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.