Lincolnville officials to conduct budget hearing Monday
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
A hearing has been set for 7 p.m. Monday at Lincolnville City Hall to discuss the proposed budget for the coming year. Residents will have an opportunity to express their views.
At the city council's Sept. 6 meeting, Mayor David Schneider explained how the council came to propose a 24.8 mill levy increase. The current levy stands at 40.7 mills. He said he expects the proposed budget to be cut drastically before a new budget is approved.
Some residents claimed they did not know about the special meeting in which the mill levy increase was discussed and proposed. Schneider said residents were given a 24-hour notice, as required, with a posting at city hall and flyers at the post office and grocery store.
Anita Svoboda, a member of the core committee directing construction of a new community building, told the council the city should not be spending money on the community building. One exception is the storage container bought by the city, which can be disposed of later.
Schneider said the city is required to contribute about $2,600 to the project, but Svoboda said that was only if there was a need for it.
Councilman Sylvia Bailey said volunteers, not the city, should provide food for those working on the project. She also noted the bills no longer reflect city purchases for the community building.
"The city budget has nothing to do with the community building," she said. "We need to pull the belt tight and have a good, workable budget."
Councilman Sherri Pankratz brought up the need for an audit of city finances. An audit has not occurred in quite some time.
Treasurer Don Buethe agreed it should be done yearly. Svoboda expressed the need for checks and balances on sewer bill receipts. The mayor was instructed via an approved motion to get bids on pricing for auditing.
There was some discussion about the council's decision to place personalized plaques purchased by individuals for the community building on the north, inside wall of the drive-through.
Originally, the plaques were intended to be placed around the front entrance, but a place for them was not allowed when the building was erected.
Another plan to place the plaques in a planter around a new flagpole was rejected by the council in a meeting earlier this spring.
Some felt those who purchased plaques should be notified of the change and be offered money back if not satisfied with the change.
Also discussed was a weedy field south of the ball diamond and other property belonging to the city. Some wondered how the city can expect property owners to keep their places mowed if the city doesn't do it. The council agreed to ask Frankie Biehler if he would want to harvest the field for hay.
It was reported the city received a total of $7,624.93 from FEMA for recovery efforts from the January ice storm.
The council approved a motion requesting newspaper reports of city meetings be reviewed by a member of the council before publishing.
Schneider reported 2004 taxes on the residence at 512 Wichita have been paid by Tampa State Bank, but 2003 taxes have not yet been paid.
Gail Burns said her son Travis, who bought the property, had not received the promised letter from the city stating that he would not be held responsible for back taxes. She was told the letter would be forthcoming.
City employee Steve Podszus reported his activities during the past month including mowing and weed-eating, installing manhole risers, filling a hole, and trimming trees.
Councilman Greg Hubbard reported on progress at the community building. He thanked Svoboda for her efforts in calling volunteers in recent weeks.
Svoboda said the small rooms are about ready for priming, and the kitchen is almost ready for cabinet installation.
Bailey reported an Octoberfest balance of $2,113, including a $500 donation from the city. She said the theme for this year's event is "Smalltown USA."
Lester and Barb Kaiser are in charge of the parade.
