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Lincolnville council conducts three meetings in one night

Budget approved without objection

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

The Monday gathering of Lincolnville City Council accomplished three purposes: approval of the 2007 budget, a regular session, and closure of the Kan-Step grant for the new community center.

Five residents attended the budget hearing. One asked the reason for the large proposed increase of 18 mills from 40.769 in 2006 to 58.910 in 2007.

Mayor Scott Gutsch said 10 mills were needed to pay for the recent resurfacing of city streets and five mills were dedicated to operation of the community center.

It was noted this was the first proposed increase in 10 years.

"The expenses of running the city cost a lot more than 10 years ago," Gutsch said.

He said the city does not know at this time how much it will take to maintain the community center for one year. The more rent money the city receives, the less tax money will be needed, he said. All rental income will go into the general fund, to be used for maintenance of the building.

Treasurer Clay Simons described the proposed budget as a "forward-looking" budget which will allow the city to fund its needs and prevent the need for lease-purchase agreements on major items.

After the hearing, the budget was approved, 4-0, as published. Councilman Sylvia Bailey was not present.

In the following regular session, Marion County Commissioner Dan Holub introduced zoning director and sanitation officer Bobbi Strait. She informed the council of a letter she was hand-delivering to a city resident regarding the illegality of an outdoor toilet facility.

Strait offered her services regarding other matters that may arise. She said she is a certified building inspector and will take into consideration a complaint from anybody at anytime.

Holub gave assurances that Cemetery Road will be repaired by county road crews. It was used by contractors in resurfacing 290th St.

The council voted to close out the community building savings account at the end of the month if no further donations are received to bring the account up to at least $100. The current balance is $5.20.

Pigorsch announced the first use of the community center will be a meeting Aug. 20 of Leadership Marion County. Three rental applications for September and two for October have been sent out.

Simons reported 54 percent of the 2006 budget was spent as of July 31. He said the two largest payments in August will be a lease payment of $4,912 and a fee of $500 to an accountant.

A bill of $329.13 from Clark Lumber Co. for community building items was approved for payment.

Greg Hubbard announced that tables and chairs for the community center have been received.

The council voted to establish a fee of $30 for insufficient funds checks received by the city.

Dawn Kaiser announced two signs were stolen in the park. They will be replaced at a cost of $75 each plus shipping and handling.

The council spent 10 minutes in executive session to discuss personnel. No action followed.

In a brief third meeting, the council voted to eliminate the core committee for the community center, and approved a motion to close the $181,664 Kan-Step grant.

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