Special Town Board Budget Workshop — Minutes

Page 1 of 1 Town of Merton Town Board Budget Workship Minutes of September 22, 2025 • Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Klink 4:00 pm Present: Chairman Klink, Supervisors Herrick, Olson, Fleming and Krogmann, DPW Director Griffin, Clerk Hann, Treasurer Kempen, Planner Haroldson and Building Inspector Nyhouse. Planner Haroldson reviewed budget numbers for storm water expenses and the MS4 Permit. She is asking for a 2.8% budget increase. DPW Director Griffin talked about the 2026 Capital Projects which included equipment replacement and future road work. The town will have to start planning for new emission requirements for vehicles that are coming in 2027. Building Inspector Nyhouse reviewed the equipment that has to be updated. He also talked about the current rate of inflation and what others on doing for budget increases. He is asking for a 5% budget increase. Chairman Klink reviewed the 2026 cost for the service agreement with the Village of Lac La Belle Police Department which will be a 3.3% increase. Chief Gondek was unable to attend so Clerk Hann reviewed the budget for the Lake Patrol. Due to the lack of patrol officers not being available to work the hours needed, its being recommended to lower the wages budgeted to what the three-year average for wage payment has been. Treasurer Kempen reviewed a Budget Summary as a starting point for the Town Board and the budget shortfall. She is still waiting for the Fire and EMS breakdown from Western Lakes. Treasurer Kempen did talk about developing a Fund Balance Policy for the Town. Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 pm Respectfully Submitted Donna Hann, Town Clerk