by Kathy Foster
Final Budget Hearing and Adoption set for Sept. 23rd at 5:01 p.m.
Wausau Town Council members were presented with the following Budget Highlights at Thursday night’s regular council meeting:
- The 2019-2020 Budget is balanced at $382,710 without grants; and $1,938,960 with grants included.
- Raises are calculated at 3% for Clerk and Recreation Director only. Maintenance person rate is figured at $15.00 per hour which is a 25% increase. Retirement rates are up some. Clerk’s hours are still figured at 323 hours per week for 39 weeks and thereafter at 16 hours per week, and a Clerical Position has been added for 13 weeks at $13.00 per hour for 35 hours per week. Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with one hour unpaid for lunch.
- Insurance is up due to Hurricane Michael and this is split between funds.
- Health insurance is the same as last year.
- Water Department: Water rates will be going up $2.36, which is the Public Service Commission rate. (Mr. Register is asking for an additional $6,000 per year from $1,000 per month to $1,500 per month. He is getting $1,000 per month now for three days a week to check the Town’s plants. There are new rules that he has tomaintain the distribution system which means that he must be onsite for any repairs to the system.)
- Street Department: The Street budget is basically the same. These are restricted for road use only.
- Fire Department: Final engine payment has been made.
- Recreation Department: Budget is increased due to fundraising efforts of the Recreation Director.