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November 16, 2005 Budget Public Hearing
Maine Minutes
November 16, 2005
Maine Town Hall
6111 N. 44th Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401
Meeting called by: Betty Hoenisch
Type of meeting: Budget Public Hearing
Supervisors: Wanke and Zernicke
Treasurer: Marilyn Grunenwald
Clerk: Kimberly A. Freund
Agenda for this meeting was posted on November 1, 2005 at the Chapter Two Restaurant, Northside Citgo, Richard’s Supper Club, Schmidt’s Bar and the Town Hall.
The Public Hearing for the Proposed 2006 Budget for the Town of Maine was held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2005 in the Town Hall, 6111 North 44th Avenue, Wausau, WI
Minutes:
Present were Chair Hoenisch, Supervisors Dennis Wanke and Marty Zernicke, Treasurer Marilyn Grunenwald, Clerk Kimberly Freund, and community members.
Chair Hoenisch called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Chair Hoenisch explained the proposed 2006 Town Budget in detail. Four different budgets were created to present to the public.
The final budget created includes bringing the Town’s asphalt budget back up to $150,000 and a $200,000 two year loan payment. This budget option will give the Town the opportunity to purchase a new or used tractor/mower/sweeper and catch up on five miles of the number 1 rated Paser roads (number 1 roads are in the worst condition).
This loan allows the Town to conform to the Department of Revenue’s 2% tax levy and still accomplish goals and will not increase taxes. If the taxes were lowered dramatically, it would be detrimental for next year’s tax base if we are again locked in at the 2%. Supervisor Wanke mentioned that the Town is approximately 15 miles behind in road repair or new roads after the three miles that were completed this past summer.
John Ohrmundt commented that perhaps the Town could hire ditch brushing out instead of purchasing a tractor. Chair Hoenisch commented that they have tried contacting the Town of Stettin and Lincoln County to use their brushing unit but the times have never worked out for the Town to rent this machine.
November 16, 2005
Laverne Grunenwald asked how many miles of roads does the Board plan on doing next year. Chair Hoenisch stated that they budgeted $150,000 for asphalt in this proposed budget, however the price of petroleum in spring will determine how many miles we will do.
Marilyn Grunenwald asked if American Asphalt is the only company that can service the Town of Maine. Chair Hoenisch understands that there is a new asphalt company in the area, however they never respond to our bid ad.
Chair Hoenisch explained that the Board and workers met at the October Budget Workshop regarding a potential raise for 2006. The workers have had minimal increases in recent years. Their wages are behind the Town of Stettin and Town of Wausau as far as pay rate per hour. The workers requested a raise to bring their wage to $16.00 per hour. The Chair stated that our workers do a great job and are saving the Town a substantial amount of money by completing tasks that would otherwise be subcontracted out.
Paul Anderson from the Town of Texas commented that their Board will be increasing their worker’s wages at the first of the year by one dollar also. Supervisor Wanke stated that our workers are completing tasks that are done in larger municipalities by operators 1, 2, 3s. This means they are doing minimal to complex tasks.
Gary Zernicke questioned why a stump grinder was rented this summer. Chair Hoenisch explained it was to allow the two workers to do the work themselves as the stumps were located in the Town’s right of way. We cannot bill the residents for these fees because it is in the Town’s right of way. Supervisor Zernicke commented that he would appreciate being asked for a bid for stump grinding in the future. Chair Hoenisch explained that when the workers checked the rental price of the machine and she checked the cost that the Town had incurred in the past for stump grinding she felt that this would be the most cost effective way to remove the 35 plus stumps. Chair Hoenisch explained that she made this decision to allow the workers to try using new equipment and to keep the workers productive.
Supervisor Zernicke made a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing at 8:30 p.m. Supervisor Wanke seconded the motion, motion carried.
The Special Town Meeting of the Town of the Electors was called to order at 8:33 p.m.
Chair Hoenisch called for a motion to approve the Highway Expenditures for 2006.
Resident Dave Bychinski made a motion to approve the total 2006 highway expenditures pursuant to section 81.01(3) of Wisconsin Statues in the amount of $412, 140.00, seconded by Duane Grunenwald, Motion carried.
Chair Hoenisch called for a motion to adopt the 2005 Town of Maine Tax Levy to be paid in 2006 pursuant to Section 60.10(1)(a). Motion was made by Dave Bychinski to accept the total tax levy to be paid in the amount of $857,816.80, seconded by John Ohrmundt, motion carried.
November 16, 2005
Chair Hoenisch asked the electors for their feedback in regards to an increase of IROW’s 2006contract fee of 3% based on the consumer index. IROW has also asked the Town for an additional fuel surcharge due to the higher diesel prices. Chair Hoenisch explained that Attorney Frokjer stated that you have to look into the future and see what the consequences will be if this garbage/recycling company goes bankrupt.
Dave Bychinski made a motion to give a 3 % increase plus a $1 per month per resident surcharge to IROW, seconded by Joyce Zernicke, motion carried. Duane Grunenwald and LaVern Grunenwald opposed.
John Ohrmundt asked why Lester Kreuger is listed as the zoning administrator/building inspector on the budget workshop sheet. Chair Hoenisch stated that Bob Christensen’s schedule with 11 other municipalities is creating a time constraint and has not been servicing the Town of Maine’s zoning and building requirements as needed.
Motion was made to adjourn the special meeting at 8:50 p.m., Dave Bychinski made that motion, seconded by Duane Grunenwald, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted and approved on December 12, 2005
Kimberly A. Freund
Town of Maine Clerk
Last modified: 03/22/07.
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