The Etna Green Town Council members voted to purchase an empty building that used to house Interra Credit Union during their meeting on November 13 despite some community opposition. Council members Kevin Smith II and Keith Claassen supported the purchase price of $115,000 with the intent to move the town hall into the space.
Presenting the proposal was town attorney, Jay Rigdon, who informed those present that it was against the law to house the town offices and the fire department in the same building.
Ten citizens attended the meeting to ask questions such as how the purchase could affect tax rates, cost of maintenance and utilities, and if there had been efforts to market to other banks.
Local resident Paul Sharkey read a letter from Suzie Klinefelter who was out of town and could not attend the meeting. Attached to the letter was a petition from 154 residents who were opposing the proposed purchase. Klinefelter said, “Why do we need another building for the town to maintain?” The town already owns four other buildings.” Referring to the petition, she said, “I only did what the town should’ve done in the first place, and that’s talk to residents. This should be a community decision, not a decision made by a few people.”
Several of those in opposition and who had signed the petition said only property owners were asked to sign it and not any of those who rent. Smith questioned why in a town of 500 , why renters weren’t contacted. He went on to say that the petition does not give an accurate representation of the town as a whole. He said, “This change that we’re making should’ve been set in place when I was born. These signatures are not the majority of the town population.”
Immediately following the purchase approval, Clerk/Treasurer Laura Baker read a prepared resignation letter that would end her service to the town on December 31,2018.
Seemingly, Smith, Claassen, and Rigdon did not know that Baker was resigning. Smith said, “Know that we all appreciate you. You’re the face of the town, and I think that’s why you got the brunt of all this.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
