The Town of Thorp held a Public Budget hearing on Wednesday, Nov 13 to provide a summary of the proposed 2025 budget.
“The levy isn’t going up, is it?” asked Resident Ray Jacks.
Clerk Arlene Kodl answered, “Just the .39% that it can go up because of the new construction.” She explained that people build, and the town value goes up.
“We’re not raising the levy because of the new building,” Supervisor Bob Kodl said clarifying a recent rumor.
Chairman Louis Andruskiewicz added, “And taxes could go up because we have never raised the taxes according to what the expense of the materials is for roads and everything now. Who knows what it’s going to be next year and we’ve never raised them for that yet. But we’re gonna get by this year yet where we pretty much were,” he commented on the 2025 year.
Clerk Kodl mentioned that there is money already set aside for next year’s payment. “It’s planned ahead,” agreed Supervisor Kodl.
During the recent budget meeting, the board reviewed the township’s financial plans, noting that the purchase of the township’s patrol car would be completed by next year.
Following the budget discussion, a Special Meeting of the Electors was held, during which the Board approved the 2024 Town tax levy, to be collected in 2025, in the amount of $130,321.00. The second item of discussion was the wages for the Town of Thorp’s board members, clerk, and treasurer, which are reviewed every two years. Current salaries are as follows:
•The Chairman receives $4,200 annually, $50 for a half-day meeting, and $125 for a full-day meeting.
• Supervisors earn $3,300 annually, with the same meeting rates as the Chairman.
• Clerk Arlene Kodl, who has served the township for 30 years, earns $10,500 per year, plus meeting pay.
• Treasurer Rita Derks, with 35 years of service, receives $7,000 annually, along with the same meeting compensation.
Resident James Hickman proposed increasing the Chairman’s and Supervisors’ annual pay by $600, as well as raising their meeting rates to $75 for a half-day and $150 for a full day. Jacks motioned to raise the Clerk’s salary to $12,000 per year. “With inflation you guys deserve a raise,” Hickman said.
Regarding Treasurer Derks, it was announced that she would not seek re-election in the upcoming Spring. Consequently, the board agreed to reduce the Treasurer’s salary to $6,000 once Derks steps down.
The proposed salary changes for all officials will take effect after the April 2025 election.
Andruskiewicz informed the board that Jake Brunette, the Town of Thorp’s current attorney, has taken a new position, and the town will need to find a replacement. The Board decided to consider a recommendation from Brunette for Attorney Bonnie Wachsmuth from Owen.
The next monthly board meeting for the Town of Thorp will be on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.