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| Learn about Linwood finances March 11 |
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| Wednesday, 05 March 2008 | |
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Howard Holm Guest Columnist Linwood Township cash reserves are dwindling. In four of the past five years, Linwood residents have voted to reduce the amount of money requested by the town board of supervisors. The only year the requested levy was increased was for 2004. Residents approved the requested amount of $1,384,000 plus added $264,000 which was to be used for police protection for a total levy of $1,648,000. For the other four years between 2003 and 2007, requested levies were reduced a total of $740,000. This has resulted in reduction of the cash reserves and cuts in services. For this year, (2008) cuts were made to Road and Bridge, General Fund, Senior Center, Fire Department and Parks and Recreation. Continued reduction of the levy will result in further cuts in services to township residents. The steady depletion has reduced Linwood cash reserves to a level below the amount recommended by the auditor. Cash reserves are the money needed to pay the bills until the next tax revenues are received from Anoka County, (December 1, and July 1) similar to having an ongoing balance in your checking account. If the cash reserves are not adequate, Linwood will not be able to pay its bills before the next payment is received. Our auditor recommends a minimum of 50 percent of the total fund balance. At the end of last year, Linwood’s balance was at 34 percent of budgeted expenditures. Fund balances for this year will be reported at the annual meeting. Effective operation of township government requires informed input from the citizens. The most important event of the year is the annual meeting. This year, Linwood’s Annual Meeting is set for March 11 at 7 p.m. The citizens who attend the Annual Meeting decide the levy amount for the following year. In 2002, only 19 people made the levy decision for the entire population of Linwood which was just under 5000. The following year, the levy doubled. Last year approximately 70 people attended and approved a levy of $1,326,000 for calendar year 2008. A larger number of people attending means better representation for the township. The levy proposed by the Linwood Town Board for 2009 is very close to what was requested for 2008. The final figures will be available shortly. In addition to attending the meeting, it is critical for residents to be informed. Budget meetings were held in January and February to establish the operating budget for the following year. All citizens were strongly encouraged to attend these meetings. Linwood publishes information in the Linwood Ledger as well as sending out an informational flyer before the annual meeting. Please take advantage of these publications by reviewing the information before the meeting. If you have questions, you can call any of the supervisors listed in the Linwood Leger. Information is also available on US Cable Channel 10 and on the township website linwoodtownship.org. Support your township government. Please make every effort to attend your annual meeting and to be informed prior to the meeting. Linwood is a great place to live! We can make it better by being responsible citizens and making sound decisions for the good of all our residents. The writer is a member of the Linwood Town Board of Supervisors. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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