In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the preliminary budget and proposed levy for the upcoming fiscal year. The board is considering a preliminary levy increase of 7.5%, a figure that sparked debate among members regarding its feasibility.

During the session, a motion was made to set the preliminary levy at 7.5%, which received mixed responses from the board members. While some expressed concerns about the difficulty of achieving this target, it ultimately passed with a roll call vote: Districts 2, 4, and 5 voted in favor, while Districts 1 and 3 opposed it.

The meeting also addressed changes to the human services budget, noting a reduction of $6,000. Further discussions highlighted the need for detailed line item reviews for larger budget categories, including human services and the highway department, to ensure transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the board postponed the approval of the operating budget until the following week, allowing time for further analysis and adjustments based on the preliminary levy decision. The meeting concluded with updates from commissioners, including discussions about the water plan budget, which has been adjusted due to increased state funding, eliminating the need for a local levy.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of budget planning and the importance of collaborative decision-making among board members as they navigate fiscal challenges.