Twin Lakes still working on 2010 budget

Some additional changes to the Twin Lakes village budget that could lower the tax levy from an earlier proposal are being considered.

Administrator David Cox outlined some $54,000 in potential cuts and $9,000 in additional potential revenue for the Village Board to consider Monday.

tl-logoIf implemented those changes would bring the property tax for 2010 to $3,214, 991. That would be about a 5 percent increase in levy from the year before instead of the 7 percent increase earlier proposed.

One of the proposed cuts was eliminating pay for some members of village commissions and committees.

Linda Smith, a member of the Police Commission, said she did not mind giving up her $25 payment for serving in that role, as long as the board also sought out other cuts.

“I want the board to look as hard as it can, and that includes the $25 for commissioners,” Smith said.

The budget item also led to a discussion about the purchase of a police department motorcycle that is in next year’s budget. The cycle had been rented to the department for $1 annually for years from a Kenosha Harley-Davidson dealer. With the dealer discontinuing that program, the cycle was offered for purchase for about $8,000.

Trustee Sharon Bower questioned the purchase and she favored returning the lightly used vehicle to the dealer.

“If the chief’s not even interested in having it, why buy it?’ Bower asked.

But other trustees were more supportive of the purchase. Trustee Kevin Fitzgerald pointed out the motorcycle would be very fuel efficient if used for patrol. He acknowledged that only one officer currently is certified to ride the bike, but said that could be changed.

“All we have to do is get people on it,” Fitzgerald said.

No final decision was made on any of the budget proposals. The village’s budget hearing is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m.

The Twin Lakes Police Department motorcycle helped lead the procession at a bike blessing earlier this year.

The Twin Lakes Police Department motorcycle helped lead the procession at a bike blessing earlier this year.

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