By James Massara
A renewal levy to fund operations for the local fire department will be on the ballot in November after New Washington Village Council approved the 1.5 mill 5-year levy.
The levy will be for the tax years 2018 through 2022 and collected in 2019 through 2023. The tax would be 15 cents for each $100 of valuation. The tax would be assessed to village residents’ property taxes.
Council unanimously voted to waive the mandatory three readings of the ordinance. The resolution has to be submitted to the Crawford County Board of Elections by August 9. Election day is November 7.
Council also passed a resolution giving Mayor Benjamin Lash and Clerk Julie Cronau permission to advertise for bids for the paving of N. Kibler St.
In other council business, Village Administrator Norm Lucius informed council of two properties in need of maintenance and lawn care.
Council Solicitor Tim Obringer said council has the ability to send notice letters to residents whose properties need attention. He said the village also has the right to mow the properties and assess costs to the resident’s taxes.
Councilman Craig Niese also brought an abundance of stray cats in the village to council’s attention and Councilman Brian Agin suggested residents call the dog warden or the humane society.
Council’s next meeting is August 14.