Monday 10/22/18
22 October 2018 News
Local Counties Approved For Reimbursement For Storm Damage
President Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for eight Wisconsin counties that suffered flood or tornado damage. The declaration means individuals, families, and businesses in those counties can apply for federal disaster assistance. Another nine counties including Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Marquette counties are still under review for the Individual Assistance Program. In addition Governor Walker also requested public assistance for local governments to help recover damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Fourteen counties were approved for that program including Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Marquette.
FDL County Executive Urges Extending Sales Tax Beyond Sunset Date
There’s a little over three years left before Fond du Lac County half-percent sales tax sunsets, but County Executive Al Buechel is urging County supervisors to renew sooner. While delivering his annual County Budget address this past week Buechel talked about the impact it has had on keeping down expenses for the County’s Highway road building and maintenance programs. He says each year that’s about $3.1 million less they have to borrow and ultimately put on the tax levy. For 2019 that amount would be over $3.2 million. He says, “Over the years since 2011 it would have been over $20 million in property tax levy that didn’t happen because we had the sales tax so basically we can’t stop improving roads. If the sale tax goes away we will need to borrow the money.” Originally the sales tax was created so the County could loan Mercury Marine $50 million as an incentive to stay in Fond du Lac. Mercury has been paying that back and has invested nearly $1 billion in its Fond du Lac facilities and created over 1,500 new jobs. The sale tax also helps the County fund economic development efforts.
Ripon Common Council Preview
The Ripon Common Council will continue working on the 2019 City Budget tonight. They will meet at 6 pm prior to the Council’s regular meeting. They could approve a preliminary budget, which would be subject to the public hearing scheduled for November 13th. During the regular meeting the Council will get updates on Mill Pond Dam fencing and the Downtown Ripon Request for Proposals. The regular meeting starts at 7 pm at the City Hall.
Kenosha Man Bound Over For Trial For Role In Dodge County Burglary
The 47-year-old Kenosha man who acted as a getaway driver in an armed burglary in Dodge County’s Town of Herman waived his preliminary hearing last Thursday. Robert Couch of Kenosha is facing felony charges for being party to a crime. Couch and 28-year-old Travis White of Chicago were arrested at gunpoint during a burglary in August. Couch will be arraigned in December. White pleaded not guilty to an armed burglary charge when he was arraigned this past week.
School Safety Grants Awarded
Some area school districts and schools were among the 167 recently to get school safety grants awarded during a second round of grants from the state’s Department of Justice. Among them were the Berlin Area School District getting $90,544, Central Wisconsin Christian School in Waupun is receiving $17,625, Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh will get $34,000, the Markesan School District gets $43,174 and Shepherd of the Hills Catholic School in Eden will receive a grant of just under $10,000. The money will be used to focus on advanced initiatives to bolster student mental health.
State Representative Thiesfeldt Honored
State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt of Fond du Lac along with several other state lawmakers have been recognized as Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce “Champions” for the 2017-18 legislative session. The recognition comes for standing up for tax cuts, pro-growth reforms and investments in the state’s businesses and its workforce this past legislative session. Thiesfeldt said of the honor, “I am proud to be one of the leaders in this state working to create a political environment where businesses thrive.” Thiesfeldt represents the 52nd State Assembly District.
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