Area townships gathered Tuesday to discuss fiscal year-end business, hear from the public and tabulate election results for supervisor and clerk positions.
Palmer Twp.
On the agenda Tuesday were decisions to be made on outlays and support, gopher bounties, the lake association, road maintenance, fire protection, Earth Day cleanup (Sat., May 20), contributions to the Clearwater Library & the Historical Society, Palmer Park and the tax levy.
Alan Peterson was nominated to be moderator and the township board members were on hand to answer all questions and explained underlying issues so voters could make informed decisions.
Discussion of a township levy ensued and examples of the cost to taxpayers for different levies were presented, with the exception of agricultural property owners. Apparently, the county cannot determine this in advance of the actual taxing. The rural property owners were put in an uncomfortable position of not knowing the gist prior to approving any levies, thus they voted against the levy.
Township supervisors and the treasurer explained the budget. All costs and reasons for budget items were explained and scenarios of the future discussed.
In the end, a 12% increase in the tax levy for the township was passed.
Township roads and future budget forecasts were also discussed.
One supervisor seat for a three year term was on the ballot Tuesday at Palmer Twp. Richard Larson held the seat going into the election and no results were reported to the Citizen-Tribune by press time.
