Christine Ordemann
At their Feb. 7 meeting, Lutsen supervisors unanimously approved a 2018 budget draft [without donations or appropriations] of $169,220.36 for township voters to discuss and vote on at the March 14 annual township meeting.
One of the big topics that will be discussed at the annual meeting will center on donations and contributions.
“Residents will need to be informed that they can recommend or let their wishes be known (about where they would like to see township dollars get spent) but supervisors are guided and limited by Minnesota statutes,” said Sharon Hexum-Platzer, Clerk of Lutsen Township.
Before the meeting, the board, fire chief, and emergency management director were provided with a budget worksheet that included budget expenditures from 2013 to 2017. Lutsen treasurer John Groth explained the various categories that made up the budget, and how those categories impacted the budget. Those categories included general administration, fire administration, fire and EMS, building payment, truck fund, PERA, and truck payment.
The historical budget data was reviewed line-by-line by supervisors, fire chief, and the EMS chief.
Details for each of the categories is available at the township office.
Before the regular meeting, the Board of Audit for 2016 township finances was held.
Clerk Sharon Hexum-Platzer presented the 2016 year-end report, explaining cash control statements, indebtedness, receipts register, receipts ledger, disbursement register and the disbursement ledger.
Supervisors Andrew Beavers, Lynn Rose, and Rae Piepho randomly chose receipts from three different months to compare against claims and checks against those disbursements. Everything matched, which was reflected in the cash control statements.
When questioned about the township’s reserves, Groth explained that six months of operating capital was kept in reserve to meet any unexpected financial obligation. Both he and Hexum-Platzer also keep separate data accounts for regular checks and balances, which are reviewed monthly by the supervisors.
Lynn Rose motioned to approve the review of the audit, and the results, seconded by Rae Piepho. The motion passed unanimously.
Write-in candidate
Christine Ordemann announced she was running as a write-in candidate to fill the one year left on supervisor Lynn Rose’s term.
When asked why she was running, Ordemann, who has lived in Lutsen for the last 4½ years, replied, “I feel it’s time to get involved in the community and get to know my neighbors better.”
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