Representatives from the Clear Lake Fire Department (CLFD) and the City of Clear Lake attended Clear Lake Twp.’s August meeting to discuss the fire budget.

Twp. Chairman Bud Stimmler started the meeting out by stating that the fire budget looked great and acknowledged the hard work that had been put into it. He then asked for clarification on some of the items.

“We have a workable budget,” said Stimmler. “It’s your responsibility to work with it so we don’t have huge increases every year. Manage it, keep it down.”

A large part of the issues the township had been having was that they were getting the budget with large increases too late so they were unable to plan for them; they’d get if after they’d set their own budget for the year. Stimmler asked to see the 2027 budget as soon as possible so the township would be able to set its levy. 

CLFD explained that a large part of the budget increase came from a long overdue raise in firefighters salaries, going from $12 to $15 an hour, which had been supported by all entities involved. Unplanned for equipment purchases were another. 

CLFD stressed that their goal was to be as transparent with everything as possible, and that they were now setting aside money every year for new equipment and vehicles. A fleet management schedule was created to help them with this.

The township was assured CLFD could now commit to providing the budget to them in February after they’d had it approved by the city in January. The townships could then have until June to sign the contract. 

Additionally, a representative from the CLFD will present monthly fire reports at the township’s monthly meetings. 

SCSW Updates

Agricultural Conservationist Miranda Wagner from Sherburne Co. Soil and Water (SCSW) updated the board on recent activities the department has been involved in. 

Wagner also reminded everyone to subscribe to their digital newsletter and discussed funding opportunities. She explained that Sherburne Co. is one of 20 counties in the state that will have specific funding for better irrigation practices. There will also be soil health funding available once details have been finalized. 

Other Business

A solar panel is on display in the Clear Lake Twp. Hall through the end of September. Anyone interested in viewing it should contact the township.

A motion passed to contribute $500 to the Sherburne Co. History Center. 

Citizens are reminded to use the township’s website at clearlaketownship.org for any information relating to the township. For the most up-to-date information citizens should attend the township’s monthly meetings that are held on the third Tuesday of each month.

The sheriff reported a somewhat quiet month for July. Of note was a property damage car accident and a pedestrian with minor injury after being struck in the arm by a truck mirror.

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be on September 16 at 7 p.m.