The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am. All members and the clerk were in attendance.
A discussion of the previous years’ 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 several funds had gone over budget. Some items that occurred in 2014 were noted - including increased health coverage costs, furniture for the classroom & office, and the new outboard motor for the rescue boat – that added to the deficit.
Each fund was discussed with regard to plans for 2015 & 2016.
In road construction, there are plans for upgrades to Wild Acres Road, Buschmann Road and Nelson Road which have to be coordinated with the City of Pequot Lakes. These roads will require substantial cost and the Board wants to be prepared with the funds needed for when the City is ready. In Parks & Recreation for 2016, there may be some extra costs if the Board pursues the Community Garden idea. In Capital Projects, a replacement 1-ton truck, a salt/sand shed, a ditch mower, the explosion proof floordrains, and the new fire truck were discussed for 2015 & 2016.
A preliminary budget for 2016 was set as follows:
General Fund $165,000
Road & Bridge $190,000
Road Construction $240,000
Fire Department $135,000
Parks & Rec $5,000
Recycling $5,000
Capital Projects $190,000
Transfer Station $2,000
Total $932,000
This proposed 2016 budget amount would be a 2.2% increase of levy over 2015.
A further discussion of the new fire truck took place. Supervisor Wortham presented a projection of the Capital Projects fund through 2016 with some planned expenditures in place. Given this outline and proposed budgets, he allows for a fire truck purchase of $425,000. Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham, to authorize the fire department to purchase a rescue pumper truck not to exceed $425,000 to be delivered not earlier than August 2016. Carried unanimous.
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 am.
John Plein
Ideal Township Clerk
February 4th, 2015