Hilbert approves 2010 budget PDF Print E-mail
Written by Cathey Rennick   
Wednesday, 18 November 2009 21:19
The Village of Hilbert’s Village Board accomplished its main task Tuesday night, Nov. 8 – it passed the village budget for 2010. 

Taxpayers will see an increase of 12.78% on their local taxes, with the local tax rate set at 6.53.  However, with the decreases in other areas, the total tax increase per property owner will amount to 3.73%.      While this wasn’t good news, board members acknowledged the village had held the line on tax increases for a number of years.  

In other matters, firefighters and emergency personnel asked the village board about its new policy, slated for 2010, of only allowing one night of hotel stay for continuing education matters for village employees and volunteer staff.  “This will discourage continuing education,” one firefighter commented.  “And continuing education is extremely important to what we do.”   Other matters in the continuing education policy objected to include the need to report back on the event, and the need to ask village board permission before attending.   “Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent,” one board member observed.  Concerns were also expressed about the process of developing this policy.  “There was no input from the fire department,” stated a firefighter.  The department asked that the policy be reconsidered in the next month.  

The Water and Sewer committee recommended well testing be done in at least three areas of the village at a price not to exceed $10,000; they want to take a proactive approach in light of future needs and development.   Additionally, the committee recommended a facility plan for wastewater treatment be developed, again considering future expansion of Sargento’s and the future needs of the village.   The amount for this study, $15,000, was already approved in the 2009 budget.  Both recommendations were approved.

The board reviewed the no-smoking ban and what it means for the village and its facilities.  No smoking will be allowed in enclosed areas, and this must be enforced by leadership and staff.  

Finally, as the village has been assessed additional costs for landfill use by the State of Wisconsin, each property owner will pay an extra $5.00 per can for sewer and garbage pickup.
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