The Daily Journal from Franklin, Indiana • Page 3

DAILY JOURNAL JOHNSON COUNTY. IND. DAILY JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2002 A3 JHNSN- COUNTY nm.thejonrnalnetom ON THE RECORD Franklin tax increase possible Change could be offset by restructuring of state's system Franklin's budget has changed too. The overall 2003 budget is proposed to increase 8.76 percent oyer this year's. Projected expenses next year are $13.7 million, as compared to this year's budget of $12.6 million.

Here are the major increases: 3.1 percent salary increases for all employees An additional $2,000 increase for each firefighter and police officer Seven new full-time employees including three firefighters, two police officers, a code enforcement official in the planning department and a director for the city's senior citizen center A 23 percent increase in the law budget to reflect normal expenses over the past several years A $10,000 increase for testing for firefighter job candidates A $300,000 rise in the cost of health and liability insurance An increase in the cost of utilities for city hall. Assessed value is the total net worth of all property in the city, town or county used for taxing purposes. The amount ofiproperty-tax revenue a government needs to raise is divided by the assessed value to determine the tax rate. The higher the assessed value is, the lower the tax rate becomes. An increase in the amount property owners can deduct from their assessed value before paying taxes means the projected assessed values are being figured at 90 percent of what they were last year, despite growth in Johnson County communities.

That means that if budgets stayed the same as this year, the tax rates would still increase by 10 percent. Despite the projected increase in the tax rate, the Franklin budget stands substantially as city officials originally proposed it. Franklin department heads sat in the audience of the city council meeting Monday waiting for the red pen to come out and slash through their budgets. It never came Council members proposed only one cut $5,000 from the contribution made to transportation service Access Johnson County and decided to wait until the appropriation hearing Sept. 9 to make a decision on the proposal.

The council is scheduled to take a final vote on the budget that day. It has already unanimously approved the proposal at the first two readings. Final tax rates won't be available until February, said Clerk-treasurer Janet Alexander. She still holds out hope that assessed values will come in higher than projected and the final rate will be lower than what is approved next month. By Hour Yoakum DAJLY JOURNAL STAR WRITER rryookumffepomolfef com Franklin residents' municipal property taxes could increase as much as 17 percent next year.

That's the increase the city is predicting based on the proposed budget and assessed value estimates. But residents shouldn't start hawking their valuables yet. State legislators restructured the property tax system so that even if city and county tax rates rise considerably, the overall tax bills should stay about the same, because about 60 percent of school funding will be taken away from local property taxes and paid for out of the state's general checking account. But no one really knows how individual taxpayers will be affected because the way their homes are assessed has changed. $5,000 cut to By Holly Yoakum DAR.Y JOURNAL STAFF WRITER riyooltunfithejoufnolnet com Franklin officials haven't let air out of the tires of Johnson County's public transportation system yet.

But they still could. The Franklin City Council entertained a proposal Monday to cut $5,000 from the $18,500 contribution the city gives Access Johnson County, which provides regular bus routes and special pickup services for county residents. Council members balked at voting for the cut without someone County funding considered cause of concerns about seeing buses with no riders. Through July, passengers had taken more than 25,300 trips on the connector, or regular route, buses. On-demand service where any resident can call for a ride from one location to another within the county at a specified time totaled almost 14,300 trips through July.

That beats the total number of passenger trips taken in all of 2001: 39,317. Luehmann said Access officials have been tracking ridership numbers so they can determine Access Johnson from the organization being present but they will address the issue at their Sept. 9 meeting. Even if Franklin doesn't make the cut, Access is down $41,000 for next year. That's the money needed to match a federal grant the organization receives.

Karen Luehmann, director of the Johnson County Transportation Committee, said she's most worried about coming up with $65,000 by the end of this year to match funds already spent. Franklin council members Phil Barrow and Lyman Snyder met with Luehmann last week be IF YOU KNOW It you have any information about Penny Abbott's whereabouts, contact Detective Duane Burgess at the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, 736-2241, or the Abbott family at 422-1 6B6. care provider for her young sister and two young nephews. Her disappearance is out of character, family members say. Abbott had made various appointments, was volunteering at Maple Grove Elementary School and was planning her nephew's fourth birthday party, scheduled for today.

Police have no new leads in case of missing woman arrested by sheriff's deputies on a warrant for failure to appear; released on $1,500 bond. Lindsay Nicole Prather, 20, 670 Thomas Jefferson Court, Nineveh; arrested by sheriffs deputes on a warrant for failure to appear; released on $1,000 bond. Joseph D. Reckley. 22, Bloomington; arrested by sheriff's deputies on a warrant for failure to respond; released on $157.50.

Sherri Smith, 35, 953 Parliament Place, Greenwood; arrested by sheriffs deputies on a charge of possession of marijuana or hash; released on $1,000 bond. Caleb Michael Wildrick, 24, Indianapolis; arrested by sheriffs deputies on a charge of driving while suspended; released on $1 ,000 bond. The following people were recently arrested on charges of operating a vehicle while Intoxicated and booked into the Lail: Brian Lee Cowan, 38, 3251 Compass Drive, Franklin; arrested by sheriff's deputies with additional charges of driving while suspended, possession of cocaine or narcotic and reckless possession of paraphernalia; released on $8,000 bond. Janice Faye Bamer, 41, Indianapolis; arrested by Whiteland police; held on $3,000 bond. Tony A.

Kirk, 54, Indianapolis; arrested by sheriff's deputies; held on $1,000 bond. Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission Monday, the commission: Voted unanimously to grant a favorable recommendation to Greenwood Station, a 92-acre housing development along Interstate 65. Developers sought rezoning and annexation for the land, which they plan to develop into 273 single-family homes and 58 duplex homes. Approved a site-development plan for Orchard Park Office, an office building to be built on 4 acres on State Road 135, north of West Main Street Approved a site-development plan for Galyans Crossing, a commercial development on 6.4 acres on the west side of U.S. 31 north of Fry Road.

Approved a site-development plan for an office building for Donald Duggan. A home at 134 N. Emerson Ave. is to be turned into a doctor's office. Johnson County Plan Commission Monday, the commission: Approved a primary plat tor a 125-lot residential subdivision on the west side of State Road 135 south of Smokey Row Road in White River Township.

Discussed amending the county's comprehensive plan approved in 1997. County commissioners vowed then to review the plan about every five years. The plan commission wants to look at eight aspects of the plan: dissolving the county's buffer zones, creating regional water detention facilities, allowing alternative wastewater treatment for major subdivisions, developing a growth plan for Clark Township, implementing park and road impact fees, reviewing the land use map, building trails and planning minor connector roads in every third mile. Discussed hiring a variance hearing officer. Discussed whether to allow a property owner whose land has been subdivided to divide that land again.

Discussed creating new guidelines for sump pump and downspout outlet discharge. Right now guidelines require discharge to be on a grassy surface no cfos-er to the building than the setback requirements. Discussed whether the plan commission should accept rezoning proposals with special commitments. The county's ordinance doesn't have language that would mean those commitments could be upheld in court, according to some legal opinions. Plan commission members talked about copying language from state law so the commitments could stand up to legal challenges.

Discussed whether to rezone the State Road 135 corridor for commercial use and other areas to target for commercial development. fcfp In Loving Mentor)) of Mary Belle Fesler on her birthday Aug. 28, 1920 -May 14, 2002 "The Wind Beneath Our Wings" Sadly missed every day I Husband, Children, I fcf Grandchildren, Great- forefo Grandchildren Tr rva GJ" Call now for Franklin Criminal mischief 1100 block of Hospital Road. Rankin Township: At 8:45 aun. Monday, a resident reported that several children were throwing rocks and dented her car.

1800 block of Acorn Drive, Franklin Township: At 11:34 a.m. Monday, a resident reported his vehicle had been damaged by rocks or pieces of concrete. PersonaHnjury accident 6:08 p.m. Monday Spring Meadow Court, 10 feet west of Meadow Glen Boulevard, Franklin Township: Bert M. Allender, 40, New Palestine; struck a parked car after suffering a seizure.

AHender complained of pain to his body. Property-damage accidents 8:26 p.m. Monday U.S. 31 and Westview Drive, Franklin Township: Jeremy S. Vbtaw, 18, Greenfield; Sarah I.

Reed, 18, Franklin. 11:15 a.m. Monday Back yard of a house in the 400 block of Johnson Avenue, Franklin Township: Dean E. Howard, 31, Hope; struck two parked cars. Ambulance runs 11:05 p.m.

Monday 1600 block of Francis Street: 26-year-old man; chest pain; transported to Johnson Memorial Hospital. 6:16 p.m. Monday Meadowview Court 40-year-old man; seizure; transported to Johnson Memorial Hospital. 12:05 p.m. Monday 2600 block of North Morton Street: 45-year-old man; injury; transported to Johnson Memorial Hospital.

Greenwood Theft 600 block of Reed Court: A resident reported at 7:27 a.m. Monday that a glass gazing ball and stand were stolen from her yard. 700 block of Conners Drive: A resident reported at 9:55 a.m. Monday that a gas grill was stolen from his patio. Burglary Morans Automotive, 908 N.

Madison Management reported at 3:45 p.m. Monday that phone lines to the business had been cut and the building was burglarized. Property-damage accidents 10:01 p.m. Monday State Road 135 and Foxmore Terrace: Brian J. Miller, 23, Indianapolis; Stephen Andrew Hewitt, 30, Indianapolis.

11:57 a.m. Monday Smith Valley Road, 500 feet east of State Road 135: Lauren R. Wagoner, 22, Indianapolis; James E. Mitchell, 60, Cloverdale; April L. Yancey, 29, Monrovia; Keikicki Watanabe, 44, Greenwood.

Ambulance run 5:56 p.m. Monday Greenwood Community Center, 100 Surina Way: 12-year-old female; right hip pain. 11:19 p.m. Sunday 1100 block of Rexley Drive: 32-year-old male; abdominal pain. 10:26 p.m.

Sunday 500 block of Cielo Vista Court: 57-year-old female; cuts to right cheek. Johnson County Burglary 3200 block of North Hurricane Road, Franklin Township: A man reported that someone entered the grain elevator between 4:30 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Monday and stole four computers, a copy machine, a fax machine, a popcorn machine, two printers, a microwave, a roaster pan and two trashcans. Criminal mischief Walnut Ridge Golf Course, 1811 S.

Morgantown Road, White River Township: A groundskeeper reported that some juveniles damaged two greens while playing golf Sunday. Jail bookings The following people were recently arrested and booked Into the Johnson County jail: Matthew Aaron Coy, 20, 703 Pearl Trafalgar; arrested by Whiteland police on charges of burglary and residential entry; held on $22,000 bond. Maria Dias De-Amorim, 44, Indianapolis; arrested by Indiana State Police on a warrant for leaving the scene of the accident; released on $1,000 bond. Clayton L. Eichholtz, 18, 94 Greenwood Trail, Greenwood; arrested by sheriff's deputies on charges of possession of a narcotic drug and possession of marijuana or hash; released on $4,000 bond.

Tony Lee Houcherfs, 28, Columbus; arrested by sheriff's deputies on charges of driving while suspended with a prior unrelated conviction; released on $1,000 bond. Joshua Joe Mitchell, 24, 680 Woodale Terrace, Apt. 5, Greenwood; arrested by sheriff's deputies on a rearrrest warrant; held without bond. Thembelani Ncube, 28, Indianapolis; DAILY JOURNAL Publiihtd daily xcpl Sunday and Chriirmai a) 2575 Morion Franklin, IN 46131 Phone 736-7101. POSTMASTER: Stnd addran ehangw fo DAILY JOURNAL P.O.

Box 699, Franklin, IN 46131. DELIVERY Stngls copy Monday-Friday .50 contt Waekand iisu $1.00 Horn Delivery $10.40 per month MAIL DELIVERY A Mo. i. a 12 Mo. $135 00 STUDENT MILITARY 1 S.mo.for.

$43.00 4 Mo. 2 Semt.n $86.00 8 Mo. $72.00 12 Mo. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Franklin, Indiana DAILY JOURNAL (USPS 365-520) Volomo 40, No. 34 when peak riding times are and when the buses are rarely used.

Barrow's not convinced, however, that the regular routes are needed. He suggested cutting funding to $13,000 the amount the city contributed before the regular route service began. None of the other council members seconded his proposal, but several said they wanted to address the issue again before taking a final vote on the budget. They plan to invite Luehmann to their Sept. 9 meeting to answer questions before finalizing the contribution.

help," Abbott-Sylvester said. "If they see her and it looks like she's OK, ask her to call home for us. If it looks like she needs help, get help for her." Penny Abbott is 5-feet-4, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and burgundy hair. She may be wearing a gold omega necklace with a loop pendant, rings on each finger and a dolphin toe ring on her second left toe. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call Detective Duane Burgess at the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, 736-2241, or the Abbott family at 422-1686.

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"She wouldn't miss those things," said her older sister, Liberty Abbott-Sylvester. The family can think of no reason why Abbott would suddenly leave and are concerned about what has happened to her in the five days since her disappearance. "If she is where she wants to be, let us know that," Abbott-Sylvester urged. "We honestly feel she would call if she could." Neither the family nor the sheriff's department received any leads from the public about Abbott on Tuesday. "We would appreciate any offering is exactly the same as all of your options clear 8998 Hon-surghal Back Pain Neck (leg pain) Disc Pain Fibromyalgia Degenerated disc Personalized care Medical Doctor diagnostic facility pain relief Blood work Convenient On State Road 135, Meijer gas station) insurances and insurance for you appointments -it 75 North State Physicians specializing By Bryan Corbin DAILY JOURNAL NEWS EDITOR bcorb1nfhejoufndtntei.cbm'1 1 Sheriff's investigators have received no tips from the public in the disappearance of a White River Township woman.

Penny Marie Abbott, 24, was last seen at her home late Thursday night. By Friday morning, she was missing. She doesn't own a vehicle, doesn't have credit cards or a checking account, and apparently didn't take clothing, belongings or her asthma medication with her. No one saw her leave, and there were no signs of forced entry. Abbott had been spending time recently communicating online in Internet chat rooms.

The family suspects that perhaps she met someone online and then left to meet them in person. They are increasingly worried, since Abbott has not called and no one has reported seeing her since Thursday. A private investigator the family hired was inspecting Abbott's personal computer and had cloned the hard drive. But at a detective's request, the family delivered the computer to the sheriff's department for analysis Tuesday. With the help of a certified technician, they hope to retrieve Abbott's e-mail messages and determine with whom Abbott had been communicating.

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