The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. All members, the clerk, and Fire Chief Schultz were in attendance.

A discussion of the previous years’ fire department budget/levy versus actual took place. The clerk presented a comparison of the previous 5 years budget & actual expenses. Overall for 2014 was under, but the fire department fund had gone over budget. Some items that occurred in 2014 were noted - the new outboard motor for the rescue boat, and a large required contribution for the Relief Association – that added to the deficit.

Chief Schultz presented an outline of budgeting for 2015 and said he expected 2016 to be similar. Some particular items that will be needed were discussed included updated SCBA bottles, regulators, and systems that support the new higher capacity systems. Bottles need to be replaced periodically, and the current compressor will need to be replaced as it is getting quite old. The new truck was planned to include a new system for charging the bottles. Discussion of plans for purchase of the new truck took place.

The fire department budget was proposed to decrease in part due to expected reduced required contributions to the Relief Association. In light of information about the SCBA system and other needs, the proposed budget amount was increased.

The proposed budget for 2016 was updated as follows:
General Fund $165,000
Road & Bridge $190,000
Road Construction $240,000
Fire Department $135,000 $140,000
Parks & Rec $5,000
Recycling $5,000
Capital Projects $190,000
Transfer Station $2,000
Total $932,000 $937,000

This proposed 2016 budget amount would be a 2.7% increase of levy over 2015.

There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.

John Plein
Ideal Township Clerk
February 6th, 2015