March 28, 2009

Annual Budget Hearing for 28 March 2009

2pm

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll call- all present

Linda VanDolsen, Supervisor, explained the ’09-’10 budget

Public Comments:
Concerns voiced about budget outlay & consolidation of line items, especially the twp board expenses. It is difficult to see who spends what.

VanDolsen explained the ’08-’09 passed Board budget which was not approved until the new board took office (Dec 08). VanDolsen admitted that this is just approval of an OLD piece of paper regardless of its accuracy.

Francis Arquette made a motion to accept ’09-’10 amended budget, VanDolsen seconded, and motion passed unanimously.

Salary Resolutions:
Trustees-remain the same at $75/diem + meals and travel when approved by board vote
Carol Draper made motion to accept such resolution, VanDolsen seconded, and motion passed unanimously.
At this time to Board was reminded that this is the public’s meeting which allows the public to vote on salaried board members including Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer.

Treasurer-Lou Fitz made motion to accept the same yearly salary of $11,500, Vicki Gates seconded, and motion passed with 13 yes votes and 0 no votes.

Clerk-Barb Robinson made motion to accept the same yearly salary of $9,500, Johnel Buckingham seconded, and motion passed with 13 yes votes and 0 no votes.

Supervisor-Vicki Gates made motion to keep salary at $7,500 per year, Barb Robinson seconded, and motion passed 9 yes – 5 no.

Millage changes need to be verified as the voters voted in fall ’08 to continue a fire millage of 1 mill, and a road millage of .5 mill.

Adjourn to Annual Meeting following a short break.

March 28, 2009

Annual Meeting for Elk Township

Last year’s annual mtg minutes read by VanDolsen.
Draper moved to accept/approve the minutes, after a second, they were unanimously approved/accepted.
Arquette made motion to accept amended March minutes, VanDolsen seconded, and motion unanimously passed.
Treasurer gave report on maturing Cds which she thinks we would be better served to reinvest in Grand Valley Community Credit Union which is very stable.
Marilyn VanVleet made motion to roll Cd over to Grand Valley CU, Arquette seconded, and motion passed.
VanVleet made motion to accept treasurer’s report, Arquette seconded, and motion passed.
Time & dates of meetings were discussed as seconded Tues of each month at 5pm (a new time), with annual meeting on March 27th at 10am (new time), and no April meeting.
VanDolsen made motion to accept calendar as offered, Arquette seconded, and motion passed unanimously.

VanDolsen shared the State of the Township for each Board member:
Draper, Treasurer, mentioned financially we are fine with 92% of winter taxes collected, and revenue sharing will remain the same as last year from the state of Michigan.
VanVleet thinks finally the twp is getting on the right track, especially in regards to the accounting software PeachTree.
Arquette complimented VanDolsen on working with the Bass Lake Assn in regards to the Eurasian Milfoil, and feels the board is doing well.
John Fairbanks said, “Ditto.”
VanDolsen appreciated working with the board on the budget and complimented Draper on her work as treasurer.

Software Expense-VanVleet stated the auditor requested to upgrade PeachTree for $461 and hopes to save about $3,000/ yr on employee payroll.
Arquette made motion to reimburse VanVleet $461 for PeachTree, VanDolsen seconded, and motion passed unanimously.

Anti-Virus-Draper stated she will donate Norton ’09 for treasurer’s laptop, and VanDolsen said she will check out different antivirus protection availability.
VanDolsen moved to spend $80 for up to date Norton Anti-Virus, Fairbanks seconded, and motion passed unanimously.

Official Elk Twp Website-VanDolsen would like to investigate this possibility.
VanDolsen made motion to investigate an official website, Draper seconded, and motion passed unanimously.

No further public comments.

Meeting adjourned.