|
from the desk of
Mark Eisenberg,
DDuring
this past year we have all experienced the harsh effects of the economy.
The Village has been hit hard with revenue decreases and expense
increases. Our next fiscal year budget will be presented to the Village
Board in April. Our goal is to operate within the current budget
constraints without affecting village services.
In the last newsletter I stated I would report back to you on any
increase we have imposed in new revenue. I will report we are
not
seeking a property tax increase! Next fiscal year the village vehicle
sticker will increase $10 for non-seniors and $5 for seniors. This
increase is to help combat the increasing road infrastructure and
maintenance costs.
The Village Board also increased the Telecom Municipal Tax 1%, which
relates to a .50 cent increase on a $50.00 phone bill. To help offset
lost revenue, the village has reduced head count and its payroll through
attrition and has not given any raises the past two years. As a lot of
us are feeling the effects of the economy we can only hope for better
times ahead.
During
the month of March you should receive the United States Census
questionnaire . This questionnaire is very important. Every citizen
counted translates to additional revenue for the village. The state
distributes motor fuel taxes and other taxes based on our population.
Please fill out the form so we receive what is due to our village.
This
spring will see the grand opening of Thelen Park. This park was made
possible by the generosity of the Thelen family and many of the
organizations, businesses and families that support our community. The
village’s Public Works employees have been working through the winter on
the completion of the concession stand and other projects that will make
this park a place to enjoy and bring friends and families together for
many years to come.
The
grand opening ceremony and celebration will be posted on our web site
and we will also send out in email invitation. I encourage all residents
to sign up for village email notifications as this is a valuable
resource with community reminders and important information. Please sign
up at a link on our home page at www.springgrovevillage.com.
As
spring is in the air you will see our village employees performing a lot
of maintenance in our parks and on our roads. The village will be
performing crack sealing and other repairs to help extend the life of
our roads. We have secured $490,000 in road resurfacing funds with the
help of Senator Pamela Althoff. This funding will help us continue our
roads program during this difficult time of reduced revenues.
In
closing, mark your calendar for our first Fish Boil fundraiser for the
Historic Fish Hatchery Park to be held at Horse Fair Park on June 25th.
Fitzgerald’s from Genoa City will be serving up their famous boiled cod
and grilled chicken.
The fun-filled evening with a tropical theme will be a great time to
mingle with your neighbors and check out the displays of the progress we
are making at the Spring Grove Hatchery Park grounds.
Lastly,
please remember to shop locally. Sales taxes stay in our village, jobs
are created and businesses will continue to serve us.
|