North Vernon is closer to having a new source of water for city residents. The city has been working with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) for some time to secure a quarry site in the city that is currently owned by Hanson Aggregates. Under the proposal, INDOT would purchase the quarry, then transfer ownership to the city so it may use it as a reservoir.

Richard Morin, an engineering consultant hired by North Vernon officials, appeared before the North Vernon City Council Monday night. He told the council that Hanson has agreed to sell the site for $2.5 million, under three conditions. They are: Hanson must be allowed to use the scale and offices for one year; the company would be allowed to remove any existing aggregate for one year; there must be no further mining of the site for 99 years.

The North Vernon City Council voted 3-to-1 to approve those conditions. The lone “no” vote came from incoming Mayor Michael Oakes. With the approval, INDOT can resume work to with Hanson officials complete the sale. INDOT representative Kathy Eaton-McKalip told council members that the sale is expected to be finalized in mid-to-late January.