Caledonia Argus

County levy to increase five percent for 2003

Posted: 12/30/02

by Jane Palen
Managing Editor

In its last meeting of the year December 23, the Houston County Board approved the budget and levy for 2004. Although this year did not see severe cuts in the county budget, those making requests for funds from the county were put on notice that the money may not be there next year.

The countyís levy for 2003 was set as proposed at $5,311,000. Houston Countyís Homestead Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) is one of the highest in the state at $1.2 million. That amount is added to the county levy. The countyís budget for 2003 is $21,522,786.

The 2002 levy was $5,051,000, and the budget was $17,418,309. The largest share of the difference between the 2002 budget and the 2003 budget is in highway projects for which the county receives state funding.

County board chairman Kevin Kelleher commended his fellow board members for their diligence in reviewing the budget. Commissioners go through each line of each departmentís budget with the department heads.

One of the last budget items to be approved was the funding for transit. The board approved $5,000 for the operation of the Apple Express bus operated by the La Crosse Transit Authority. The transit authority was represented by Keith Carlson and Debbie Shimshak. The funds are drawn from the Human Services budget.

In 2001, the Apple Express provided 12,257 rides. Ridership in 2002 is down slightly, noted Carlson. He said he was unsure of the reason for the decrease, but the increase in fares from 75 cents to 85 cents at the beginning of 2002 may have had an effect.

The board also budgeted $2,500 for transit services for the Houston County bus and Hurricane Express.

The board also approved $5,000 to be used toward the purchase of a new Hurricane Express bus which serves Houston.

ìNow we are even,î said Commissioner David Corcoran. In recent years, the county has given $5,000 each to the Houston County transit bus that serves Caledonia and the Apple Express to help in purchasing new buses.

The board noted, however, that this will most likely be the last year that the county will put funds into transportation due to the uncertainty that surrounds the state budget.

Other non-profit agencies will also feel a pinch. Commissioner Kelleher suggested that the board not fund emergency services for Semcac because there are other agencies, including the county, that provide emergency assistance.

The county board also approved a request of $3,000 from Semcac for volunteer services. Of that amount, $1,000 comes from the human services budget and $2,000 from the general fund. It rejected a request for $2,000 to be used for emergency assistance. County Board Chairman Kevin Kelleher noted that the county already has funds in its human services budget for emergency assistance.

County board increases per diem

In other business, the county board doubled its per diem rate from $15 to $30. At $15, the county was the lowest in the state. The per diem applies whether a commissioner attends one or several meetings in a single day. It does not apply to the regular weekly meetings.

The board took no action on a request for improvements to the restrooms at Wildcat Park. Commissioners said that they are not prepared to put money into improvements in the park at this time. At an earlier meeting, Commissioner Kelleher said that with state cuts, the park ìmay be on the blockî next year.

Planning commission looks at development

In other business, the board heard from Rick Frank, who reported on a development being proposed near Green Acres road by Arnold Fruechte. The 12-parcel subdivision would be located across the township road from another area currently being developed. Fruechte is requesting a one-quarter mile feedlot variance, as opposed to the one-half mile currently required.

The Caledonia township board has requested that the cul de sac in the new subdivision have a 63-ft. radius, 13-ft. larger than the 50-ft. radius as required by the ordinance. The planning commission was to view the site Tuesday and make a recommendation at the next planning meeting.

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