By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
New Washington Village Council members have a little more to be thankful for after Monday’s meeting, about $4,750 more to be exact.
Tax revenues in New Washington are up compared to the same point last year. In her report to Council, Pattie Krebs stated a total for the year of $297,576.94, up $4,750 from the last fiscal year. The last three years has shown a decline, but the Village is on target to hit $300,000 for the year. On Nov. 13, Krebs sent out 13 letters to the non-filed, non-paid. Those names will be published.
The meeting of those concerned in the tropical bird situation has yet to take place, as Police Chief Scott Robertson has not been able to contact, Terri Stacklin, the owner of the birds. He has knocked on her door four times but not had any success in contacting her.
Mayor Ben Lash added that if future attempts to contact her also are not successful, a letter to her stating the intention to have the meeting, and if she would like to represented, would be in order.
“I don’t want people to think we’re not going to do anything about this,” Lash said.
The most recent storm has caused the New Washington Gazebo to take on a new angle. Village Administrator Norm Lucius reported that the gazebo is now leaning about three inches to the north. There is no need to panic as Lucius added, “Don’t worry, it’s not going to fall down.”
This is a project that can be handled in the new year. Also from Lucius was the news that the fire department has been completely painted.
“I would like to thank you and your crew for painting the fire station,” Lash said, “It’s things like that that help us stay within our budget.”
The newly christened alleyways of New Washington will receive their appropriate signage, thanks to a quote from Michael Todd. The signs will cost $1,400, money which is in the budget for the street department. The general consensus from Council was that since the act was taken to name them, corresponding signage only makes sense.
The payment schedule for the fire department was finalized, passed as an emergency with the rules suspended so Clerk Julie Cronau could make any payments necessary for November. The pay is $50 per captain, $25 per lieutenant, $20 per run, $3 per meeting, and $4 per EMS assist.
Cronau also received a quote from DJ’s Plumbing and Heating to upgrade a subpanel for the Fire Department. This would cost $2,100 and there is time for it to happen before the year is out. This would allow for a new air compressor in the new year, in a similar price range to the subpanel, for use in conjunction with the fire trucks.
The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss personnel matters. The next regular council meeting will be at 7 p.m., Dec. 9, in the Village Hall.