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Dayton citizens to decide on streetlights

It’s up to Dayton citizens to decide whether or not the town turns off some streetlights.

During Monday’s town board meeting, town Chairman Jim Peglow told the approximately 30 people in attendance that the board will include funds in Dayton’s 2011 budget for the streetlights.

“We felt it is probably a good idea to let the electors who set the budget to do that instead of letting the board have the ultimate decision,” he said.

Last month, a public hearing was held on the proposal to turn off some streetlights in the town. Shutting off 47 streetlights would save Dayton $12,600.

Now, town residents will have the final say.

“It’s up to the citizens to set our mill rate and budget,” Peglow said.

The public hearing on Dayton’s proposed 2011 budget is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at the town hall.

The board’s regular monthly meeting will follow the budget hearing.

Town officials have been holding budget workshops in preparation for next month’s public hearing.

“We present a budget,” Peglow said. “Everyone at the budget meeting sets the mill rate.”

During the Nov. 15 public hearing, Dayton residents will be able to ask questions about the budget proposal before they set next year’s town mill rate with a vote.

The board was asked Monday whether any other areas of the budget could be targeted for cuts.

Peglow said streetlights was the area that could result in the largest cut.

The board brought forward the option as a way to save the town money.

Dayton residents were told there are about four areas where cuts could be made in the budget.

An example, Peglow said, is the $1,500 budgeted for July Fourth fireworks.

Town Clerk Judy Suhs said much of the town’s budget is based on items Dayton is required to budget for on an annual basis.

That includes the ambulance and the parks and recreation payment to the city of Waupaca so that Dayton residents can participate in city parks and recreation programs for the same fees as city residents.

“It’s not a list of 10 to 12,” Suhs said in regard to where cuts can be made in the budget. “It never has been.”

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