Ceresco trustees press for answers on $373,000 streets 'spend-down' and police wage costs in budget workshop

Scott Peterson, chair of the Ceresco Village Board of Trustees, presided over a special budget workshop on Aug. 11 in the Ceresco Community Room where trustees pressed staff for clearer numbers on several proposed 2025–26 line items, most notably a $373,000 streets ``spend-down'' and higher police wages.

The trustees — Peterson, Trustee Burklund and Trustee Custer — reviewed department-by-department budgets prepared by Clerk Joan Lindgren. Trustee Burklund raised the most direct objections, telling the meeting that the police budget had been "$25,000 over budget this year" and asking "at what point they should be shut off." Lindgren said the 2024–25 police budget was $98,850 and estimated use was $97,181; trustees discussed weekend differential pay, rising education costs (from $1,500 to $5,000) and a trustee proposal to reduce police wages in the draft to $50,000 with $4,000 for taxes.

Why it matters: trustees said last year’s accounting left the village with an unexpectedly large shortfall and they are wary of repeating that outcome. Lindgren told the board that some of the apparent overspending was timing-related — notably pending insurance reimbursements — and that an accountant review of end-of-year cash and planned spend-downs is needed before final decisions.

Streets and capital concerns dominated the discussion. Lindgren presented a $530,000 streets capital package that includes a $373,000 spend-down, $60,000 allocated for the Hunter Subdivision and $97,000 for Elm Street improvements (1st to 2nd). Trustee Burklund repeatedly questioned whether the $373,000 spend-down should remain in the budget, warning that similar large expenditures had contributed to last year’s shortfall; trustees agreed to ask the accountant whether the spend-down is required or can be adjusted.

Equipment and maintenance items were debated as part of the streets discussion. Lindgren said the Bobcat is leased for $5,400 a year (split $2,700 to streets, $1,350 to water and $1,350 to sewer) and that staff believe replacing the backhoe may be a higher priority. Trustees expressed reluctance to add large capital purchases without clearer cash-flow planning.

Trustees also reviewed the fire department budget. Clerk Lindgren reported that Chief Heyen has asked to carry over $16,000 for radios into capital outlay and that the previously outstanding SCBA loan has been paid off with assistance from the Rural Board. Line items for outside services rose from $2,000 to $5,500 (including $2,000 for lighting work and $1,500 annual siren maintenance); trustees debated whether to include a $4,000 repairs and maintenance cushion or reduce it to $2,000 given the village’s overall fiscal caution.

Water and sewer finances were another focus. The board agreed water rates will increase Oct. 1 to address a running deficit and to support planned capital work. Lindgren described a $100,000 water capital proposal that includes $59,000 to upsize a main for Hunter Subdivision, $17,695 for valves and $10,000 to cover missed connections for Co-op and Windstream; some bond funds have been received but work timing and an unissued water loan will be reviewed with the accountant. For sewer, a $52,000 valve request for the wastewater treatment plant was noted and a second bid was requested; trustees pressed staff about apparent reserve levels and historic debt splits paid partially by sewer revenues.

Parks and library items were also discussed. Resident Lynn Maxson reported storm damage that removed several trees near the playground and recommended replacing two to four trees ($250–$400 each depending on caliper). Trustees considered options for a weatherproof, adjustable basketball backboard (roughly $2,000 for a Goalsetter Contender) and reallocated some unspent trail and memorial project funds. On the library, Clerk Lindgren said Domonique intends to pursue $10,000 in grants and remain part-time to maintain certified librarian coverage; a proposed library budget of $55,350 would add capital outlay for expected grant-related expenses.

Next steps: trustees directed Clerk Lindgren to bring questions about the $373,000 streets spend-down, loan timing, CD/reimbursement plans for loan payoff, and other unclear line items to the village accountant for review at the next budget meeting. No formal budget votes were taken at the Aug. 11 workshop; the meeting adjourned after a motion by Trustee Custer, seconded by Trustee Burklund, and a unanimous vote by the three members present.

Quotes from the meeting include Trustee Burklund’s concern that "we are $25,000 over budget this year" on police and his warning that repeating large spend-downs could recreate the prior year’s $489,000 shortfall. Clerk Joan Lindgren repeatedly recommended deferring final decisions until the accountant has reconciled year-end cash and pending insurance reimbursements.

What’s next: the trustees will reconvene with the accountant’s analysis to decide whether to reduce the proposed streets spend-down, adjust departmental cushions, and finalize rates and capital timing before adopting the 2025–26 budget.