The Fabius Township Board has adopted a proposed budget for 2012-2013 that is similar to the spending plan for the current year.
Action on the budget came after a public hearing during the board’s March meeting Wednesday evening (March 14th).
Supervisor John Kroggel said, “As stated at previous meetings, there are no significant changes from the previous year’s budget.”
Kroggel explained that State Shared Revenue is expected to be up “significantly” in the new budget year from the $170,000 budgeted for 2011-2012. Kroggel had pegged the amount for the upcoming year at $180,000, but increased the line item to $220,000 based on indications of more money from that source. In view of the expected increase in State Shared Revenue, Kroggel pointed out that he allocated an additional $700 for the Board of Review and added “a little bit more” to the already increased line item for legal and audit fees. The amount for that item is set at $50,000 for the upcoming year compared to $37,000 for the current year. Kroggel said he put the “remaining balance” from the anticipated revenue increase into the line item for roads. (John Kroggel audio clip – 1:41)
Kroggel said there are “no salary changes” for board members or any township officials.
In other business, the board approved a proposed contract with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department for the deputy assigned to Fabius Township showing a decrease of $4,000 from the current year. Kroggel said the board has been considering the possibility of purchasing a police car for use by the deputy and indicated the contract will allow that to happen if the board decides to go in that direction.
The board also:
- Tabled action on a proposed lease for farming 15 acres of property at the site of the Fabius-Park Fire Department pending a review by township attorney John Lohrstorfer and incorporation of language to address several concerns identified by the board
- Approved a four-year renewal of the preliminary plat for the Serenity Shores subdivision
- And heard from Trustee Jim O’Neill that he will NOT be seeking re-election this year. His announcement came as he wrapped up his report regarding the last Intergovernmental Meeting hosted by the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce. O’Neill said, “I’ve been doing it for a long time. I did it for two terms. I think it’s time you put me out to pasture and let me rest.” He said, “I enjoyed it, but it’s time for other people to step up – and there’s a lot of good people out there though, too. There won’t be any problem.” Kroggel reacted by saying, “You’ve got several more months with us and thank you for your commitment to this community,” comments that were followed by applause. (Jim O’Neill audio clip – :46).
To view the Fabius Township budget for the upcoming year, click on the following link: Fabius Township General Fund Budget – 2012-2013.
