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The Village of Laurium held a special session of its council to pass a budget for the new fiscal year, beginning on March 1st. The meeting was scheduled for 6:00 PM but didn’t officially get gaveled in until 6:17 when a quorum was reached.
After a 15-minute public comment session lapsed without input, the five members present heard from Manager Diana Lewitzke. Several members had suggestions for possible courses of action to be taken throughout the new year. They asked Lewitzke to break out revenues generated by the roller derby sessions held at the Gipp over the summer to see if it made sense to continue with the special events.
There are a handful of accounts that will see significant changes. $6,000 has been allotted for training for the Planning Commission, a group set to be reconvened this spring, perhaps as early as March’s council meeting. Lewitzke also highlighted a fund dedicated solely for beautification, a first.
It will add $3,000 to the subcommittee’s coffers in addition to what they get from donations. Member Amy Schneiderhan says the funds will greatly increase their efforts.
Member Jeff Erickson said the village should consider selling its older police cruiser given how hot the used car market is at the moment. Prices have appreciated by 40 percent in the past year, one of the largest contributors to high inflation. The hope is that once supply chain woes right themselves, new cars will flood the market and they would be able to purchase a vehicle for a reasonable price when the traditional two-year cycle their capital operating plan runs on comes up.
Erickson also asked about outfitting the fire department with new gear. He said the current uniforms are in tatters and have been patched at home, restitched by hand to extend the life of the cloth. The department recently got new breathing apparatuses.
Erickson spoke about a $50,000 line item related to replacing one of the village’s road graders.
There was also an extra $30,000 budgeted for hiring a part-time accountant and office assistant.
Laurium Council is looking for a seventh member. The posting is listed on the village’s website.
