Ettrick board approves budget, sets date for caucus

Village of Ettrick residents will see little change in their tax bills from the village in 2022.

The village board approved a budget with a slightly higher tax levy, though the amount levied to each individual is essentially unchanged. The budget approved by the board was $338,151, slightly higher than the $336,100 for 2021. With that comes a 2022 tax levy of $123,964, which is $1,072 more than 2021.  The mill rate was essentially unchanged. 

Trustee Josh Hanson questioned a raise of $200 for liquor and malt beverage licenses. Clerk Jane Jensen said the raise was in operator licenses. 

“Overall, with our budget, I think we do pretty well,” John Beirne, village president, said. “We’re limited in our revenue, that makes it hard.”

Trustee Pete Filla commended the work the finance committee and those involved with the process did on the budget. 

In other business, the board set the date of the village caucus for Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m., prior to the start of the regular board meeting. The terms of Filla, Hanson and Matt Theisen are set to expire with at least one newcomer expressing interest in joining the board. Nominations for the spring election will be made at the caucus.  

Jensen said she had not yet heard if Theisen will seek reelection, noting that his schedule has been busier as he is coaching youth sports. Theisen did not attend the meeting and also missed the November meeting. 

Beirne said he is continuing to investigate updating the village ordinances. 

“I’m sure it won’t be cheap, but we do need to update them,” he said.

The board also briefly discussed the fire that destroyed a commercial building that is technically located in the town of Ettrick in late-November. Three businesses occupied the building and the board does not yet know if any will return.

“It is a big loss for Ettrick,” Trustee Dan Molstad said. “If you lose anything in a town like Ettrick, it’s a big loss.”