Nov 11 2025 Agenda Snapshot

Snapshot of electors meeting and November 11th meeting The fun starts at 6 with a Budget hearing in which I will describe the 2026 budget. There is a caveat in that some of our figures are estimates and of course this will change. As an example we will not know our transportation aid until December. The most important thing is that we will not raise the tax levy. There will be no increase in the amount of taxes the town will collect, even though the state allows increases each year. I think we have been conservative, while still being able to achieve road construction projects at a higher pace than previously. The feeling of the board is that in these economic times if we can make do we should not ask for anymore. At the elector’s meeting the tax levy will be approved. Again, this is the same amount as last year and the year before and the year before, etc. At our regular meeting we have a number of interesting things going on. We will first formally adopt the tax levy approved by the electors. There is a variance request from Jean and Rob O’Connor. They want to put up a structure and they want a variance of having a setback of 40 feet instead of 50 feet from Sleepy Lagoon Rd and 92 feet instead of 100 feet from County Hwy H. I don’t think the board will have any problem with the Sleepy Lagoon Rd setback, and I can’t see how we should get involved with decisions having to do with the county highway. Also on the agenda is the changing of the town treasurer from an elected position to a board appointed one. Here is where that is coming from. I don’t think it is my place to go into details, but because of situations beyond their control, Joan and Paul Avery will be selling their house in the town of Spooner. They will probably be renting, most likely in the city of Spooner. If it remained an elected position, Joan would have to give up her position which means we would lose her many years of experience and have to find and train a new treasurer. I just don’t think that is realistic. By making it an appointed position we would be able to appoint her and not lose her skills. I think in the nearly 40 years I have lived here we have only had two treasurers. It takes special skills and experience. With Novembers bills paid and thanks to a great report from our clerk, we will take a look at where our budget for 2025 stands. We are in good shape but may want to order some things ahead to include in this year’s budget. Last, Bryan Danielson has prepared a grant application for us. This would cover the remainder of Spooner Lake Rd, with an estimated cost of $300,000. If awarded the grant we would have to pay 10%(although the actual application says they may partially award it which means we would have to pay 25%). Now we are nowhere near Madison or Milwaukee, so we may have a better chance of winning the lottery. But you can never tell. I do know if you don’t submit it you will not get it. Gosh 5 items. Maybe we should put in for overtime..