Lincolnville City Council proposes 24.8 mill levy increase years ago
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Lincolnville City Council held a special meeting July 17 to discuss the 2006 budget.
After a lengthy debate, the council decided to propose a 24.8 mill levy increase over the present 40.686.
Resident Tambra Owens stated a mill levy increase is needed. She said the city is not changing with the times due to the lack of funds and is flat-lining.
Treasurer Don Buethe explained the carry-over from 2004 to 2005 was not as much as anticipated. In 2004, the city made a payment on purchase of a different tractor and also paid for the city hall building in full.
Buethe said the proposed 2006 budget could be published with high figures, which could be lowered at the public hearing.
Brian Owens spoke in support of a mill levy increase to put the city in better financial shape.
Sylvia Bailey was concerned that if not enough money was raised, the mill levy will need to be increased in 2007.
The council discussed a question posed by councilman Scott Gutsch as to what the residents of the town want.
A motion by Owens to increase the mill levy by 10 for the purpose of preparing a budget and allowing for a lowering at the public hearing, if necessary, died for lack of a second.
Hubbard then made a motion to leave the mill levy at its present level. It also died for lack of a second.
After more discussion, Gutsch motioned to increase the mill levy by 24.583. Owens seconded the motion. It passed on a 4-1 vote, with Hubbard opposed.
The budget is published elsewhere in this issue of the Marion County Record. Residents will be invited to a hearing Aug. 1 to express their thoughts and ideas.
