In light of the Cook County commissioners looking at passing a double-digit levy, Lutsen Township supervisors decided to give their citizens a break and set the 2018 township levy at $127,325, down from the proposed $171,720.36.
The 2017 levy for Lutsen was $200,945.36.
Supervisors made their decision on August 15 at the continuation of the annual meeting that was held from 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. before the board’s regular meeting.
“I know my taxes went up one-third last year and with what the commissioners have been talking about, it looks like they will be going up about that much again this year,” said Treasurer John Groth, who added, “There is no reason for us to build up a big bank account. It seems to be disingenuous for us to sit on the public’s money. We need to serve Lutsen. We’ve got a real bank account and have been prudent. We can do this.”
Voting to approve the levy were supervisors Rae Piepho, Andrew Beavers and Christine Ordemann.
No decision on Birch Grove donation
Lutsen Township supervisors hired Kyle Hartnett, an attorney with Kennedy & Graven, to give them an opinion on whether or not it will be legal for the township to give money to Birch Grove Community Education programming.
Hartnett specializes in general municipal and township law. He spent five years as an attorney for the Minnesota Association of Townships and served over a three-year period as a lawyer with the Office of State Auditors. Supervisor Beavers said Hartnett came highly recommended, but until the board received a determination from Hartnett, no donation would be given to Birch Grove.
West End meeting for county budget review
Cook County Commissioner Ginny Storlie said a meeting would be held at Birch Grove in Tofte on Thursday, August 31 at 7 p.m. to discuss the 2018 county budget. Storlie said the county administrator would be in attendance to help answer questions. Time is of the essence, said Storlie, because the county board will set a preliminary levy on September 19, so public input was needed to help commissioners with decision making.
Loading Comments