PIERCETON — Council members met for an annual year end meeting for the Town of Pierceton last night, Dec. 29. The meeting was routine as members signed annual contracts, passed resolutions and approved budget transfers to end the year with a clean slate.

2017 contracts were approved for the Washington Township Fire Department and Pierceton Volunteer Fire Department. The Washington Township Fire Department uses bays located at the Pierceton Fire Department. The township pays $11,000 annually for the contract agreement. The Pierceton Volunteer Fire Department contract allows the department to use budgeted money for expenses. Both contracts remained the same from 2016.

The council also approved employee contracts for Town Marshal Tim Sammons and Town Manager Chip Hill. The town marshal received a three percent raise while all other elected officials will remain the same from 2016 to 2017.

A few town accounts had to transfer money in order for the 2016 year to end in balance. This included covering the balance of $3,700 for the 150th town anniversary party.

“We are well under budget,” said Jerry Kreger town clerk/treasurer. “It’s just one [account] ran over and one didn’t.”

The council also approved to cover past due water bills that will not be collected on. A total of $1,478.94 was written off on a various number of water and sewer bills.

In other news:

• The sewer project is expected to be complete on Jan. 13. As of now, everything is in place and running correctly.
• A salary resolution was approved for town employees. Employees will receive an average of a three percent raise for 2017.
• Public meetings in 2017 will remain at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of the month in the community room of the fire station.