Proposed tax levy raised to 14.17 percent
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
For the taxpayer, there was both good and bad news at the Monday, Sept. 9 meeting of the New Richland City Council.
The good news? The 2020 budget for the New Richland Police Department is not off the table, only the possibility of contracting with Waseca County for law enforcement.
The bad news? They’re thinking about taking more of our money, raising the proposed tax levy increase to 14.17 percent, up from the previously proposed 6.79 percent.
The news about the police department came as a casual comment made by mayor Mike Shurson, who confirmed it after the meeting. He said he and the council will examine the police budget and possibly lower it before the city’s 2020 budget is finalized in December.
The decision to raise the proposed budget levy came after lengthy discussion.
Councilman Jason Casey made no secret his desire to lower the tax levy, but his pleas for the most part fell on deaf ears, and his was the lone dissenting vote in the 3-1 decision to raise the proposed levy.
Shurson was the one advocating raising the tax levy.
“I can appreciate cutting the budget, but…..I would propose adding $35,000 (to the proposed levy),” said Shurson. “I’m not saying we have to spend it, but at least then we have some elbow room.”
Councilman Chad Neitzel made the motion to raise the preliminary tax levy to 14.17 percent. Jenna Pederson seconded it.
A long discussion about the budget started with city clerk Wayne Billing presenting a chart showing what reductions of 2 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent would do to each department of the city — a request made by Casey at the last meeting.
“How much can that go down?” asked Casey.
“You can change the budget however you want,” said Billing.
“Is 2 percent doable?” asked Casey.
“It would mean not trying to do some of the little things,” said Billing.
“I think a lot of our infrastructure is crumbling and we need to take a look at it,” said Shurson, who listed possible projects as the City Park, City Hall, a portable speed sign and trimming brush along Boot Creek and the old railroad track.
During the budget discussion, a visitor to the meeting raised his hand and asked if he could ask a question. Shurson said no; he’d have to call the city office first and be put on the agenda.
There were four visitors at meeting, along with the entire council, police chief Tony Martens and ambulance heads Chris Schlaak and Monica Schutrop.
Martens gave a lengthy report, saying his department had 128 calls in August, bringing the yearly total to 992 compared to 859 in 2018. He said all calls were completed.
Shurson asked what he meant by completed.
“It means they’re not inactive, but not real active,” said Martens.
Martens said there was an excellent turnout for National Night to Unite despite the event being scheduled the same night as a mandatory athletic meeting. He said the New Richland Commercial Club will probably help with it next year.
Martens said something he’s wanted to do since he started as police chief is to hold regular community meetings, preferably one in the morning the one in the evening.
“I’m hoping for the council’s support,” said Martens, who hopes to hold the first meetings in December.
Martens had several requests for funds, most of which will be reimbursed. Included was sending Martens, an officer and assistant city clerk Sara Jo Vulcan to training for child car seat safety at a cost of $285 and sending their two most active TZD officers to DWI testing training for $675. They were approved.
Martens also asked for $576 for new tires on the department’s SUV. It was approved.
The council also approved spending up to $100 for no parking signs at Legion Field.
Schlaak presented the ambulance report, stating her department made 22 runs in August and four so far in September, bringing the yearly total to 177. Last year, it was November before the crew reached 177 runs.
Shurson asked Schlaak about staffing levels. There are nine members of the ambulance crew, she said, but some of them aren’t available certain parts of the year.
“It’s tough,” said Schlaak, who said she and Schutrop often stay at home to be on call. “But we can use mutual aid.”
Shurson asked about recruiting, as did Casey. Schlaak agreed to look into it.
Schlaak also thanked Schutrop and the ambulance crew for the recent surprise party honoring Schlaak’s 29 years with the department.
The council shot down a request by Ellendale to adopt the T21 initiative, limiting tobacco sales to those 21 and older.
The meeting adjourned at 7:46.