Summary
The Elmwood Township Board held a special meeting on November 20, 2025, primarily to conduct a 2025 budget work session. Supervisor Jeff Shaw called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. with Trustees Preston, Lautner, Jordan Gallagher, Mikowski, and Don Gallagher present; Dave Darga was excused. The agenda was approved unanimously on a motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Clerk Preston. The Board reviewed preliminary General Fund, Fire Fund, and Sewer/Water Fund figures, reached consensus on wage increases, and discussed marina and Harbormaster staffing issues.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Sewer and water revenues were calculated based on rate studies completed by Utility Financial Solutions. The Board noted that Greilickville water system fees may need review since the marina will no longer use the water system for irrigation, as the marina is the system's highest user. Marina revenues were reported as up slightly. The Board also discussed the Harbormaster position, considering whether it should be hourly or salaried and made officially full-time with benefits, sick time, and vacation time. There was Board consensus to add benefits for the position, with further discussion needed on salary versus hourly pay with the Harbormaster.
Other Business
Trustee Gallagher reminded the Board of a prior discussion about purchasing a sander for the truck. Ian from buildings and grounds will be asked to look into this.
Financial Summary
Clerk Preston presented preliminary numbers for the 2025 budget, with most General Fund lines based on historical data. Wages for office and buildings and grounds staff were calculated with a 3% increase, except for the Planner and Assessor positions. Planner Sarah Clarren requested a 5% increase, noting prior increases were based only on cost of living rather than merit. The Board reached consensus to raise all wages by 5%. The Fire Fund budget included a 5% wage increase and a new line item for short- and long-term disability insurance, requested during union negotiations. EMS billing revenue was adjusted downward for 2026 due to lower billings compared to 2024. Sewer and water revenues were calculated using rate study projections from Utility Financial Solutions.
Action Items
- Ian (buildings and grounds) to look into purchasing a sander for the truck, per Trustee Gallagher's reminder.
- Board to further discuss salary versus hourly pay structure with the Harbormaster following consensus to add benefits.
- Greilickville water system fees to be reviewed given the marina's discontinued use of the system for irrigation.