By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

A recent sewer inspection in Lincolnville revealed a damaged section of the main sewer pipe. The damaged portion is just east of the railroad tracks.

According to city councilman Joe Vinduska, who oversees the sewer system, the cost of replacing the pipe will be approximately $14,000. The expenditure was approved at the July meeting.

Vinduska informed council members Monday that the city is required to obtain a $1,000 permit from the Union Pacific Railroad Co. to work on its property. The city will also have to purchase liability insurance at $3,000.

After Vinduska made his report, the council approved the additional expenditures, stipulating that the total not exceed $20,000.

The council also approved purchases of a leaf blower from G&R Implement, Durham, at a cost of $150 and a tire for the city truck.

According to parks and recreation committee chairman Dawn Kaiser, the ballfield will be rebuilt this fall.

Celebrations committee chairman Kristin Ebaben reported plans for the Octoberfest are going well. The event is planned for Oct. 2. She said the city has collected $5,000 so far to fund festival activities.

Marion County Commissioner Dan Holub told the council about another way to collect unpaid sewer bills. The unpaid bills have been an ongoing concern. Holub said if property owners don’t pay delinquent bills and fees affixed to their property taxes, the bills can be sent to the state and paid out of any income tax refunds the owners may be entitled to receive.

The next council meeting was set for 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

Budget hearing

At a budget hearing prior to the regular meeting, the council accepted an ordinance, recognizing a slight increase in tax revenue in 2011. The increase is because of an increase in property valuation.

They also approved the 2011 budget as published. No residents attended the hearing.