PORTAGE – The state of the village is critical, but it could be upgraded to serious later this year.
In his annual address before council on Monday, Mayor Mark Wolford said voters must approve two taxes on
the May 3 ballot to help move Portage out of fiscal emergency.
"This year is also going to be very critical to the survival of our village. We need to pull
together," he said.
The village has been in fiscal emergency with the state auditor since April 2009. It finished 2010 with a
$193,000 deficit. The negative balance comes from council spending money out of the village’s sewer fund
on streets and general funds in 2008 and 2009.
Wolford said council made progress on the deficit last year as it reduced salaries, hired a new fiscal
officer and reined in spending.
But a 1.6-mill streets levy and a .5-percent income tax are needed to pull Portage out of debt by 2016,
the mayor said.
The .5 percent income tax will raise approximately $32,000 annually. Council enacted a 1-percent income
tax in January 2009, which did not need a citizen vote.
The 1.6-mill streets levy would bring in $10,291 a year.
"I believe that if we all work together and continue to keep things tight and educate our residents,
that this village will survive and grow to be a very warm and inviting community to live in and raise a
family," Wolford said.
The mayor also reported Monday that the former clerk-treasurer has repaid $864 to the village.
Bruce Shepherd had been overpaid that amount and the extra money was a finding in a recent state audit.
Shepherd had until Friday to make the repayment.
"I’m glad that he paid it and it’s over with," said Council President Mike Brinkman.
Former clerk Sue Kepling is also facing the deadline this week to repay $900. She has been paying on the
balance, but still owes approximately $300.
Also at the meeting, council:
¥ Heard a state oversight committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed until April 13 at
6 p.m.
¥ Heard Brinkman and his wife, Amy, donated $125 to the parks fund.
¥ Heard there continues to be an open council seat and one on the planning commission.
¥ Changed the next meeting from Feb. 21 to Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the town hall, due to the Presidents Day
holiday.