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Council discusses truck financing

Financing for a replacement truck to be used within the Park and Rec Department was discussed by the Common Council on Tuesday, March 8.

The Park and Rec Department is replacing their one-ton truck. Last year, when the budget was adopted, the council allocated a portion of the truck cost for 2011 and the remainder was to be paid in the 2012 budget. The city has received the terms of the borrowing from Ford, and the total cost of the vehicle is $35,920. If the city pays the 2011 budgeted amount of $15,000, the balance would be paid in January 2012. The total extra amount the city would pay for financing is $1,614.

Due to low interest rates on investments, the city would only earn approximately $40 by having this capital money invested for eight months. Park and Rec Director Dick Writt and City Administrator Lisa Kuss brought the option of paying the full amount immediately from the bond proceeds the city will be receiving from the capital borrowing, stating their feelings that in tight times, it’s worthy of a discussion to save the added funds. The council voted 10-0 in favor of paying off the vehicle when the funds become available.

Residents John Wilson and John Moericke spoke during the citizen’s forum of the meeting.

“How much does that armory cost? How much do we get back? Is it worth it, or are we beating a dead horse here in town?” asked Wilson. “Answer some of these questions at the next meeting.”

“You need to look beyond and balance the budget without borrowing money,” said Moericke. “We no longer need an administrator and top officials. Where will the money go after it is borrowed?”

The council also heard comments from Alderperson Pete Stumbris, who spoke as a citizen representing the committee to recall Sen. Luther Olsen. “Olsen is standing by while Walker’s bill goes through. Madison is a mess and Olsen has become a part of the problem. We need to stop this horrible budget.”

The council went on to approve operators licenses and also the second reading of Ordinance 1066, which eliminates the quotas for beer and liquor take-out sales. The council also approved a request from the Street Committee to declare two air packs and one set of swivel casters used within the Wastewater Department as surplus. Additionally, the council approved a request from the Tourism, Marketing and Advertising Council to place a $500 ad supporting the three motels/hotels in town during a statewide trap shoot that will be held at J&H and is expected to draw a large crowd.

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