be changed in the annual budget due to her position as an elected official. Jenkins and Bias agreed with Tipton's suggestion.

Barnhizer inquired about the current inflation rate. Shepler replied 8.6%; Barnhizer suggested calculating the budget with a nine percent cost-of-living increase.