Caledonia Argus

Wilmington Township approves $160,000 levy

Posted: 3/16/04

by Jan Lee Buxengard
Spring Grove Herald

Richard Amundson was appointed to conduct the annual meeting of Wilmington Township on March 9, which 20 township residents attended.

The 2003 financial report was presented and discussed. Since the records are still in the process of being audited, the verbal report given was approved to file subject to a favorable audit. The beginning balance for the year was $93,941.21. Income was $168,269.55, and expenses were $138,405.17, leaving a balance at the end of the year of $123,805.59. Of that amount, $25,000 is reserved for bridge replacement on Duck Creek Road.

Total tax income amounted to $66,409.62.

Income from real estate taxes amounted to $63,414.28. Intergovernmental income totaled $30,515, which included Disparity Aid (3 per cent reduction from the previous year, and a 4 per cent reduction for year 2004) $8,802, and market value credit of $10,816 agricultural, $81 mobile home, and $10,816 real estate.

General Fund expenses totaled $20,167.66, Public Safety (ambulance service, animal control, fire protection) $19,266.47; public works $58,397.35, and road and bridge $36,225.94.

Levy approved

A levy of $160,000 was approved for 2004 taxes payable in 2005. This is an increase of $7,000 from last year. The general levy was set at $18,000, fire and ambulance $24,000, and roads and bridge at $118,000.

Township officials had suggested a levy in the amount of $165,500 to cover the increase expected in fire services and for cost of a bridge replacement project for 2004 that was not levied for last year. They proposed increases of $2,000 for fire, $3,000 for general, and $7,500 for road and bridge.

Township officials reported that the mild winters of the last three to four years have kept costs down for road maintenance. Township roads haven't lost a lot of rock from plowing snow. It was reported that a new diamond head blade used by Terry Sagdalen has been working really well for maintaining roads. It doesn't pull sod into the road, but brings the rock in from the edge of the road and spreads it all at the same time, board officials explained. The township hasn't had to borrow funds for road maintenance.

In a bad winter, one month of plowing snow costs about $11,000, township officials noted. For the year 2003, snow plowing cost $13,076, roadway blading cost $20,673, and road rock $38,310.60.

In a related matter, replacing road signs and posts cost the township $1,490.89. There is concern that in some locations, the replacements have been done numerous times. Citizens are urged to report any destruction of these signs to law enforcement or township board members.

Chloride dust control

As in the past, township residents who need dust controlling chloride on township roads by their farms may request eight bags of the chloride flakes, which the township will pay for.

The county will no longer supply bags of the flakes. Township officials will make arrangements with Farmerís Coop, who will handle the product. Cost is $12 per bag, which is $1 more per bag than last year. It was reported that a lot of people in the township have been buying the bags.

For those who prefer county application of liquid chloride, the township will pay the equivalent of eight bags of chloride flakes ($96) and those residents are than responsible for paying the remainder of the cost by the county. Contact a township officer to request flakes or liquid chloride. It was noted that the county charges overtime rates for the liquid application.

In other business:

ï As has been done in the past, the township will negotiate farmer's rock when the bidding goes out for township road rock. Township residents who want rock for their driveways are to contact a township officer to be placed on the list. The rock is spread at the supplier's convenience and must be paid for when delivered.

ï It was decided that bounty paid for pocket gophers will remain at $1.50 per pair of front feet. Last year $1,604 was paid out for gopher bounty. The county no longer reimburses the townships.

ï At the meeting, there was discussion about the state trying to take away local control of feedlots and some of the zoning.

ï Next yearís annual township meeting will be Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the town hall with election polls to open following the meeting and to remain open until 8 p.m. as mandated by the state.

ï Board of Review: The county assessors office has scheduled the annual Board of Review for Wilmington Township for Thursday, April 15, beginning at 7 p.m. at the town hall.

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