Randy Johnson

The Town Board convened for a budget work meeting to discuss levying/increasing taxes and the possibility of making garbage dumping at the Recycling Center free. The board considered changing the posted budget but acknowledged that doing so would require restarting the 15-20 day process for the Budget Hearing and Electors Meeting. Ultimately, the board decided to leave the proposed budget as posted and allow the electors to decide whether to change it.

Key discussions included the addition of a new authorized user to the WSD Visa Credit Card. The board approved changes to authorized signers on the Laona State Bank account, removing former clerks and adding the current clerk. Policy regarding employee unused vacation time was established, requiring usage by the one-year anniversary date, with provisions for payout upon employment severance. Other topics covered included the review and discussion of the Water Pumped/Sold/Loss Report and the Quarterly Budget Report. The board approved dates for the 2025 Hydrant Flushing and postponed the 2024 CMAR Grading approval until the June meeting. A discussion regarding Sub-Division Property indicated the need to consult town ordinances and possibly an engineering firm, prompting a request for a special meeting on the matter. Vouchers and checks were reviewed and approved.

The proceedings covered multiple segments: a Budget Hearing, an Elector's Meeting, and a Regular Town Board Meeting. During the Budget Hearing, discussions focused on the proposed budget, including questions about Certificates of Deposit (CDs) returns and the Police Department (PD) funding, particularly concerning a $100,000 tax increase. Public Works detailed necessary road improvements and maintenance. In the Elector's Meeting, the electors voted by show of hands to endorse the resolution proposing a tax levy exceeding the state allowable limit by 37.23% (a $100,000 increase for 2025) and subsequently voted to adopt the total 2025 tax levy of $368,617.00. The Regular Town Board Meeting addressed a Road Crew update concerning culvert replacements, approval of Fire Contracts, a decision to discontinue free load tickets for the Recycling Center effective January 1, 2026, and approval of a revised recycling list. The board decided against changing the name of Smith Street, noted that Raze Orders are with the attorney, and tabled a proposal regarding permanent storage containers. Furthermore, a motion was passed to order the removal of hounds due to persistent barking issues, and a letter of interest for the treasurer's position was acknowledged for the next agenda.

The board discussed raising the allowable levy limit by $100,000 to address town building and road maintenance needs, as well as rising garbage pickup costs. They considered paving more roads annually and maintaining various town buildings. The board also discussed the potential impact of meal site program cuts and explored ways the town could assist. Additionally, they addressed the aging Roads Department equipment and future updates to the Pickleball/Tennis courts. The board conducted interviews for Part Time Police Officer positions and offered the part-time hours to all three candidates.

Key discussions during the regular town board meeting included updates from the Public Works Department concerning Adams Street and River Street projects, and the need for a new truck acquisition within two years. The Fire Department provided an update on a truck issue during training and finalizing a leadership course. The Police Department reported submitting a grant application for officer training, a radar unit, and drug test kits, and noted participation in Northeast Tri-County for increased funding. The board proceeded with the appointment of Carie Moravec as the new Treasurer, effective January 1, 2026. There was a discussion regarding the Rescue Squad contract increase, with explanations provided by a representative regarding costs. The board also addressed a Fire Contract revision from FCPC, which was signed. During closed session, a wage increase for the Assessor, Peter Liptak, was approved, raising the quarterly pay from $2375 to $2500. The 2026 Budget was subsequently approved following a $500 reallocation from Contingency to the Assessor line item. Public comment addressed concerns regarding the hiring of a town police officer (Steve Ashbeck) to ensure no conflict of interest existed, as his son is a board member and his wife is the clerk; the board clarified that the Civil Service Committee handled the hiring process. A $500 donation from Roberts Lake to the Fire Department was directed to their RESERVE account.